Concrete Pools: The Advantages, Disadvantages, And How They're Constructed

If you have decided it's time to add a pool to your backyard, you have to decide what kind you want. A lot will depend on the money you have for the initial investment, and what you have in your yearly budget for maintenance. A nice in ground pool will add to the value of your home in a way that no above ground pool can match. If you decide on in ground, you can choose from vinyl liner, fiberglass or concrete pools.

Concrete is made up of water, sand, cement, and gravel or stone. After it's sprayed into the pool shell, it takes about a month to cure. The pool is framed with steel reinforcements that allow the structure to bend enough to withstand the forces of gravity and water. This pool will cost the homeowner anywhere from ten thousand to fifty thousand or more.

One of the big advantages of a pool of this type is that it can accommodate any kind of design you can think of. Customized design is one of the big selling features. The more complex the design however, the more expensive the pool will be to construct, and possibly to maintain.

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You can't beat this type of pool for durability. You won't have to worry about damaging the structure as you would with a vinyl liner pool. Your dog can take a swim and won't mar the surface with his claws. The plaster interior finish is less durable than the structure though. It will require periodic refinishing.

When people daydream about having a pool, this is what they see. A concrete pool is beautiful. When you own one, your backyard will look like the cover of a magazine. Adding fountains and grottos, as well as diving boards, make it appear even more desirable. If you ever decide to sell your house, your pool will be a major selling point, and will increase the market value.

Some people point to the length of time is takes to complete a pool of this kind as a drawback. It may take six months to install your pool. The process is complex and time consuming. A fiberglass or vinyl liner pool by contrast usually takes a few weeks to complete. If you've got kids they will have to get used to the rough texture of the pool that can scrap elbows and snag swimsuits.

This pool will cost more to maintain than either fiberglass or vinyl liner. You have to consider the time it takes to brush the entire surface to get rid of algae, and the cost of the chemicals needed to keep the water in balance. Of course you can always hire a professional pool maintenance company to clean it. Refinishing the plaster must be done every ten to fifteen years.

A pool is a great addition to any backyard. It's a place for families to be together to relax and get some good exercise. You just need to decide which type of pool meets your needs and your budget.