A simple guide to help you understand the differences between the types of pools available
You’ve made the decision to install a pool on your property — great! Now you need to decide what type of pool to install. We know there is a lot to get your head around, so we’ve put together this simple guide to the types of pools available so you can find the best option for your site, lifestyle, budget and timeframe.
Above-ground pools
Often chosen due to the quick turnaround between purchase and installation, an above-ground swimming pool can be installed within a day and used that night. As the name suggests, above-ground pools sit on top of the ground and don’t require land excavation. They are prefabricated, meaning they’re built offsite and delivered to your property complete. Above-ground pools can be either vinyl-lined or fibreglass and come in a range of shapes, sizes, colours and styles.
This type of swimming pool is often cheaper than inground options because they are easier and quicker to install (requiring no or minimal excavation). Above-ground pools are often an economical and logical choice for use on a sloping block, where the water level of the pool can sit at the same level as the ground floor of the home.
An added bonus of an above-ground pool is that it’s transportable, meaning you can sell it or take it with you if you move house.
In-ground pools
In-ground swimming pools sit below the ground and require excavation. They are a more expensive option than above-ground pools as they require more time to plan and construct or install, depending on the type of pool you choose.
You may wish to choose a prefabricated fibreglass or vinyl-lined pool that can be delivered and installed in the hole in the ground, or a concrete pool which is custom-built to fit your space. With in-ground pools, a fair bit of planning and preparation is needed, particularly when underground pipes need to be moved to fit the pool in the desired space. However the effort is often worth the challenges as on standard, flat blocks, in-ground pools tend to make the space feel more open.
Concrete pools
Often the costliest option and the most time consuming to build, a concrete pool requires planning, designing and building as they’re completely customised to suit your space and lifestyle. This means you have unlimited options in terms of size, depth, shape, colour and style. You may wish to incorporate a negative edge, a wading area for children, a spa, steps, benches, jets, a water feature, curves, straight edges — the options really are endless. The interior of a concrete pool can be finished in ceramic tiles, pebblecrete, coloured quartz, epoxy resin paints, or vinyl lining.
With a concrete pool there is no pool manufacturer — your builder creates the pool from scratch — so you are reliant on them to deliver a quality product that works well. It’s therefore crucial to do your research and choose a builder you trust and who fully understands your pool requirements.
Fibreglass pools
Fibreglass pools are prefabricated, meaning they are built in a factory and delivered to your property on a truck. They have a very smooth surface area and can be finished in a range of colours. One of the main benefits of choosing a fibreglass pool is the low maintenance required to keep it clean and functional.
The fibreglass surface, known as gelcoat, is non-porous so there are fewer areas for algae to grow. For the same reason, fewer chemicals are needed to keep the pool healthy. This type of pool is very quick to install, usually two days, and is long lasting due to the fact there is no liner or added interior (just the durable gelcoat finish). The initial cost of a fibreglass pool is higher than a vinyl-lined pool but less than a concrete pool. One of the main reasons people choose not to install a fibreglass pool is because they can’t find a shape and size to suit their space. It’s not possible for you to change the size, shape or depth of a fibreglass pool, so it’s a matter of searching and finding one that suits your requirements.
Vinyl-lined pools
This type of pool is the least expensive to buy and install. Vinyl-lined pools are available as standard models, however the shape, size and depth can also be customised to fit your space and intended use. The surface of vinyl-lined pools is smooth, durable and usually resistant to algae. Despite being the cheapest option, vinyl-lined pools do require their liners to be replaced every five to nine years (which is usually around $4000). Depending on how long you intend to have the pool, this cost can add up over the years.
Lap pools
While a lap pool doesn’t have a specific size range, generally it is much longer than it is wide, allowing the user to swim laps. Usually the width of a lap pool starts at around 2.5m wide and the length can be anywhere from 8m to 25m (or more). Generally the depth is consistent throughout, however some owners may wish to add a deeper end to add flexibility to the pool’s usage, for example a deeper area for kids to jump into. Lap pools can be custom-built concrete pools, vinyl-lined or fibreglass. Lap pools are becoming an increasingly popular choice for metropolitan homeowners due to their ability to fit into the often unused space to the side of a house, without dominating the backyard.
Swim spas
A swim spa is a pool with jets that creates a current for the user to swim against for fitness purposes. This type of pool is suitable for someone who likes the idea of utilising their pool for fitness, but lacks the space for a lap pool or full-sized pool. Most swim spas have heaters that enable them to double as spas, and some even have seats around the edges for relaxing. Swim spas are purchased as a complete unit and installed into the ground, above ground or integrated into a deck.
Plunge pools
A plunge pool is a small pool that is deep enough for the whole body to be submerged for a cool, refreshing experience. Traditionally, plunge pools were used to cool off and invigorate the senses after a sauna or spa, however due to their small size, they’re becoming a popular pool choice for people with small inner-city backyards or courtyards.
Typically a plunge pool is a concrete pool that’s been custom-built and which also doubles as a visual feature — often with beautiful ceramic tiles, lighting and/or other eye-catching design features. Most plunge pool owners will opt to use more expensive, stand-out tiles than a cheaper tile or pool interior as the overall cost isn’t much higher due to the small surface area of the pool.
Shipping-container pools
Relatively new on the scene, shipping container pools gained popularity in 2017 when Sticks and Wombat installed one on The Block Elsternwick. These pools are a fibreglass pool insert that sits inside a shipping container. They are put together in a factory so there is less on-site work required. They’re very quick to install and are a cost-effective option. They sit above ground so they’re ideal for homes on sloping blocks or when access from the second storey is preferred. Otherwise the pool works well when accessed from the ground floor with stairs and a deck built around it.
This article was originally published in Poolside Showcase #039