What Shape is Best for my Swimming Pool?
What’s a dream house without a pool? Incomplete.
The time has come where you have came to your senses and finally decided on investing in an in-ground swimming pool. The pool will take care of you on those hot days here in Charlotte, NC and will give your family and guests something to do. Before the digging begins, designs need to be made. One of the biggest parts of the design you may ask? Shape of pool. Let’s take a look at the two most popular ways to go about this:
Rectangular
For starters, we have your traditional rectangular pool. This shape is timeless and can provide a variety of benefits. A rectangular pool is more apt for those daily swimmers who like to enjoy their time swimming laps. This may be deemed better than a lap pool because it provides the space to do laps, but also space for activities with the kids. On top of that, it works well in backyards that have a more geometric landscape surrounding it.
Freeform
Freeform pools are perfect for those who like to color outside the lines and be a little bit non traditional. There’s no specific shape when it comes to designing. It depends on what you want and what your contractor can do for you. This shape is ideal for more natural landscapes and can implement other water features with the design such as waterfalls. This may give a very cozy and natural feel to your backyard oasis.
Need help choosing? Reach out to us here at Outdoor Influence Design & Build and we can assist in coming up with the perfect design that fits all your wants and needs. Once you are in love with your design we can make these dreams into a reality and bring those designs to life!
Why You Should Invest in a Pergola
Looking to upgrade your backyard space? Not sure exactly how to spice it up? Try a Pergola!
Pergolas are just the perfect structure to add if you are looking for a focal point in your outdoor living area. They are very easy to maintain, as there’s little to no maintenance once they are built. While providing elegance and comfort, these structures will give you exactly what you need. Pergolas can be designed to custom liking and there’s many ways to style them. Need a space to cool off and relax when getting out of the pool on a hot summer’s day? Or how about an area for picnics or BBQs with the family? Pergolas can provide the shelter to host a number of activities!
Pergola Designs & Extras:
Custom Designed Pergolas
Wood Pergolas
Pergolas attached to homes
Cedar Pergolas
Aluminum Pergolas
Shade Structures
Garden Pergola
Pergola Construction
Decks With Pergolas
Pergolas With A Canopy
Custom Pergola Building
Unique Shade Structures
Pergola Lighting
Adding the Perfect ‘Wow’ Factor to Your Pool
Are you looking to spice up your pool design this summer and add a wow factor to your backyard? Outdoor Influence Design & Build has just the right tips for you.
1. Swim up bar
When entertaining guests, you want to make sure they’re comfortable in your personal environment. Picture this, it’s a hot summer day here in Charlotte, NC and you just want to take a dip and have a drink while having a great chat with a close friend. Instead of having to go in and out of your backyard oasis, you’re able to enjoy it all at one, in your pool with a drink at arm’s reach. Everyone feels like they’re on vacation with this feature in their backyard!
2. Infinity edge pool
There’s nothing more sleek and cutting edge than a literal infinity edge pool. This kind of design says modern like no other.
3. Pool water fountains
A very easy and simple way to add some sparkle to your pool is adding pool fountains. This can include jets, water bowls, or cascade fountains; these can add more of an overall complexion to your pool!
4. Water slide
What’s a better way to keep the kids entertained than to add a fun dimension to your waterscape? Pool slides can be made out of a fiberglass gelcoat or a molded polyethylene plastic. These materials are durable and resistant to rust, corrosion and chemicals. Plus many pool slides can be made to fit the style of your backyard!
5. Rain curtains
Rain curtains can be used in multiple ways, but many stem from a pergola and extend into the pool. This is a tranquil way to keep water flowing in a few aesthetically pleasing manner that’s slightly different from jets and water bowls.
What Your Outdoor Living Space Says About You…
You can tell a lot about someone’s interior design and how they decorate their homes. The same came be said about how one styles their outdoor living space as well.
Outdoor living spaces have different levels of functionality depending on the person. If you are an extrovert and enjoy socializing often, your outdoor living space might reflect this in the amount of seating arrangements you have. Multiple areas including a large dining table, long bar, sectional couches and lounge chairs might suggest you love to host get-togethers with friends and family. This outgoing personality is often expressed with bright colors or patterns and lots of artwork, along with many cushions and a full kitchen to keep your guests comfortable and entertained. This type of style will for sure be a conversation starter in any scenario.
