So you have decided to have a swimming pool in your landscape. There are a lot of decisions to be made.
One of you main decisions will be deciding if you want a concrete swimming pool or vinyl liner pool.
Concrete swimming pools have some advantages over vinyl pools. It's not that vinyl pools aren't a better choice in some situations. However, gunite pools do offer a few exclusive features.
Here are the Pros of why you might choose a gunite (concrete) pool:
1. Pool shapes can be easily customized. This means that you do not have to limit your choices to the standard shapes offered by pool companies. If you are working with a professional swimming pool designer, he/she has free reign to be as creative as possible.
2. Steps are commonly placed on the interior of the pool. Visually, this allows the shape of the pool to flow, and not be broken by the steps on the exterior, intruding into the pool paving. Which also means that you gain pool decking space.
3. If you would like a waterfall incorporated into the pool and it is being placed at a higher elevation behind the pool, the back end of the pool can be built higher. This back wall, or bond beam wall, actually becomes a retaining wall on top of which the waterfall can be built. This creates a very integrated and beautiful look to your swimming pool design, especially with plantings included.
4. Actual tile is used along the inside of the pool walls near the top, right under the pool coping. I can't begin to tell you how many are available. Be sure to coordinate it with the color you choose for the pool interior and also with the pool paving material.
5. With concrete swimming pools, you can have a vanishing edge. Of course, your property must lend itself to this...but it is possible! Perched at a higher place with the land dropping off behind creates great drama.
The one main Con of a concrete pool is that it is more expensive.
Some other things to think about:
* Where do you place the pool?
* Do you want it close to the house or further away? Placing it closer is convenient for access, while a pool further away creates another place to go to on your property. It is also less visible in the winter when the pool cover is on the pool.
* What shape should you go with? Do you want a more formal or naturalistic look?
* What pool paving material should you use? There are so many to select from, but try to choose one that is cool on your feet.
* What size would be appropriate? Pools can be very small or they can be huge. Most people choose one in between.
* Should I hire a landscape designer? A landscape designer will take your entire property and design into consideration.
I hope these points on concrete swimming pools have been helpful. You can read more about both types of pools, including more detail on their Pros and Cons, and general swimming pool information at my website page below.
Susan Schlger is a Landscape Designer with a degree in Landscape Architecture. Visit her website to learn more about Swimming Pool Types.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Schlger
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Showing posts with label pool shapes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pool shapes. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Inground Swimming Pools - We Build High Quality Pools
You will have to decide on which design you like if you have chosen one of the styles of the inground swimming pools. For a different and fun shape you're going to need concrete and or a pool that is lined with vinyl. Should you prefer a simpler style, keep fiberglass in mind, since it is available pre-formed and prepared for installation. So it is important to look at the swimming pool designs available to you, and also to consider the shape that would look the most attractive in your yard.
Your backyard pool must include safety features to prevent young ones from entering without the presence of supervising adults. A lot of different types of fence may be utilized for this purpose. Insurance and local codes frequently require this. You must properly research on what fence will suit your style of home swimming pool.
The swimming pool shapes, pool designs that can be created with concrete are varied and can be very unique. If you want a natural wilderness or waterfall look, you can have that with your new pool. There are many great design options available in concrete. The disadvantage of concrete is the increased maintenance they require. This type of pool construction requires more cleaning chemicals because of the reaction with the water. Age can cause the concrete to crack and require repairs to be made.
Another popular design choice is a vinyl liner. One advantage to vinyl liners is that they are flexible and not affected by the frame moving as the ground freezes and thaws. It is possible for concrete to split from this motion or shift. Vinyl liners are also available in various designs and colors. If you want you have the option of choosing a custom design. Some pool are made with algaecide in the materials to help lower the amount of algae that forms. On the vinyl liners this reduces the maintenance.
The final option is fiberglass style, which is very minimal in terms of upkeep required, and very sturdy. That is smooth and the color does not fade,it has a wonderful surface. The texture of the fiberglass does not allow the algae to stick to it. As a result, pools made of fiberglass are simple to maintain. They require much more minimal cleaning and chemical use in contrast to concrete pools. Fiberglass pools have been around for over 50 years, which is much more than most people think.
For your inground swimming pools there are various accessories which you can purchase. You may purchase a slide so your youngsters will be able to plunge down the slide into the pool. A diving board can be put in if the pools have enough depth to dive in. If you want to heat the water without using electricity then the most economical way is to use a solar cover. Various types of pool covers are available, for both safety purposes and winter weather. Automatic pool cleaners are readily available, and will save you cleaning time, as they are continually moving and cleaning the pool.
