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Inground Pool Design: The Ultimate Homeowner’s Guide

An inground pool can transform your backyard into a resort-like atmosphere that provides endless enjoyment and relaxation. In this article, we’ll cover what factors to consider when planning to bring your backyard oasis to life. Let’s dive in.

Paver Patio and Pool

Fiberglass Pools vs. Vinyl Pools vs. Concrete Pools: Comparing Inground Pool Materials

Most in-ground pools are one of three materials: fiberglass, vinyl lined, or concrete. Each material carries its pros and cons.

Fiberglass Pools

Fiberglass is commonly used in bathtubs, hot tubs, and even luxury yachts. Its durability makes it a great choice for in-ground pools. Manufacturers create fiberglass pools in a factory setting and then ship them to your home site.

A professional can install a fiberglass pool quickly. You could be swimming within days of it arriving on site. The timeline depends on the complexity of your build. Fiberglass pools have a smooth surface that is gentle on hands and feet, and helps prevent algae growth. Unlike concrete pools, they are less likely to crack and have a rough texture.

A fiberglass pool is incredibly sturdy and durable, unlike vinyl liners that can tear easily. Also, fiberglass pools retain their form over time and often last longer than other options.

Although fiberglass pools are an easy and cost-effective option, size and shape choices are limited to what’s available in the manufacturer’s collection. The maximum size available for fiberglass pools is typically within 16′ wide and 35′ long. If your vision for a backyard oasis means obtaining a unique pool shape, fiberglass may not be the best choice.

Vinyl Pools

Vinyl-lined pools have become a trendy choice for homeowners. Vinyl-lined pools can be designed to fit into nearly any type of backyard or space, unlike fiberglass pools. Modern manufacturing techniques can also produce a vinyl-lined pool in virtually any shape for almost limitless design options. Some special features of the pool include spill-over spas, tanning ledges, and liners. The liners come in different colors, patterns, and thicknesses.

All pools require maintenance, but vinyl requires less than concrete or fiberglass. Vinyl pools, like fiberglass pools, have a smooth surface that doesn’t absorb water or irritate sensitive feet. Vinyl-lined pools need fewer chemicals to prevent algae growth than concrete pools because vinyl does not absorb water.

Vinyl liners are durable and can last around 10 years with proper maintenance before needing replacement. Replacing the pool liner every ten years allows you to change the look of your pool area. This may seem like a downside, but it actually gives you a chance to refresh your pool’s appearance.

The countless customizable options, near unlimited design potential, and a lower upfront cost have made the vinyl-lined pool an appealing option for backyard pool installations.

Concrete Pools

Concrete pools (also known as Gunite or shotcrete) are infinitely customizable. Due to concrete’s undisputed structural strength, it has been used for pools for decades – especially for commercial and public pools.

Gunite is a specialized blend of concrete applied over a steel rebar inner frame via a high-pressure hose to create a rock-hard, solid structure. This means that Gunite can be used in any type of pool design, including curved shapes, different depths, and unique shapes.” Once the Gunite has cured (dried), it is coated in plaster for a smooth yet slightly textured finished inner surface.

Your installer can blend the plaster with colored quartz for additional durability and aesthetics. You can also apply a high-end pebble finish for a luxurious finish and feel. Gunite pools allow deeper depths than fiberglass or vinyl pools.

Gunite pools are durable but need acid washing every 3-5 years to remove algae and chemical buildup. This is different from concrete and steel pools. Acid washing is necessary to maintain the cleanliness and appearance of gunite pools. It helps prevent algae growth and removes any chemical residue that may accumulate over time. Regular maintenance like acid washing can prolong the lifespan of a gunite pool. The plaster coating may look fantastic on day one, but it won’t last forever, and you’ll effectively have to re-plaster the pool every 10-15 years.

Saltwater vs. Chlorine and Chlorine Alternatives

Both types of pools have pros and cons. We’ll discuss the main highlights so you can make a properly informed decision.

