POOL TYPES
Your family may want to use their new pool for water aerobics or sports, such as volleyball or basketball. Maybe, you desire imaginative elements, such as a bubbling spa, a rock waterfall, a cool beach entry, or a vanishing edge to showcase an attractive view. Or if you want to get your adrenalin pumping, you might desire water-park type features like a curving water-slide. Also, be sure to think about your pool as an extension of your home’s interior when planning decking and other design elements.
The majority of swimming pools come in two basic varieties: concrete and vinyl-liner. However, several Aquatech members also install stainless steel and fiberglass pools. All these type pools vary in materials and the process of creation.
Concrete
Concrete is the oldest method, and the most labor-intensive on the site. These pools are completely built on the site with steel-reinforced concrete. Concrete pools offer design consultants a seemingly limitless shape and infinite design flexibility.
After laying out your pool’s shape, crews dig the hole, install steel-reinforcing rods, and use one of three methods to create a concrete shell:
- guniting
- shotcreting
- pouring concrete
The most common—gunite and shotcrete—are pneumatically applied, that is, they are applied with air pressure. The concrete is shot out of a nozzle and piled onto the earthen walls of the excavation and over the steel rebar reinforcement. Like all concrete structures, these pools can last decades when properly maintained.
Concrete pools require a finish surface. Choices include plaster and marble mixtures, a pebbled surface or exposed aggregate, which is a blend of concrete and colorful quartz. Due to its durability, exposed aggregate has become a very popular choice, however, it is more expensive than traditional white plaster finishes, but offers ease of maintenance and is very attractive.
Tile is used above the pool finish material at the waterline. Choice of tile is limited to your imagination, those seeking a natural appearing pool would select stone type tiles with earth tones. While others seeking a traditional look might select a bright colored tile or mosaic glass tile. Be cautious… the choices of tile are numerous and often leave you undecided. It’s best to ask your design consultant what they recommend if you are unsure.
Material used to finish the top edge of your pool is often called coping and runs around the top perimeter of a pool. Coping varies by region, with most builders using a cantilever effect, pre-cast concrete piece, brick, or stone.
Vinyl-Liner or Package Pools
Vinyl-liner or package pools are less labor-intensive than concrete pools and, in some regions, a less expensive method of construction. Installation of these pools requires assembling pre-manufactured wall panels and supports, then covering the walls and bottom with a vinyl liner. The components are pre-manufactured, which creates design limitations. Wall systems generally are made of steel, polymer and aluminum. The most common and widely used is steel.
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To help your family get started in your pool project, print out the Aquatech dream pool survey and use it as a guide in preparing your wish list. Be sure to have your dream pool survey available when you meet with your Aquatech pool professional more...
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Be prepared to make the most of the initial meeting with your builder. Find the questions that need to be asked. more...