Many accessories are available for inground pools. Get a pool slide for your children. For the pools that are deep enough and you can have a siving board. The addition of a solar cover will help use sunlight to heat the water. All sorts of covers exist, including ones that enhance safety or ensure weather-proofing during the winter. If you don't care for manually cleaning your pool, there are automatic cleaners available that crawl around your pool, keeping it clean.An inground swimming pool in your own yard can contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Your family will enjoy time outside while having the added exercise benefit. For the whole body that also swimming is a great exercise. Many other exercises focus simply on a single body part. Your entire body gets a workout when you swim. By selecting the right kind of pool, you will be able to enjoy it for many years to come.
Author: SteveProvost
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Custom Swimming Pools for Southern California
Your backyard pool must include safety features to prevent young ones from entering without the presence of supervising adults. A lot of different types of fence may be utilized for this purpose. Insurance and local codes frequently require this. You must properly research on what fence will suit your style of home swimming pool.
The swimming pool shapes, pool designs that can be created with concrete are varied and can be very unique. If you want a natural wilderness or waterfall look, you can have that with your new pool. There are many great design options available in concrete. The disadvantage of concrete is the increased maintenance they require. This type of pool construction requires more cleaning chemicals because of the reaction with the water. Age can cause the concrete to crack and require repairs to be made.
Another popular design choice is a vinyl liner. One advantage to vinyl liners is that they are flexible and not affected by the frame moving as the ground freezes and thaws. It is possible for concrete to split from this motion or shift. Vinyl liners are also available in various designs and colors. If you want you have the option of choosing a custom design. Some pool are made with algaecide in the materials to help lower the amount of algae that forms. On the vinyl liners this reduces the maintenance.
The final option is fiberglass style, which is very minimal in terms of upkeep required, and very sturdy. That is smooth and the color does not fade,it has a wonderful surface. The texture of the fiberglass does not allow the algae to stick to it. As a result, pools made of fiberglass are simple to maintain. They require much more minimal cleaning and chemical use in contrast to concrete pools. Fiberglass pools have been around for over 50 years, which is much more than most people think.
For your inground swimming pools there are various accessories which you can purchase. You may purchase a slide so your youngsters will be able to plunge down the slide into the pool. A diving board can be put in if the pools have enough depth to dive in. If you want to heat the water without using electricity then the most economical way is to use a solar cover. Various types of pool covers are available, for both safety purposes and winter weather. Automatic pool cleaners are readily available, and will save you cleaning time, as they are continually moving and cleaning the pool.
Many accessories are available for inground pools. Get a pool slide for your children. For the pools that are deep enough and you can have a siving board. The addition of a solar cover will help use sunlight to heat the water. All sorts of covers exist, including ones that enhance safety or ensure weather-proofing during the winter. If you don't care for manually cleaning your pool, there are automatic cleaners available that crawl around your pool, keeping it clean.An inground swimming pool in your own yard can contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Your family will enjoy time outside while having the added exercise benefit. For the whole body that also swimming is a great exercise. Many other exercises focus simply on a single body part. Your entire body gets a workout when you swim. By selecting the right kind of pool, you will be able to enjoy it for many years to come.
Author: SteveProvost
Use the Internet to Make Money (LOTS of money)
Erase Debt Legally
Lower House Payments with Loan Modification
Custom Swimming Pools for Southern California
Thursday, June 18, 2009
All About Above Ground Pools
Nothing is more fun and inviting than a backyard pool. Beating the summer heat with family and friends is one of summertime’s biggest pleasures. With the huge popularity of above ground swimming pools this major backyard water feature is not only fun but affordable.
Getting the right pool for your home and budget can be a daunting affair. So many choices and such odd terminology; hopper bottom, skimmer, return lines, cove etc. It’s not really that hard to cut through the noise and find the above ground pool that’s right for you.
Above ground pools come in two shapes; round and oval. These shapes are available in a number of sizes that most manufacturers sell. The most popular size is the 24 ft. round pool but round pools are available in diameters from 12 ft. to 33 ft. Oval pools usually start in the 12 ft. by 20-24 ft. size and get as large as 21 ft. x 41 ft. The area for your pool and your budget will combine to suggest the size that will work best. The ideal pool location will get at least 6-8 hours of sun during the summer and should be as flat and unobstructed as possible. Trees in particular can be troublesome if too close to a pool. Power lines or telephone poles are right out! Keep in mind that many oval pools have side supports or buttresses that can jut out as much as 2-3 feet from the base of the pool. Some newer oval designs have done away with buttresses that allows oval pools to go where ovals have never gone before.