Saltwater Pools

Pros: This option is excellent for anyone who doesn’t like or want the harsh chemicals of a chlorine pool. While it’s important to note that a saltwater pool does still have some chlorine, it’s a much smaller amount generated through the filtering system. The pool does not have chlorine tablets added to it.

It’s much softer on hair, eyes, skin, and swim attire (it won’t fade your suit or turn your hair green!). The smell alone is reason enough for some to forgo the chlorine pool – saltwater carries no chlorine smell. Maintaining a saltwater pool is much easier than a chlorinated one. While you will still need to maintain this pool by testing pH and alkalinity levels each week, you won’t need to maintain this like a chlorinated pool. This system naturally takes care of any algae buildup!

Saltwater is also helpful to those who suffer from asthma or allergies – breathing in chlorine can irritate breathing. Since the level of chlorine is low, it is less likely to cause irritation.

Cons: Salt can harm a pool over time, causing erosion and buildup. So it is essential to check for this periodically to maintain your pool’s life. As stated earlier, just because it’s called a saltwater pool doesn’t mean it’s 100% salt. There are still small chlorine levels in a saltwater pool – the salt chlorine generator is electricity-powered and turns the salt into chlorine. While the upfront cost of saltwater is considered a con, it does equal out over time because the maintenance cost is less for saltwater.

Chlorine Pools

Pros: A chlorine pool has a lower upfront cost compared to saltwater. You won’t need to purchase expensive equipment; you can test the levels yourself, which helps reduce the cost of hiring a professional. Saltwater can also cause metal to corrode over time, but thankfully, chlorine doesn’t have that same effect.

Cons: Chemicals are not conducive to our health, and long-term exposure to them can cause adverse reactions. For example, chlorine can irritate skin, eyes, throat, lungs, and skin and wreak havoc on clothes and towels.

Chlorine pools require regular maintenance. You should add chlorine pellets to the pool every week to keep it clean. The cost of chemicals can add up and increase your pool’s cost of ownership over time.

Freshwater Chlorine Alternatives

These innovative solutions promise a swimming experience that is not only enjoyable but also gentler on the skin and the environment. Among these alternatives, systems like mineral pools, ozone generators, and UV pool sanitizers are gaining popularity for their ability to maintain pool cleanliness with less reliance on chemicals in chlorine and saltwater systems.

Mineral Pools

Pros: Mineral pools use elements like silver and copper for sanitation and are gentler on eyes, hair, and skin than chlorine. By using natural minerals to inhibit algae growth and purify the water, they require less chemical use, making them a more eco-friendly alternative. The water in mineral pools can also feel softer, enhancing the swimming experience with a luxurious feel.

Cons: The initial setup cost is higher for mineral pools when compared to chlorine, and you’ll need to spend some time learning how to maintain the mineral levels and water balance. There will also be an occasional need for chemical treatments for water clarity and sanitation during heaving use periods or when temperatures are extreme.

Ozone Generators and UV Pool Sanitizers

Pros: Both ozone generators and UV sanitizers offer powerful means to kill bacteria, viruses, and algae, often more effectively than chlorine alone. This results in crystal-clear water with fewer chemicals. Because they require less chemical intervention, ozone generators and UV sanitizers are more environmentally friendly and cost-effective over time.

Cons: Initial setup requires professional installation, a higher up-front investment, and more complex ongoing maintenance than traditional chlorine pools. As with mineral pools, occasional chemical treatments are required to keep the water balanced and sanitary.

Pool Deck Materials: Concrete vs. Pavers vs. Natural Stone

Another important material to consider is the material that will surround your pool—the pool decking. The pool deck is a solid-surface patio space typically constructed from concrete, manufactured pavers, or natural stone.

Concrete Pool Decks

Brushed-finish concrete is a common, inexpensive, and durable material for pool decks. Its brushed finish adds texture to the surface, helping to minimize slips when walking with wet feet. Although it’s not the most luxurious material, concrete is still attractive and cost-effective! Due to its slick finish, we usually do not recommend stamped concrete around pools because it can be a slip-and-fall hazard.