Those who lean more introverted might enjoy minimalist styles and cool tones amongst their environment. This reflects your calm and relaxed personality. You backyard might be viewed as your safe haven and is your own place to let loose after a long day. Instead of excessive seating, your space might include water features and an area for meditation with a lot of plants. While you may still have a social butterfly’s outdoor kitchen or lounging area, it will be more styled to your liking and comfortability.
You may find yourself to be in between an extreme introvert vs. an extreme extrovert. This may include a mix of features from above, and in addition, a fireplace, pool, or BBQ area. The area is typically well kept in case you have family over, but still designed to your individual liking. Whatever your style is and wherever your personality lands, it’s important to create a design that’s customized to what your outdoor living purpose is.
Post-Flood Pool Recovery
It’s been a rainy past couple of weeks so far here in Charlotte, NC and it’s surrounding suburbs. After a series of thunderstorms and flooding, you might be looking at dirty water in your pool. This might include excess water with mud, algae buildup, increased phosphate levels and pH imbalances. It might also include debris from your surrounding area, depending on what that may be. We’re here to keep you educated and assist you in the post-flood clean up of your pools.
First thing’s first, you are going to want to start clean up by clearing all debris from your pool, the skimmer basket and the pump basket.
If your pool appears orange in color or seems to have mud mixed in, apply a flocculant to bind micro particles together. From here, leave the flocculant in for 1-2 days and then vacuum pool floor to waste.
Following the flocculant, go ahead and test your pool water to check and see if any contaminants are left. Floods tend to wash a mix of matter into pools.
Check these results and replace any salts and minerals needed for your pool’s water system.
If there are any phosphates that are left unwanted (shown after you test the water), use phosphate remover to lift them.
Leave your pump and filter running until your pool is balanced and restored to its proper levels.
Along with running your filter, use a clarifier to avoid algae buildup. Go ahead and backwash your filter and check your pressure valve.
Retest pool water once more to make sure that chemicals are properly balanced and to your liking.
To prevent any future messes that are caused by flooding, it may be in your interest to invest in a sturdy pool cover to protect your pool from any unwanted debris after heavy storms.
Our July Landscaping Picks for Shady Gardens
When it comes to picking out your landscaping, you want to find the best fitted plants for your home. One of the most important factors is analyzing the hardiness levels of each plant with the area it is being planted. The Charlotte, North Carolina region falls into Zone 7 so here’s our top 5 plant picks for the month that best fits shady gardens.
Patriot Hosta
Plant Type: Perennials
Plant Family: Hosta - Plantain Lilies
Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest: Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early,Mid, Late), Fall
Height 1' - 2'
Spread 4' - 5'
Spacing 48"
Water Needs
Average Maintenance: Low
Soil Type: Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage: Moist but Well-Drained Characteristics: Plant of Merit, Showy
Garden Uses: Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles: City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
Little Vision in Pink Astilbe
Plant Type: Perennials
Plant Family: Astilbes
Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest: Summer (Mid)
Height: 1’-2’
Spread: 1’-2’
Spacing: 15”-18”
Water Needs: Average High
Maintenance: Low
Soil Type: Loam
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soul Drainage: Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
Characteristics: Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance: Deer, Rabbit
Attracts: Butterflies
Garden Uses: Beds and Borders, Bog Gardens, Patio and Containers, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles: Informal and Cottage
Tassel Fern
Plant Type: Ferns
Plant Family: Polystichum- Ferns
Exposure: Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest: Spring (Early,Mid, Late), Summer (Early,Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height: 2' - 3'
Spread: 2' - 3'
Spacing: 36"
Water Needs: Average
Maintenance: Low
Soil Type: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage: Well-Drained
Characteristics: Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance: Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses: Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles: City and Courtyard,
Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
Pink frost HCG Lenten Rose
Plant Type: Perennials
Plant Family: Helleborus - Hellebores
Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest: Spring (Early), Winter
Height: 1' - 2'
Spread: 1' - 2'
Spacing: 12" - 18"
Water Needs: Average
Maintenance: Low
Soil Type: Chalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pH: Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage: Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics: Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance: Deer
Garden Uses: Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles: Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
Obsidian Coral Bells
Plant Type: Perennials
Plant Family: Heuchera - Coral Bells
Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest: Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early,Mid,Late), Fall
Height: 10" - 2'
Spread: 1' - 2'
Spacing: 12" - 18"
Water Needs: Average
Maintenance-Low
Soil Type: Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil Drainage: Moist but Well-Drained, Well- Drained
Characteristics: Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Tolerance: Deer
Attracts: Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses: Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles: City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage
Backyard Lighting Guide
Pergola lighting
Adding a pergola feature to your deck can make it really unique. The pillars and crossbeams of the pergola provide a great platform for a variety of lighting options. For example, Incorporating recessed lighting fixtures will create a beautiful, inviting feel to your visiting & dining areas. This is achieved by installing a fixture to the beams, casting down a soft wash of light. Another option is uplighting: these fixtures are attached to the bottom of the pergola or installed in the flooring to highlight the structure's architecture.
