Finally, the time has come for you to take the plunge into your over own backyard pool, but the primary issue you are having is deciding if the pool should be above ground, in the ground or semi-inground.
Nevertheless, many factors will play a significant role in the decision-making process, including what is actually ideal for your property, your family, and of course, your budget. It has always been a battle when trying to figure out the best pool to build.
Pool Comparison
The major pools involved in this comparison are the semi-ground, inground and above ground pools. Each of them will be analyzed one after the other below.
Above Ground Pool
Aside from the fact that they can be installed fast enough, there are cases whereby it takes several days to not just clear but also level the whole area, install the liner, erect the pool and fill the water.
Also, in cases whereby you will want to add an entry and exit step system and fencing on the top rail, it may take an additional day. Many companies provide above ground pool installation all over the world, if you are purchasing the pool from them.
What this implies is that above ground pool that is bought online may likely demand DIY installation. However, these pools are priced for roughly $900-$3000 online for the DIY packages.
Some Notes About Installation
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For the installed pool done by a local dealer, it is priced for $4000-$8000 dollars. The price majorly depends on the size of the pool, the optional equipment, and the quality of the components.
Also, some expensive above ground pools are actually very thick as well as deep, and they have more durable materials with alternatives like in-pool lighting, safety ladders, step system, and pool cleaners or probably much more effective filtration system.
Furthermore, above ground pools can be created using a surrounding wood deck area that functions with the terrain, or via sculpted surrounding earth and landscaping, to give the deck and pool a sunken yet natural look.
For Safely
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It is important to set up an adequate fence as well as self-closing gate to create a safer pool.
Subsequently, the safest pool is actually surrounded by a four-sided pool fence or a safety fence during the summer and a safety cover for winter.
Both of them will demand a sturdy pool deck they will anchor into for them not to be used on above ground pools.
Above Ground Pool Features
Also, this type of pool can actually have:
•In-pool lighting
•Automatic cleaners
•Salt-chlorine systems
•Heaters, etc.
However, if you do not build a custom yet concrete above ground pool, then you are only restricted to basic features.
Inground Pool
These take a total of six to eight weeks to install once the work starts. Some of the builders of the pool may actually be capable of completing the pool much more quickly than this time mentioned.
For its pricing, inground pools are priced from about $5000-$8000 for the DIY vinyl pool kit and a range of $3000-$5000 for pools that are installed by the local pool builders.
Similar to every other pool, the price relies on the type and size of the pool, features and options, and a bit of the economy and local market. For inground pools, they can assume any shape and can be as small or as large as you need them.
Inground Pool Features
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In the same vein, in-ground pools can actually have:
•Fire features
•Waterfalls as well as some other water features
•Attached spa, etc
Inground pools can be built to any shape and not limited to either oval or round shapes. Also, you can make use of any color palette of tiling and not just the prominent light blue.
They can be constructed with negative edges and likely to flow deep into the horizon, or they can be equipped with instant safety or pool covers. Also, they can have benches and swim-up bars, shallow water tanning ledges, etc.
Every single thing depends on what you and the pool designer can dream about and bring into reality.
Semi-Inground Pool
The semi-inground pools are the half in and half out of ground pools that have dynamic designs. So, if you already have a rocky, steep, or an already dynamically structured backyard, you can easily add this pool to your outdoor Oasis.
These pools are also known to be optimum pools. They give the best of two worlds. On both ends, you can get both quality and durability from the regular inground pool, and it comes with highly affordable price tags.
Installation
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For its installation, it is highly flexible, and this makes them the perfect choice for both homeowners that have difficult backyards and DIY fans.
They are perfect for backyards that have uneven grounds, slopes, steep hills, and every other feature that would make any other type of pool installation difficult and practically impossible.
You should note that they are installed inground partially. They are much more solid than above ground pools and are regularly constructed from materials that are resistant to corrosion, such as aluminum.
Drawback
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The major drawback of this pool is the fact that you are strictly limited to either the basic round shape or oval shape. Should you need a design with plenty of curves and asymmetrical shapes, then you can go with the inground pool.
Routine Care
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Additionally, this pool needs routine care like:
•Testing the waters and adding chemicals
•Scrubbing and cleaning the surface
•Maintaining and cleaning the filter, etc.
You can surround the semi-inground pool with either decking or make use of landscaping to build a much more natural look. You can add features such as a waterfall or colorful lighting.
Pool Installation
The pool installation comprises of everything that ranges from soil composition to the shape and size of your yard. All these will help in determining how much space needed to build the desired pool.
