November 2011
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Changing Your Hot Tub Water in 4 Simple Steps
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How to Choose the Right In-ground Pool for You
in Maintenance
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After months of back and forth, you’ve finally decided to buy an in-ground pool. But your job isn’t over yet. There are still some choices to be made. It’s important to do a little research to make sure you end up with the perfect pool for you and your family. There are many different options when it comes to types, features and add-ons—and construction time and cost will vary depending on what you choose.
“Weather permitting, you can build in-ground pools year-round”, says Shannon Martin, vice president of Texas Blue Lake Pools Inc., a swimming pool and spa company in Amarillo, Texas. But fall and early spring are usually the best times for installation because the weather is temperate. This also allows plenty of cushion time to finish before the prime pool season kicks off.
To help answer your other questions, here is our complete buying guide for in-ground pools:
Types
Vinyl: “At about $20,000, vinyl lined pools are the least expensive type”, says Toni Alewine, co-owner of Pete Alewine Pool Company Inc., in Evans, Ga. They’re also the easiest to install because they are pre-fabricated. But vinyl liners need to be replaced every 15 years or so and seldom add value to your home.
Fiberglass: “Fiberglass pools are limited in terms of style because they’re created as a complete shell, which means there can’t be any add-ons,” Alewine says. Since they’re manufactured beforehand, they generally take less time to install. They have also come a long way in terms of aesthetics and are now available in a number of beautiful shades and finishes. Depending on the manufacturer, fiberglass pools are usually 20 to 25 percent more expensive than vinyl.
Gunite: “This is usually what you see at resorts and fancy hotels because gunite pools can be installed in any size, depth or style,” Alewine says. Gunite is generally a bit more expensive than vinyl and fiberglass, but it lasts a lot longer because the structure under the surface is made of six inches or more of concrete over steel, Martin says.
Features
Automatic pool cleaners: Martin says her customers love automatic cleaners because they cut down on maintenance time. You can choose either a suction-side cleaner or a robotic system. Suction-side cleaners crawl over the pool’s surfaces, and use the existing pump and filter. Robotic systems use electricity to clean up debris, which they deposit into a self-contained bag. Robotic systems are generally more expensive than suction side cleaners—about $1200 versus $500—but they clean your pool much faster. “Usually a suction-side cleaner must be left in the pool overnight, but a robotic system can get your pool spotless in about an hour and a half,” Martin says.
Cartridge filters: “Another trend we are seeing is the use of cartridge filters, which are more environmentally friendly than sand filters,” Alewine says. Sand filters involve backwashing, which can result in pool chemicals being released into the environment. Just like an air filter, cartridges must be cleaned and rinsed on a regular basis—the frequency is determined by the amount of debris in the pool and by how many swimmers are using the pool. Cartridge filters are 30 to 40 percent more expensive than sand filters, but they’re also more efficient, Alewine says.
Smart phone remotes: Martin says customers love being able to change their pool’s heating, lighting and other features via their smart phone. To use this technology, you need to buy software and a system machine, or “brain,” that is programmed to a smart phone app. “It’s very new,” Martin says. “You can be anywhere telling your pool what to do.”
Add-ons
Spillover spa: Spillover spas are very popular with customers, Alewine says. With gunite pools, the spa continually circulates the same water as the pool and then sends the spillover back into the pool via a waterfall, which provides a nice aesthetic and pleasing sound. This effect can also be accomplished with a vinyl pool, but the bodies of water remain separate and employ a spillover façade.
Volleyball net and basketball hoop: Martin says these sporty add-ons are easy to install and are beginning to take the place of diving boards and slides due to liability fears.
Sunning deck: Building a concrete ledge 6 to 12 inches deep in your pool allows you to get some sun while relaxing in the cool, refreshing water.
LED lights: Martin says LED lights, which can turn your pool water a variety of fun colors, are a great option for customers who like to entertain with evening pool parties.
Whichever options you’re considering for your new in-ground pool, Martin says it’s best to actually see the different features in person. She shows her customers real pools and allows them to see everything while it’s working. Consult with your pool manufacturer to see if they will do the same.
