In my last post about Above and Inground Swimming Pools and Supplies, I discussed swimming pool covers. While covers are important, it is also important to choose the type of material that the pool will be made of. If you are thinking about an inground swimming pool, there are many options here, including concrete, vinyl and fiberglass. I will discuss fiberglass swimming pools in this post.
Fiberglass, as the name implies, are tiny fibers of glass that serve as a fortifying agent for a polymer resulting in a composite material. Because it is made of tiny fibers, fiberglass can be sprayed into any application and hardened into any shape. It can be smoothed, resists fading and is inert to algae formation. It is a very strong substance, must stronger than concrete or vinyl. Because of its properties, it is ideally suited for the application of fiberglass swimming pools.
Fiberglass Swimming Pools vs. Concrete Swimming Pools
Concrete can crack and eventually requires resurfacing, repainting or sealing. These issues are completely avoided with fiberglass. And because of how fiberglass is manufactured, it is much easier to create odd shapes and additional features, such as steps and benches. Concrete also can have a rough or pitted surface where as fiberglass is completely smooth. Do you want your family scratching their feet, legs and arms every time they jump in or scrape on the bottom? Concrete can even buckle or split in cold weather climates. The strength of fiberglass can resist these soil forces. Because of this, they are ideal in seasonal climates.
Fiberglass Swimming Pools vs. Vinyl Swimming Pools
Vinyl looses its elasticity, eventually cracking or tearing. Vinyl also is susceptible to sun rays which penetrate and fade, often within the first year. You can expect a vinyl liner to require replacement every 6-7 years at an expense of $3k-$5k. Fiberglass swimming pools are a solid single unit. They don’t fade, crack or tear. Because of this, they are ideal in extremely sunny climates.
One other point is for the maintenance of the swimming pool. Because fiberglass swimming pools are much smoother than concrete or vinyl, they require a lower chemical level to remove dirt, debris and algae. This saves money on the length of time required to run your pump, the amount of chemicals you use and even how long it takes to vacuum. And because fiberglass is a better insulator than concrete or vinyl, it will save you money on heating your pool
Well, that is all for now. I hope you found my post on fiberglass swimming pools informative and see you around the pool!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Fiberglass Swimming Pools
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Above and Inground Swimming Pools and Supplies: Pool Covers
In my last post about Above and Inground Swimming Pools and Supplies I discussed the various types of swimming pools. For all pool types, when you are not using the pool or when swimming is not in season you will want to have a cover on the pool. Swimming pool covers keep debris and the elements out of the pool and can provide additional benefits including safety and heating. There are various kinds of swimming pool covers from solid winter covers, to safety pass-through covers, to automated covers, to solar heating covers.
Winter Swimming Pool Covers
These types of covers can be purchased for Above and Inground Swimming Pools. They are made of solid opaque material that does not let dirt, leaves and debris enter the pool. Generally they are weighted down with sand or water bags. They are not anchored in the decking surrounding the swimming pool as rainwater can collect on the surface that may need pumping to remove. For these reasons, they are generally not considered safe when small children or pets are in the houshold
Safety Pass-Through Covers
These types of covers are normally purchased for Inground Swimming Pools. They are made of a fine but sturdy mesh that allows rain water and fine dirt and debris to pass through and enter into the pool. They are normally anchored into the decking that surrounds the pool and are very strong and durable. For these reasons, they are generally considered safe when small children or pets are in the house hold
Solar Heating Covers
These types of covers are normally purchased for Above and Inground Swimming Pools. They are made of a solid, but transparent material that traps heat inside the swimming pool while allowing the penetrating sun's rays to heat the water. Solar heating covers are normally controlled by an automated mechanism to facilitate daily use. These types of covers are generally not considered safety covers as they are not anchored into the decking.
Spa Covers
These types of covers are generally thick insulated hard covers that completely cover the spa. The insulation helps keep the heat inside the spa and the hard top keeps dirt, debris and weather elements out of the spa. Generally, the spa cover is equipped with a locking mechanism to keep small children from accessing the spa when not in use.
I have personally used all these types of covers. If you do not have small children and pets, I would highly recommend against the safety pass-through covers for Above and Inground Swimming Pools. The reason for this is that the dirt and debris that pass through the cover greatly increase the amount of time it takes to open the pool at the beginning of the swimming season. I currently have the safety cover and when I take the cover off, the water is black from algae blooms which takes consider chemical supplies to bring under control. My neighbor has a solid winter cover. He pumps off the rainwater, removes the sand or water bags, regulates the chemicals and he can swim the same day. It takes me 7 to 10 days just to get clear water.
Now I've discussed various types of pool covers for Above and Inground Swimming Pools.
Winter Swimming Pool Covers
These types of covers can be purchased for Above and Inground Swimming Pools. They are made of solid opaque material that does not let dirt, leaves and debris enter the pool. Generally they are weighted down with sand or water bags. They are not anchored in the decking surrounding the swimming pool as rainwater can collect on the surface that may need pumping to remove. For these reasons, they are generally not considered safe when small children or pets are in the houshold
Safety Pass-Through Covers
These types of covers are normally purchased for Inground Swimming Pools. They are made of a fine but sturdy mesh that allows rain water and fine dirt and debris to pass through and enter into the pool. They are normally anchored into the decking that surrounds the pool and are very strong and durable. For these reasons, they are generally considered safe when small children or pets are in the house hold
Solar Heating Covers
These types of covers are normally purchased for Above and Inground Swimming Pools. They are made of a solid, but transparent material that traps heat inside the swimming pool while allowing the penetrating sun's rays to heat the water. Solar heating covers are normally controlled by an automated mechanism to facilitate daily use. These types of covers are generally not considered safety covers as they are not anchored into the decking.
