So you’re finally taking the plunge and investing in a pool to transform part of your property. We’ll be the first to tell you that it’s a great decision. Not only will it make your home the life of the party, it can increase your property value by making it more desirable when it’s time to sell!
With this in mind, there are a few things to consider when you start the process of having a pool designed and installed on your property. One of the first questions you’ll ask is one of the most important — what type of pool do I want?
In this piece, we’ll break down the different types of inground pools you could choose from, and some of the considerations that go into a decision for each.
Vinyl Pools
A vinyl pool is essentially a liner placed into a custom hole on your property. It may make use of solid structural materials like plastic or steel for the walls, but the fact it’s little more than a large sheet of vinyl makes having a vinyl pool installed among the lower options for initial cost.
The upsides are that vinyl pools are customizable in terms of shape and size and relatively quick and affordable to install. Unfortunately, though, most vinyl pool owners find themselves replacing the liner more often than they expected to initially, which can amount to replacing the entire pool. It’s also susceptible to algae and damage from chemicals in the pool water.
Fiberglass Pools
Fiberglass pools are pre-made to fit the specifications of a design and then created in the form of a shell. The hole for the pool is excavated and shaped into the form of the pool. Then, the shell is fit into place.
Fiberglass inground pools in Margate are very common for a few reasons: as described, installation can be done very quickly and relatively affordably considering that fiberglass is more durable than vinyl. Fiberglass makes for a smooth exterior, which is preferred by many pool owners.
The only main drawback is that fiberglass pools aren’t able to be fully customized where shape and dimensions are concerned.
Concrete/Gunite Pools
Customization isn’t a problem for concrete pools. These are custom-designed and reinforced with steel bars as a foundation. Once the rebar frame is in place, installation involves spraying a concrete mix into the frame with a process called gunite — basically, concrete sprayed from a hose.
Concrete pools are extremely durable and long-lasting. One drawback is that compared to vinyl and fiberglass pools, installation takes a long time.
Inground Pool Options to Fit Your Preference
If you’re looking for gunite or fiberglass inground pool designs in Cape May, Island Pools & Patios has you covered. With our installation experience and range of available sizes and options, we can transform your property into the poolside paradise you’ve always dreamed about.