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5 Types of In-Ground Pool Options Compared

Choosing an in-ground pool for your home is an important decision to make. When you make the right decision, it’s an investment that will reap long-term benefits for your family for years to come.

There are multiple types of in-ground pools offered by expert pool builders in your area, and it can be hard to figure out which one you should use. This short guide will help you understand all of your choices and figure out which one is best for your needs.

1.   Concrete

When you first envision an in-ground pool, you likely imagine a concrete inlay. This is the most common material used for in-ground pools worldwide, but it’s not your only option.

However, concrete pools are so popular for a good reason. Once the ground is excavated and reinforced with steel, the concrete is poured and sealed with plaster, pebble, tile, or glass aggregate. After the construction is complete, your pool is durable enough to be considered nearly permanent.

2.   Vinyl

Concrete is a smart choice, but it’s also expensive. If you’re on a budget, you can get similar results from a vinyl-lined pool.

Rather than steel reinforcement, vinyl-lined pools are supported with panels, metal or plastic frames, and a sand base. The vinyl liner slides over the base and is sealed before adding water.

While vinyl pools aren’t as durable as their concrete counterparts, they can last nearly twenty years or longer if they’re maintained properly. However, they’re easy to puncture and may need expensive repairs.

3.   Fiberglass

An in-between option that isn’t quite as expensive as concrete but more durable than vinyl is fiberglass. These pools are pre-made as fiberglass shells. After the ground is excavated, the shell is lowered into the opening.

Fiberglass pools are faster to install and don’t require as much upkeep as concrete options. They’ll hold up for around 15 years, with minimal cracking and fading.

4.   Dunk

What’s a dunk pool, you ask? These pool innovations are newer to the neighborhood, yet they’re catching on fast.

Dunk pools take up less space than a traditional pool. They’re ideal for keeping kids cool and active or for adults who want to relax or do water aerobics. They’re made from steel, so they’re durable and ideal for yards where a conventional pool design won’t work.

These tech-friendly pool options are easy to integrate with software apps to control temperature, coloring, ambiance, and other features.

5.   Shipping Containers

You read that right. The world is going sustainable, and pool technology is right alongside it. Shipping containers are upcycled into swimming pools, creating an eco-friendly, less costly version of a pool that you can keep whenever you move.

You’re likely wondering how safe swimming in a shipping container can be. Since, if you use a professional pool company, they’re pre-assembled with fiberglass liners, they’re perfectly safe! You can even add a partition for a hot tub.

The downside to this kind of pool is that the walls aren’t designed with structural integrity in mind. DIYers will tell you that you can make your own shipping container pool, but unless you have the right skills, this can be dangerous. The floors and sides can rust or deteriorate if you don’t take care of them. It’s best to leave any pool installation to the experts.

As you check out your options for backyard pools, keep an open mind. What works for others might not be your best bet. These five options are available when you are ready to install your new pool.

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