Bistro lighting + Step lighting
Incorporating step lighting with bistros lights accomplishes the safety aspect along with creating a fun, festive atmosphere for your entertaining or relaxing after a long day. To safely illuminate these steps, it is suggested to use recessed tread fixtures. The tread light is fixed to the back into the vertical face of step this directs light down on the horizontal surface below. Adding bistro light strands creates an inviting nighttime ambiance that draws you in.
LED strip lights
LED strip lights are extremely popular because of how versatile they are. They provide a unique way to illuminate deck stairs and railings. They are also great for accenting under counters of your BBQ & dining areas. These are flexible strips with tiny LED lights embedded in them. They generally come on a roll and usually have an adhesive backing.
Finding ways to have the deck of your dreams is limitless but hopefully we've helped in some key areas. As you can see, deck lighting provides an inviting yet relaxing ambiance that also incorporates nighttime safety in a practical way.
Post lighting
Post lights emit light downwards and are a great safety feature for railing posts. This light is generally soft, not overpowering, and works well for safety lighting . Post lights come in a variety of styles & designs that add life to your deck while ensuring you and your guests are safe.
Pool Maintenance Guide 101
As we stated last week, with different water systems comes different kind of maintenance, but regardless there are some things all pools need. Take note of the equipment for cleaning that all pool owners should have and chemicals that will keep your pool fresh.
Equipment Needed:
Filter
Filter Media
Pump
Heater
Test Strips
Pool cover
Cleaning:
Telescope pole: The primary tool — used to vacuum, brush or skim any pool width as it extends and shrinks to fit your needs.
Vacuum: The hose and head work together alongside the telescope pole to suck up any unwanted debris.
Filter cleaner: Help your filter do its job by regularly removing residue buildup from your filter.
Pool shock: "Shocking” refers to the process of adding chlorine or non-chlorine chemicals to your pool in order to raise the "free chlorine” level to a point where contaminates such as algae, combined chlorine (also known as chloramines) and bacteria are destroyed.
Chemicals
A combination of chlorine, algaecide, bromine, alkalinity balancers, and pH balancers are needed to properly clean the pool.
Chlorine and bromine- Both work to break down bacteria but both of these sanitizers are vulnerable to the sun’s UV light, but adding a conditioner to chlorine helps slow down this process
Bromine- Best served for pools with warmer temperatures like hot tubs or spas.
Consider replacing chlorine tablets or liquid with a salt chlorinator, as salt-chlorinated water isn’t as abrasive on skin. Algaecides are copper-based treatments that stop algae in its tracks from growing on the surface, walls and steps of your pool. Alkalinity balancers and pH balancers work differently to maintain the chemistry of your pool, and too high or low readings of either can leave room for lime or bacteria growth and make your pool water cloudy.
Choosing Your Pool’s Water System
Chlorine vs. Saltwater Pools
Before it comes time to fill your pool & choose your water system it’s important to educate yourself on your options. Chlorine and saltwater are the two most popular water systems, and while saltwater still contains chlorine, it has a much lower portion. Let’s go ahead and analyze the pros and cons of each.
When it comes to safety…
Saltwater is better for the skin and eyes— a pro for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Chlorine pools can dry out skin and damage the eyes. Chlorine must be stored properly to prevent chemical hazards from occurring. Saltwater pools don’t require the same precautions as chlorine pools do. Regular exposure to heavily chlorinated pools may have underlying side effects and pose health risks, while saltwater does not.
When it comes to cost…
There’s tradeoffs of every deal. Saltwater pools do require a higher initial cost that chlorine pools due to the installation of the saltwater generator, but this cost is paid off over years of little maintenance compared to chlorine. Yearly maintenance sits at $300-$800 for chlorine pools and only $70-$100 for saltwater. That being said, in warmer regions, both water systems need more chlorine to keep clean which increases the overall costs.
When it comes to design & build…
Before choosing one of the two water systems it is important to take note of their effects on the surrounding areas of the pool— including the pool’s construction and landscaping. Saltwater has a greater affect on the pool’s features and overall makeup of the materials, while chlorine does not. The surrounding soil and landscaping may need to be altered when choosing a saltwater pool.