Semi-inground pool
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For the semi-inground pool, the ideal situation is when the yard you want to use has a reputable grade. Those who live on hills or slope cannot install inground pools as it will not be possible.
Inground pool
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Inground pool makes use of flat grounds. And with this type of pool, the pool can go as large as the hole out actually dig. While layers of rocks may be beneath the surface, it will make the digging to be more time consuming and costly.
Individuals that have wide yet soft earth yards have the simplest time putting up a complete inground pool.
Above ground pool
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Those with really rocky soil or probably layers of rock sitting patiently under the surface frequently go for above ground pool instead of digging their way deeper into the ground.
Generally, breaking the ground differs for all properties, and while some are simpler to dig, some others are not. If it gets hard to dig deep into your yard, then a semi-inground pool will be your best bet.
Pool infrastructures
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In some homes, especially homes situated in old cities, the homeowners do not own the full depth of ground down below in their homes. These old cities have infrastructures that may limit the depth of the pool. The infrastructures include:
• Pipes
• Tunnels
• Cables, etc.
However, you can easily estimate how deep the pool can be safe for you to dig and build a semi-inground pool.
Pool Maintenance
Similar to your car or computer, your pools need routine upkeep for it to be at its best.
However, it does not matter if your pool is just a basic pool or a huge inground pool, every pool has about four components that need adequate care to entertain you. They are:
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• The pool water
• The interior wall
• The pool’s filter system and;
• The pool’s system of returns and skimmers
For the pool water, it is not possible to enjoy an empty pool, and this makes the water in the pool the major key.
It has to be kept clean, balanced, and clear enough to protect yourself and your family from pollutants as well as contaminants.
It also helps in avoiding expensive hardware repairs that are due to mineral build up or even corrosion. Basically, the pool water keeps your pool safe and clean.
Cleaning The Pool
If your pool has adequate circulation, it will help the cleaning of your pool to be much easier. However, you will have to apply your elbow grease. Essential tools that are needed for this cleaning includes:
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• Pool brush
• Pool vacuum
• Net skimmer, etc.
Everyone, including mother nature, brings in different sorts of wacky and wild things to your pool. It ranges from leaves, odd duck or frogs and molds down to residues from hair products, perfumes, and shampoos.
There is also the risk of contamination from bacteria, and this makes cleaning your pool an essential requirement in keeping the pool safe for swimming. You should brush, skim and vacuum the pool weekly.
It will help in keeping debris out of the water, and the walls will be astonishingly clean. Also, baking soda paste works well enough as a scouring cleaner that will not damage fragile tiles or even a vinyl liner whenever you brush it.
In the same vein, an automatic pool cleaner can save you from long hours of cleaning the pool. While it will not take away the need for regular brushing and skimming, it will, however, make the task a lot easier.
Which Is Best: Fiberglass, Concrete Or Vinyl Liner
People keep wondering if fiberglass, concrete, or vinyl liners are the best for their swimming pools.
Vinyl Liner
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For vinyl liner, they are cheaper, and their shapes are customizable, but the liner will need to be replaced often.
Fiberglass Pool
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For the fiberglass pools, they are effortless to maintain and swift to install. Also, they are highly durable. However, they cost more upfront and are not really customizable.
Concrete Pool
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Finally, concrete pools are crucially durable and highly customizable, but they demand burdensome maintenance. They cost a lot, and the installation is slow.
Saving Money With DIY Maintenance
Although pool services are highly popular, they can be costly. Here is how you can maintain your pool to save money.
If you decide to maintain it yourself, all you will need to do is to:
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• Skim the leaves and some other floating debris
• Clean the dirt and debris that position themselves at the bottom and side of the pool
• Test the water for pH levels, chlorine, and alkalinity
• Remove the strainer baskets from the pool and some other pool machinery
Those mentioned above are some of the things involved in cleaning the pool by yourself. Some pool cleaning services require maintenance personnel coming around at intervals to test the water and add chemicals when needed.
This service costs about $50 a month. There is also the complete service option that consists of everything that ranges from intensive vacuuming and cleaning, a thorough check of all the equipment and cleaning pool’s cartridge or sand.
This service costs $70 to $100 monthly. Meanwhile, the services differ depending on where you reside. As for DIY maintenance, the chemicals cost about $20 to $30 a month.
Start Now!
When you are aware of how swimming pools work, the ideal ways to care for it, and how best to strategize for it, you will be more than prepared to resolve any prospective pool issue that comes your way.
Proper pool maintenance starts with you knowing and understanding the type of pool you have. Knowing the regular parts of your pool, and knowing their basic functions will help you run the pool smoothly.