Above ground pools are nearly always made of either steel or resin/plastic. Steel pools have been around for more than 40 years. Resin pools are relative newcomers. Corrosion is always a problem with steel pools and resin pools definitely will not rust. Resin pools generally cost more but industry figures put the average life span of an above ground pool at between 4 and 5 years. Rust may not be a factor! The choice is yours. Pools have gotten deeper in recent years. The standard 48 inch high pool is now overtopped by 52 inch and even 54 inch tall models.
To hold water, your pool needs a vinyl liner. There is a large selection of patterns from simple blue to exotic looking tile motifs and even a liner that mimics a tropical reef complete with fish and coral! Most pool packages are sold with an overlap style liner. These liners wrap over the top of the pool wall and cling to the outside of the pool. The liner is held in place by the top rail. You will also see beaded liners. These snap into a thin receiving strip just under the top rail on the inside of the pool and eliminate the overlap. Beaded liners tend to be an upgrade and cost more but they are usually a heavier, 25 gauge vinyl rather than the 20 gauge common in overlap liners.
The most important purchase after the pool itself is the filtration system. If you make an informed choice your pool will run cleaner and be less work. Sand and cartridge filters are the usual choices available for above ground pools. Each has advantages and drawbacks. Filter sand is inexpensive but if neglected can turn nasty and sand filters are a chore to clean and re-fill. Cartridge filters require less maintenance but cartridges do wear out and can cost over $200.00 to replace.
The heart of any pool filtration system is the pump. A good pump, properly matched to the size of your pool will give many years of dependable service. Don’t buy too much power. Pools need to have clean filtered water not imitate Old Faithful. Most above and many in-ground pools work well with no more than a 1 hp. pump and motor combination. Small to mid-size above ground pools do well with ¾ hp units. Proper pump sizing will use less electricity and less wear on hoses and filters.
Author: Rob Coxworth
Getting the right pool for your home and budget can be a daunting affair. So many choices and such odd terminology; hopper bottom, skimmer, return lines, cove etc. It’s not really that hard to cut through the noise and find the above ground pool that’s right for you.
Above ground pools come in two shapes; round and oval. These shapes are available in a number of sizes that most manufacturers sell. The most popular size is the 24 ft. round pool but round pools are available in diameters from 12 ft. to 33 ft. Oval pools usually start in the 12 ft. by 20-24 ft. size and get as large as 21 ft. x 41 ft. The area for your pool and your budget will combine to suggest the size that will work best. The ideal pool location will get at least 6-8 hours of sun during the summer and should be as flat and unobstructed as possible. Trees in particular can be troublesome if too close to a pool. Power lines or telephone poles are right out! Keep in mind that many oval pools have side supports or buttresses that can jut out as much as 2-3 feet from the base of the pool. Some newer oval designs have done away with buttresses that allows oval pools to go where ovals have never gone before.
Above ground pools are nearly always made of either steel or resin/plastic. Steel pools have been around for more than 40 years. Resin pools are relative newcomers. Corrosion is always a problem with steel pools and resin pools definitely will not rust. Resin pools generally cost more but industry figures put the average life span of an above ground pool at between 4 and 5 years. Rust may not be a factor! The choice is yours. Pools have gotten deeper in recent years. The standard 48 inch high pool is now overtopped by 52 inch and even 54 inch tall models.
To hold water, your pool needs a vinyl liner. There is a large selection of patterns from simple blue to exotic looking tile motifs and even a liner that mimics a tropical reef complete with fish and coral! Most pool packages are sold with an overlap style liner. These liners wrap over the top of the pool wall and cling to the outside of the pool. The liner is held in place by the top rail. You will also see beaded liners. These snap into a thin receiving strip just under the top rail on the inside of the pool and eliminate the overlap. Beaded liners tend to be an upgrade and cost more but they are usually a heavier, 25 gauge vinyl rather than the 20 gauge common in overlap liners.
The most important purchase after the pool itself is the filtration system. If you make an informed choice your pool will run cleaner and be less work. Sand and cartridge filters are the usual choices available for above ground pools. Each has advantages and drawbacks. Filter sand is inexpensive but if neglected can turn nasty and sand filters are a chore to clean and re-fill. Cartridge filters require less maintenance but cartridges do wear out and can cost over $200.00 to replace.
The heart of any pool filtration system is the pump. A good pump, properly matched to the size of your pool will give many years of dependable service. Don’t buy too much power. Pools need to have clean filtered water not imitate Old Faithful. Most above and many in-ground pools work well with no more than a 1 hp. pump and motor combination. Small to mid-size above ground pools do well with ¾ hp units. Proper pump sizing will use less electricity and less wear on hoses and filters.
Author: Rob Coxworth
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