After taking note of these differences, be sure to discuss with your contractor what kind of water system you would like to utilize and generate a plan for maintaining it.
Pool Design & Build: A Simplified Breakdown of the Process
Those in Charlotte, North Carolina who are familiar with us at Outdoor Influence Design & Build know we are all about perfecting homeowners’ landscaping and pool designs. While giving you an exceptional backyard, we want you to know the step by step process that we follow when implementing your designs. Here’s a quick break down of our pool design process this summer.
1: Layout and Design
Outdoor Influence’s first step of the process is all about getting familiar with what you have to work with. This means taking the proper measurements and getting a feel for what kind of potential the space holds. With Outdoor Influence, you will have our expert design team with you every step of the way to create 2D plans and 3D renderings.
Our design team will get a list of everything from size, shape, materials and customized desires to create your perfect pool. This will be followed in the entire process as a guide to making your dreams a reality here in Charlotte.
2: Excavation
The second step of the process is all about excavating the premises. Using the correct measurements from the planning and design step ensure everything will fit correcting after excavation. This must be done correctly to ensure that the pool will be safe and stable. This ultimately determines the foundation of your pool.
3: Rebar Installation
After the excavation is complete, the next step is to install the rebar framework. This is another very important step because it will provide support for your pool. The rebar needs to be installed correctly so that it can support the weight of the pool and withstand the forces of nature.
4: Plumbing
Following the rebar installation, the next step in building your dream pool is to install the plumbing. This includes installing the pumps, drains, filters, and other equipment that will be used to operate your pool. It is important to make sure that the plumbing is installed correctly so that your pool will function properly. If you’ve selected other features like waterfalls or jets, we’ll also install the plumbing for these features at this time.
5: Gunite / Concrete Filling
After the plumbing is installed, the next step is to spray the pool with gunite or concrete. This is a very important step because it will provide the structure of your pool. It is important to make sure that the gunite or concrete is properly mixed and applied so that your pool will be strong and durable.
If you plan on using a pre-formed fiberglass pool form instead of a gunite or concrete pool, then this is the step where it would be installed.
6: Tile & Coping
Installing the tile is next up on the agenda, as it starts to enhance the overall aesthetic of the entire design. This includes installing the coping, tiles, and other features that will make your pool look great!
7: Lights & Extras
The final step of the physical build is the interior finishes. This would include installing the lights, steps, and other features that will make your pool complete. In addition to the tile work, the interior finishings are what will really make your pool stand out and give it its own unique look.
8: Safety Check
The safety check includes adding water and chemicals to your pool and testing everything out. Once everything is started and clear to use, it is now time to use your newly built pool!
Breaking the Myth: Travertine vs. Pavers
So you have decided to make some upgrades and implement a pool in your outdoor living space. This means it’s time to make a decision regarding the aesthetics and overall care for your backyard— including the pool deck. Some of the most important factors when making pool decking decisions include function, durability, safety, maintenance requirements, and cost. Two of the most common pool deck materials include travertine and pavers. Travertine is considered a natural stone material which is known to stay cool during hot weather, but it does have its downsides. Pavers can be broken down into two categories: brick and concrete. All three have their own lists of pros and cons and that’s what we’re here to discuss.
Travertine Pros vs. Cons
Pros:
Long-term durability,
Porosity, allowing for good drainage and quick drying,
Resistance to damage from temperature variations,
Eco-friendly qualities,
Smooth and cool to walk on, even in high temperatures,
No efflorescence,
Travertine will not harbor pests or attract insects,
Resistant to freeze-thaw cycles,
Cons:
A travertine deck must be sealed initially, and periodically thereafter,
Some liquids may etch or stain the surface,
Weight may be a problem unless the deck area is thoroughly stabilized,
Available in limited colors other than neutral tones.
Travertine can crack and chip with hard use.
Brick Pavers Pros vs. Cons
Pros
Stain resistance and ease of maintenance,
Ready availability,
Permanent color in a wide variety of hues,
Quality consistency,
Textured slip resistance,
Design flexibility.
Cons:
Settling and uneven surfaces can be a problem,
If installed on the sand, weeds can grow between the brick,
Moss, mold, fungus and efflorescence can be problematic in wet, humid areas,
Brick gets hot, and brick surfaces can be rough.
