There is nothing else that can transform your yard like an inground pool. Whether you envision a tranquil lagoon, exotic oasis, or elegant showcase, building an inground pool gives you the most opportunities to customize, express your creativity, and design a poolscape that is completely unique and absolutely stunning.
Once you decide to build an inground pool, you’ll have a lot of fun and interesting options to consider, and the first of many choices you will make is: Which kind of inground pool should I build?
The different types of inground pools vary in price, often depending on where you live, and each comes with its own benefits. The descriptions below will give you a good introduction to your options, but your pool builderwill know your area well, and can help advise you on which choice is best.
offer the most design flexibility. They can be built in any shape, from traditional to free form, and are able to fit into irregular spaces, if needed. Gunite pools give you the most opportunity to customize your pool design — from fun and functional built-in features to textured pool surfaces. Gunite pools allow for maximum creativity, and typically take about 12 weeks to build.
are pre-engineered, less labor-intensive than concrete pools, and, usually, are your least-expensive inground pool option. Vinyl pools are available in dozens of pre-designed shapes, from classic to curvaceous, and can be customized with built-in features and with durable vinyl liners that come in a beautiful array of designer colors and patterns. Because vinyl pools are constructed from pre-fabricated materials and a simpler construction process, vinyl pools can be constructed in about 3 weeks.
arrive in one pre-formed, pre-finished piece, so installation is fast (usually 1 to 3 weeks)! Fiberglass pools come in a variety of shapes and styles to fit your lifestyle, as well as designer textures and colors to match your personal style. Besides the quick installation, one of the biggest benefits of fiberglass pools is their surface. The smoothness makes it difficult for algae to cling to it — and that means easier maintenance and fewer chemicals.
Before you can enjoy your beautiful new pool, you have to endure a few weeks of “unpleasantness” in your backyard. Once you’re past the trauma of excavation and into the fun of designing, you’ll see that it’s all well worth it. There are three key stages of pool construction:
Excavation begins after an access way to your poolsite has been made. Your builder will mark the pool layout in your backyard, and you’ll work together to make sure that any trees and areas you want to protect are clearly marked. You and/or your builder will need to gather all of the necessary permits, and then the heavy equipment will be brought in to dig the hole. Make sure that your builder has properly checked for underground utilities before construction begins.
Framing is the next step. Your builder will set and secure the substructure of your pool to keep it in place, then the bottom of the pool will be shaped and smoothed. Now it’s starting to look like a pool! The plumbing system will be positioned, and any necessary wiring will be installed. This is also when your builder will frame the surrounding deck and walkway areas.
Finishing is the home stretch. Now it’s time to install the interior finish. It’s different for each type of pool. Gunite pools are finished with pneumatically applied concrete, vinyl pools will have a liner installed, and fiberglass pools will have a one-piece shell installed. Once this is complete, the pool will be filled with water and the builder will finish it off with coping, decking and anything else you’ve planned for your poolscape.
While many of your customized features have already been built into your pool and deck, there are still some additional touches needed to complete your poolscape, including landscaping cleaning systems and safety features. Throw in some toys and comfortable pool furniture, and you’ve created an unbelievable family destination you’ll enjoy for years to come.