SWIMMING POOL STYLE

Vinyl Pools

The most popular type of inground swimming pool in Canada is a vinyl-lined swimming pool. The wall structure uses prefabricated steel or composite wall panels supported by braces and the pool bottom is formed by a cement mixture that gives a hard, smooth surface. The vinyl liner is held in place using plastic or aluminum coping around the pool perimeter and when it is filled with water, the liner will self-adjust to smoothly fit the contours of the pool.

Customization of pool shapes is easily accomplished with liner pools and your builder can accommodate most design requests. Vinyl liners for inground pools come in a vast array of colours and patterns to suit everyone’s personal preferences and are well-known for an easy-to-maintain surface that will provide years of trouble free enjoyment.

In-Ground Concrete Pools

Creativity is the hallmark of the concrete pool as each one is a custom-built structure. Builders today can fulfill even the most challenging dreams and custom ideas that you can design. These pools are constructed entirely on site by first forming a network of steel reinforcing rods throughout the designed shape of the pool excavation. Concrete is then sprayed or poured in place to provide the extraordinary strength that these pools are known for.

To add the finishing touches, the interior can be completed with custom glass or ceramic tile patterns, specially coloured plaster, durable paint or specially reinforced vinyl liners. The options you have in design and finish are endless when you consider a concrete pool.

Fibreglass Pools

One-piece fibreglass swimming pools are another option for an inground swimming pool. The difficult work of fabricating the structure is completed in a factory and then the pool is shipped to your yard where it is readily installed. These pools are popular for their ease of maintenance and simplicity of assembly. Although more limited in available size and shape, these pools can still be customized with a variety of colour, finish and engineering options and work well in all soil conditions.

Above-Ground Pools

There are many reasons for the continued popularity of above-ground pools, not the least of which is all the fun you can soak up. Some of their key advantages include;

• Ease of installation
• No need for heavy equipment
• Advantage of portability.
• Budget-friendly investment.
• Lots of design choices

Often sold in do-it-yourself kits, above-ground pools are available in many different styles and materials. Structures are made from steel, aluminum, composite plastics or pre-finished wood and come with liners in a variety of colours and patterns. With most above-grounds, your municipality may still require fencing and your pool will not be safe for diving, but these affordable pools will get you and your family into the water and relaxing in no time. To further suit your family needs, plenty of options are available for decking, lighting, and other accessories to customize your pool to your satisfaction.

Soft-Sided Pools

The easy-to-install above-ground pool just got even easier. The introduction of the soft-sided pool has meant almost instantaneous relief from the heat as you literally spread the pool out on level ground and fill it with water. The structure is designed to be fully self-supporting and as the water level rises, an inflatable or foam-filled collar keeps the walls up. Made from a special heavy-duty reinforced vinyl, these pools do not require a special structure to keep a liner in place and while larger versions may require some additional supports, the concept remains the same- maximum swimming time with minimal installation.

On-Ground Pools

If you thought a swimming pool was out of the question because of the slope of your backyard, think again. Made of heavy steel, aluminum or wood panels, on-ground swimming pools are specially designed for uneven ground. The panels and braces are built strong enough to have some of the pool above the surface while other parts may be buried in the ground.

For many homeowners, this is an ideal pool that gives the look of an inground pool without the same costs. Decking choices abound as you can customize the look to whatever suits your needs. Some of these pools feature a built-in deck, stairs and fencing these pools making them ideal for yards with limited space. As with most other pools, you will have many options of liner colours, accessories and options.

Pool Accessories

Your pool dealer will be able to show you an incredible variety of pool accessories and equipment. To help plan your pool, sit down with your family and discuss some of the items you want to put on your wish list for your pool project. To help you get started, here are some of the categories of options you have for consideration.

• Timesaving options include automatic cleaners, chemical feeders and chlorine generators, remote controls and timers.
• Energy efficient selections such as heat saving pool covers, water saving filters, energy saving pumps and high efficiency heaters.
• Getting in and out is easier with built-in stairs, ramps and lifts for special needs.
• Activity choices include slides, diving boards, toys and games.
• Safety items to consider are safety covers, alarms and special child-barriers.
• Finishing possibilities are endless, but consider extra landscaping, fountains, a pool side spa, waterfalls, decking alternatives and other backyard feature items like gazebos and built-in BBQ’s.

Your pool dealer will be able to give you lots of good advice as you and your family design the pool of your dreams.