Concrete Pavers Pros vs. Cons
Pros:
Add value to your home
Affordable and easy to install
The most resistant material out of the three
Long durability- can last for decades
Most color options available
Cons:
Settling and uneven surfaces can be a problem,
need to be sealed and regularly cleaned to protect the installation as a whole.
While travertine poses some great advantages, it also has a number of disadvantages that pavers do not have. Travertine looks great when it’s first installed, but the durability may not measure up to that of pavers. With that being said, travertine is harder to install and can also be cracked or chipped easier with heavy usage. Pavers may be a little bit hotter with temperature, but last longer and will provide a sleeker look over the course of time.
What Type of Inground Pool Is Best for Me?
What Type of Inground Pool Is Best for Me?
As any woman in a clothing store will tell you, there's no such thing as "one size fits all." There are too many variables—the length, the fabric, the cut. The same "universal" shirt is too small on one person and too big on another.
When you're looking for an inground pool, there's no universal "best" pool type either.
Hold on... Shouldn't we at River Pools say that there is? We specialize in fiberglass pools, after all. Well, no.
Every person has different goals for their pool, different boundaries, and different families.
What are your priorities?
What space are you working with?
How big is your family, and how big might it get in the future?
All 3 pool types have pros and cons. Our goal is to help you evaluate those pros and cons so you can decide which one is the best inground pool for you and your family.
Areas to compare:
Maintenance
Install speed (and messiness)
Durability
Attractive
Upfront cost and long-term cost
Customizability
Surface texture
Which pool type has the least maintenance?
Concrete
Concrete pools need a lot of help. Porous plaster both leaches alkalinity into the water and welcomes algae. Booo.
Many concrete pool owners hire a pool cleaning service to take care of the weekly upkeep.
Of course, you should always have a professional for acid washes and resurfacing. It's safer that way.
Running the pool’s pump/filter system daily
Cleaning out debris
Balancing the water chemistry weekly
Steel-brushing the pool weekly
Acid washes every 3–5 years
Resurfacing and replacing the waterline tile every 8–12 years
Vinyl Liner
The liner is less porous and doesn't affect the water chemistry. However, algae can pop up in corners with no circulation.
The biggest maintenance issue is replacing the liner.
Running the pool’s pump/filter system daily
Cleaning out debris
Balancing the water chemistry weekly
Brushing the pool weekly
Replacing the liner every 5–9 years
Fiberglass
Fiberglass pool gelcoats are much less porous than plaster—smooth and algae-resistant!
The gelcoat doesn't affect the water chemistry, and (if made and maintained right) it should never need refinishing.
Running the pool’s pump/filter system daily
Cleaning out debris
Balancing the water chemistry weekly
Brushing the pool weekly
Which pool type has the easiest installation?
Concrete
Concrete pools take the longest to build. At minimum, 3 months. Often longer.
And your yard is in chaos the whole time. There's often a lot of overspray, which creates a huge mess.
Vinyl Liner
Vinyl liner pools take about 4–8 weeks to build.
That's a bit longer than fiberglass pools, but still much less than concrete pools.
Fiberglass
Ready for this?
A fiberglass pool installation takes only 3–6 weeks on average, and that time is almost all patio work. (Of course, this time can vary depending on the project.)
The pool itself is full of water and swim-ready by day 2.
This is because fiberglass pool shells are pre-manufactured in a factory, from a mold. We don't build it on-site in your backyard. (That saves some mess as well as time.)
Which pool type is the most durable?
Concrete
Real talk: the structure of a concrete pool will probably survive Armageddon.
The interior finish is sturdy too, but mortal.
Depending on the type of material (plaster, aggregate, or tile), you'll need to refinish the surface every 8–12 years. This usually includes replacing any waterline tile, too.
Salt chlorine generators also don't do well with plaster or aggregate surfaces. The salt in the water wears away at the plaster faster, meaning you have to resurface even sooner.
Vinyl Liner
Vinyl liner pools are the least durable of the three types, by far.
The liner has to be replaced every 5–9 years. (You'll also find that the warranty is wayyy pro-rated. Ugh.)
Beware of leaks, especially with metal wall panels. They'll rust—all the way through, if it goes on long enough.
Polymer wall panels can become brittle and break.
Salt systems are extra bad for metal wall panels in leaking cases. However, the salt doesn't impact polymer wall panels.
Fiberglass
The structure of a fiberglass pool stands up well to movement in the surrounding earth. Its natural flexibility lets it stay in place without cracking.
If properly manufactured and maintained, the gel coat surface should never need to be refinished either.