Spa Covers
These types of covers are generally thick insulated hard covers that completely cover the spa. The insulation helps keep the heat inside the spa and the hard top keeps dirt, debris and weather elements out of the spa. Generally, the spa cover is equipped with a locking mechanism to keep small children from accessing the spa when not in use.
I have personally used all these types of covers. If you do not have small children and pets, I would highly recommend against the safety pass-through covers for Above and Inground Swimming Pools. The reason for this is that the dirt and debris that pass through the cover greatly increase the amount of time it takes to open the pool at the beginning of the swimming season. I currently have the safety cover and when I take the cover off, the water is black from algae blooms which takes consider chemical supplies to bring under control. My neighbor has a solid winter cover. He pumps off the rainwater, removes the sand or water bags, regulates the chemicals and he can swim the same day. It takes me 7 to 10 days just to get clear water.
Now I've discussed various types of pool covers for Above and Inground Swimming Pools.
Above and Inground Swimming Pools and Supplies
Welcome to Above and Inground Swimming Pools and Supplies. I aim to discuss the basic swimming pool types, such as Above Ground Swimming Pools, Inground Swimming Pools, Spas, Small Swimming Pools and the basics of using Swimming Pool Supplies.
The first question you may ask are what are the different types of swimming pools?
Above Ground Pools
As the name describes, the above ground pool type rests on top of the ground. These pools come in 12, 15, 18, 21, 24 and 27' diameter round sizes standard and run 48" deep. They are composed of a pool wall and frame, liner, pump, filter and ladder (for entry). Usually these are built next to an existing deck but some may come with a small access deck. A diving board is not permitted on above ground pool installations.
Inground Pools
Also as the name implies, the inground pool type is dug into the ground. The come in all shapes and sizes from rectangular 8x16' to 20x60' and larger or any other shape imaginable. Inground swimming pools usually slope from a shallow end depth of 36" to 8,10 or even 12' at the deep end. The inground pools are usually composed of concrete, vinyl or fiberglass. On the top ridge encircling the pool is the coping, usually consisting of concrete, stone or brick. The coping is usually attached to the outer pool decking, usually made of wood, concrete, brick or stone. Steps are usually added at the shallow end and an access ladder at the deep end. Additionally, a diving board can be added if the pool has a depth above 8'. A pump, filter and plumbing system is required to circulate and filter the swimming pool water.
Spas
These are shallow mini pools that are usually heated and contain water jets at various depths to create a massaging, bubbling effect. They range in size from as small as 2 adults (6' x 6') up to 8 adults (7' x 7 ') and even larger with custom spas. Spas can be above ground or inground, attached to a deck or even attached to a swimming pool. A spa is usually contained in a single unit comprised of a fiberglass shell sitting on a pedestal. The pump and filter are usually under the spa but on larger models they may be detached.
Swimming Pool Supplies
Beyond the pool types, there are standard supplies required to maintain and take care of your swimming pool or spa. These inlude skimmers, poles, chemicals, covers, vacuums, hoses, floats and pool toys.
In following posts I will answer more detailed questions. What are their shapes and sizes? What are the pros and cons of each? How much do each swimming pool type cost? How are the pool types maintained? What are the components of each swimming pool type? What is the cost to maintain? Basically the questions leading up to what kind of pool, if any, you should own.
Well I hope you have gotten a basic understanding of Above and Inground Swimming Pools and Supplies and will see you around the pool!
The first question you may ask are what are the different types of swimming pools?
Above Ground Pools
As the name describes, the above ground pool type rests on top of the ground. These pools come in 12, 15, 18, 21, 24 and 27' diameter round sizes standard and run 48" deep. They are composed of a pool wall and frame, liner, pump, filter and ladder (for entry). Usually these are built next to an existing deck but some may come with a small access deck. A diving board is not permitted on above ground pool installations.
Inground Pools
Also as the name implies, the inground pool type is dug into the ground. The come in all shapes and sizes from rectangular 8x16' to 20x60' and larger or any other shape imaginable. Inground swimming pools usually slope from a shallow end depth of 36" to 8,10 or even 12' at the deep end. The inground pools are usually composed of concrete, vinyl or fiberglass. On the top ridge encircling the pool is the coping, usually consisting of concrete, stone or brick. The coping is usually attached to the outer pool decking, usually made of wood, concrete, brick or stone. Steps are usually added at the shallow end and an access ladder at the deep end. Additionally, a diving board can be added if the pool has a depth above 8'. A pump, filter and plumbing system is required to circulate and filter the swimming pool water.
Spas
These are shallow mini pools that are usually heated and contain water jets at various depths to create a massaging, bubbling effect. They range in size from as small as 2 adults (6' x 6') up to 8 adults (7' x 7 ') and even larger with custom spas. Spas can be above ground or inground, attached to a deck or even attached to a swimming pool. A spa is usually contained in a single unit comprised of a fiberglass shell sitting on a pedestal. The pump and filter are usually under the spa but on larger models they may be detached.
Swimming Pool Supplies
Beyond the pool types, there are standard supplies required to maintain and take care of your swimming pool or spa. These inlude skimmers, poles, chemicals, covers, vacuums, hoses, floats and pool toys.
In following posts I will answer more detailed questions. What are their shapes and sizes? What are the pros and cons of each? How much do each swimming pool type cost? How are the pool types maintained? What are the components of each swimming pool type? What is the cost to maintain? Basically the questions leading up to what kind of pool, if any, you should own.
Well I hope you have gotten a basic understanding of Above and Inground Swimming Pools and Supplies and will see you around the pool!
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