Choosing a design for your pool is an exciting process. Many styles and features are available for the private pool in the Houston area. Infinity edges, "beach" entrances, waterfalls, boulders, natural and simulated rock, fountains, bridges, islands, slides, and colored lighting are just a few of the things that can be added to your pool. Fiber-optic lighting is available to change the appearance of water to liquid rubies or molten gold. "Mood lighting" can be created such that it illuminates the water's edge.

Personal touches can also be added by inlaying mosaics such as dolphins, turtles, fish, or other sea creatures. Flowers, birds, animals, custom-designed family crests, initials, or other emblems can also be used. Unusual effects can be created using tile throughout the pool surface.

A variety of compositions and placements are available for constructing your pool. Your pool can be made of gunite, fiberglass, or vinyl. It can be in-ground, aboveground, in-deck, or indoors. You can even cover your pool with a simple screen enclosure to ensure reduced debris falling in the pool.

The following information gives helpful details about the various types of pools you have to choose from.

 

Fiberglass Pools

Fiberglass pools are considered easier to care for than gunite or vinyl ones. They don't require acid baths or strong scrubbing. Therefore, fewer chemicals are needed. Water circulates faster making it easy for equipment to keep the pool clean.

A fiberglass pool's surface is smooth eliminating the occasional skin abrasion or swimsuit snag that can occur from gunite surfaces. The surface provides slip resistant stairs and seating.

Although these pools are usually ready-made, the addition of such things as bedrock and unique landscaping can make yours a one of a kind experience. Pool installation time can be as little as 3 to 5 days. Under normal circumstances, no renovation procedures should be needed throughout the life of the pool.

 

Concrete Pools

Traditionally, the concrete pool is the pool installed on private property. But, unlike the typical square or "kidney" shaped concrete pools of the past, today's concrete pools can be turned into your own private backyard beach or your unique tropical paradise. In-pool fountains, bedrock, waterfalls, spas, and coves can be added to your pool right in your own back yard. Surfaces can be created to give your pool a "lava lake" appearance or even a mountain side lake and/or stream appearance. A concrete pool with an surface entirely covered with tile can create an unparalleled beauty.

Construction of a concrete pool can be time consuming and expensive, but the results can be expected to last and produce great satisfaction for the owner. A typical concrete pool may take 6 to 8 weeks of construction time from the groundbreaking to the filling of the pool. Gunite and shotcrete are popular variations from plain concrete that are mixed such that they can be sprayed on rather than poured on. Some resurfacing of the pool may be needed from time to time. But normally, resurfacing is not needed more than once every 10 years.

 

Vinyl Pools

Vinyl pools are becoming more and more common throughout the nation, making up approximately 50% of all pools in the United States. Aboveground pools have a vinyl surface. These pools can be made attractive using such things as decking or shrubs surrounding the pool. Additional landscaping can create an appealing tropical or wilderness ambiance.

Features of the aboveground vinyl pool that make it attractive include portability and lack of expense. These pools can be moved with you to a new home. They can be sold and transported to the new owner's location. Vinyl pools are usually the least expensive of the three kinds of pools examined here usually costing half or less than half of the typical concrete or fiberglass in-ground pool. Set up time for the vinyl pool is usually about 2 to 3 weeks.

Some drawbacks of using the vinyl pool should be considered before the decision to purchase one is made. Typically, the only warranty provided for the pool is one that covers just the vinyl seams. These seams can harbor algae. In addition, the vinyl lining should be replaced every few years. The aluminum coping can corrode easily, also. And, the surface is slippery and can be easily punctured.

 

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