Concrete decking will inevitably develop hairline cracks at some point. These cracks are an eyesore and can become a larger issue. As cracks deepen, you will need to replace a portion of the concrete—if not the entire patio. When this happens, we often recommend resurfacing the concrete with Kool Deck, a polymer cement overlay that can be applied to existing concrete. It noticeably reduces the surface temperature of your pool deck and comes in various colors.

Pavers for Pool Decks

Manufactured pavers for pool decking offer the most diverse and customizable options. With hundreds of options for color, texture, and size, manufactured paving stones are made from specialized concrete mixes that are mechanically compressed for superior durability. As a result, manufactured pavers are unmatched by conventional poured concrete. 

Aside from their incredible strength, pavers are available in countless colors and textures, making them one of the most flexible pool deck materials. No matter your design style, there is a paver to match—consider Beacon Hill Smooth by Unilock for a sleek, contemporary feel or Belgard Catalina Slate for a more classic, textured look—the possibilities are endless.

Unlike concrete, pavers very rarely crack and are easily replaced on the off-chance that one does. Rather than cutting a concrete section out, we remove the damaged paver and return it for a seamless, unnoticeable repair.

Natural Stone Pool Decks

Although not used as extensively as manufactured pavers, natural stone is a luxurious option for pool decking!

Travertine has been favored as a building material since the ancient Romans. Travertine is a natural sedimentary form of limestone that forms around mineral-rich natural springs, resulting in beautiful mottled textures with distinctive colorful swirls. When appropriately maintained, it can last for decades.

Due to its naturally porous nature, travertine quickly absorbs water that splashes onto its surface, resulting in a less slippery surface. Travertine is also resistant to extreme temperatures—walking on sun-baked travertine is still cooler than a hot, sandy beach.

As with any natural stone material, there are some notable drawbacks. That porous nature that helps prevent slips can also be a curse—naturally formed holes in travertine can fill with water, and in the winter months, they can freeze and crack a travertine tile. Those same holes can also accumulate dirt, resulting in a stained look over time.

For maintenance (and to protect your investment), we recommend sealing natural stone every 3 to 5 years to help prevent staining and cracks that develop during natural freeze-thaw cycles.

Additional Features: Make Your Inground Pool Amazing

A tanning ledge? Perhaps a diving board? A slide “for the kids?”

While these are common add-ons, diving boards, slides, and tanning ledges are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg regarding the multitude of fun and unique features you can add to your backyard pool experience.

Water Features for Inground Pools

Water features are by far the most common addition to many pool projects. A sheer descent waterfall can add just the right amount of splash to suit any mood or environment, ranging from a glass-like sheet of water or a rushing mountain waterfall. Sheer descents are usually installed in the mortar joint of a feature wall – between the pool coping and stonework. Water must be piped up and through the wall and is typically fed by a separate pump.

A sheer descent waterfall’s width can range from 8″ to 8′, and they are available in straight or curved options. Sheer descents are popular with contemporary designs but can be easily implemented into nearly any design style. These visually striking features are sure to impress your guests!If you are dreaming of something more substantial, then a rock waterfall, cascade waterfall, or rain curtain better suits your vision. Manufactured waterfall kits can take an average pool and transform it into a tropical resort right in your backyard. Many waterfalls can also incorporate slides for an interactive experience that can set your pool apart from others and offer endless fun for your kids and your guests.

Elevate Outdoor & Liquid Assets: Integrated Outdoor Experts

To bring your full backyard oasis to life, we collaborate with our partner brand, Liquid Assets, for expert design and installation of your inground pool. With our design and landscaping experts overseeing the full process and Liquid Assets’ specialization in pools, you benefit from an entire team of experts in one partnership.

Ready to take the plunge? 

Working with a landscape design team with expertise in pool design and installation gives you the best of both worlds so that you’ll get precisely what you are looking for with maximum value for your investment. We’d love to sit down with you and discuss all the available options so we can design a truly unique backyard pool oasis that makes your vision a reality. Connect with an Elevate Outdoor expert today for a free consultation and make your next pool season the best one ever.

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