Pools can be a great addition to your home, for entertainment or even raising the market value of your home. However, if poorly constructed, they can also become a money pit. Homeowners who are considering building one probably have no idea where to start. There are many options to consider when planning for your new recreational space, so it is easy to become confused, even before you begin making the actual building plans. It is important to take the planning stages one step at a time. Owners must consider how they plan to use the pool-will it be used for entertaining or exercise? First and foremost, the owner should make an effort to learn more about the different types of constructions available.
Aboveground pools: Generally, this style is made from a pre-fabricated kit. To install, you must first level the ground so that you can build on a flat surface. A perimeter track, which is made of metal, plastic, or wood, is then assembled to support the outer wall. Sand is spread around the area and plumbing is laid. The last step is to apply the liner to the walls. It is then filled with water while the liner is smoothed and fastened into place. Aboveground styles are cheaper, easier to build, and less permanent. They are also less durable and less attractive.
Fiberglass pools: Fiberglass-reinforced plastic is molded into a basin shape for this particular style. After the basin is made, crews dig a hole big enough to fit it and lay the plumbing. Sand may be spread as filler. Crews then lower the pool into the hole and level it out. The pool is ready to use after the plumbing is hooked up and the area is backfilled.
Vinyl-lined in-ground: This style is similar to the aboveground. Crews dig a hole, as with fiberglass pools. They then assemble a frame made from metal, wood, or plastic around the hole walls. Sand is laid at the bottom of the hole, and the lining is secured to the wall. This style is cheaper than standard in-ground styles, but not as durable, as the liner must be replaced every 10 year.
Gunite: As with the other in-ground styles, crews dig a hole, place plumbing and assemble a frame of steel rods. These rods are secured with wire, and then sprayed with a coating of gunite, which is a mixture of sand and cement. This mixture is smoothed with trowels. After the mixture sits for a week or more, workers apply a smooth finish to the surface. Gunite can be finished with any number of materials, such as tile, cement paint, or fiberglass. This style is durable, and can be made to any shape or size.
Poured-concrete and masonry-block: This style is like gunite, except concrete is actually poured into a wooden form instead of a frame made of steel rods. Pools made of masonry blocks are constructed with concrete blocks.
For pools, New Orleans residents rely on New Orleans Pool & Patio, Inc. Learn more at http://www.neworleanspoolandpatio.com.