Which pool type is the most attractive?
Concrete
Concrete pools are the "classic" look. Even simple white plaster looks good if well maintained.
Of course, there are also the pool owners that go all out, like the Olympic-length pool or the full-on natural grotto aesthetic.
Basically, concrete pools only look bad when they're neglected.
Vinyl Liner
Vinyl liner pools tend to look inexpensive. To be fair, that's because they are.
You can always upgrade! High-quality add-ons and surroundings can transform a liner pool.
However, those upgrades cost a pretty penny. It basically negates the initial savings and puts you up to fiberglass-pool-level expenses. (Still cheaper than a concrete pool, though.)
Fiberglass
Fiberglass pools look great with both simple and complex aesthetics.
Which pool type is the most customizable?
Concrete
Concrete pools are crazy customizable.
You know those pools you've seen that is shaped like a guitar? Or a duck? Odds are good that they're concrete.
Vinyl Liner
Vinyl liner pools can also be designed in custom shapes.
However, keep in mind that the liner has to be cut and fit to match that shape. That can make intricate shape detailing difficult.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass pools are limited to the shapes and sizes of preexisting molds. They generally don't get bigger than 16 by 40 ft.
However, there are so many options out there. Tanning ledges, bench seats, deep ends...pretty much everyone can find a design they love.
And the sky is the limit with all the other aspects of the pool project—Gelcoat color, patio, water features, accessories, waterline tile, and more.
You can check out our own designs to see examples of fiberglass pool models.
Which pool type costs the least?
For more details, check out our Inground Pool Cost Guide or our blog article How much does an inground pool cost?
The upfront cost of a pool
Concrete
Concrete pools generally cost $50,000–$100,000 upfront.
Vinyl Liner
Most vinyl liner pools cost $35,000–$65,000 upfront.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass pools cost $45,000–$85,000 upfront.
The long-term cost of a pool
Concrete
Concrete pool maintenance will cost about $27,400 over 10 years.
Heavy chemical usage (about $750 a season)
Electrical energy (about $400 a season)
Acid washes every 3–5 years ($450 on average)
Resurfacing and replacing the waterline tile every 8–12 years ($6,000–$10,000)
Weekly pool cleaning service (about $500 a season)
Vinyl Liner
Vinyl liner pools cost about $11,500 in maintenance over 10 years.
Chemicals (about $400 a season)
Electrical energy (about $300 a season)
Replacing the liner every 5–9 years (about $4,500 each time)
Fiberglass
A fiberglass pool only costs about $3,760 in maintenance over 10 years.
Chemicals (about $175 a year)
Electrical energy (about $200 a year)
Which pool type has the best surface?
Concrete
A plaster finish on a concrete pool is rough, especially on kids' skin. Many children have to wear swim shoes in a concrete pool.
Exposed aggregate isn't rough like plaster. However, it's bumpy, and walking on that can be uncomfortable too.
Tile is much smoother than plaster or exposed aggregate. The only potential issue is if a tile loosens or cracks. The sharp edge would hurt if you stepped on it.
Polished aggregate is the smoothest interior finish for a concrete pool. It's aggregate, but the bumpy exterior bits are shaved off, leaving a perfectly smooth surface.
Vinyl Liner
Pool liners are smooth everywhere except for the slight seam where one piece meets another. The bump there is noticeable but not sharp.
Fiberglass
A fiberglass pool Gelcoat is super smooth. Ask to feel a sample!
At River Pools we include anti-slip texture on our steps and seats. It isn't rough at all—just a slight texture to help you keep your balance.
What pool type fits me best?
When it comes to which pool type might be a good fit for you, here's what we've found in a nutshell:
A concrete pool might be a good fit if you...
Have a budget of $70k and up
Need a custom shape or depth, or can't find a fiberglass pool you like
Don't mind spending a significant amount of your spare time and/or money maintaining the pool
Are okay with investing tens of thousands of dollars to keep the pool in working order
A vinyl liner pool might be a good fit if you...
Have a budget of $45k and up
Will only live in the home for two or three years (and can avoid the first liner replacement)
Want the biggest pool for the cheapest price
A fiberglass pool might be a good fit if you...
Have a budget of $55k and up
Can find a fiberglass swimming pool design that meets your needs
Want low maintenance
Want a pool that doesn't cost a fortune in the long run
Want a quick and relatively pain-free installation
With that in mind, if you're interested, you can check out our fiberglass pool designs.