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Having a pool in your home or in a development project you are undertaking can be a complete game changer. Not only do you have an extra beautiful feature for recreational or sports use, but you also increase the property value significantly. Therefore, consider the possible pool designs available to help you establish the best option for your property. When conducting your research, you want to engage with an experienced pool expert who understands the inner workings of different pool designs. They should also be available to provide insight on any questions or concerns you raise.

Notably, pool designs vary in elements, and you may combine or stick to a single design type. Regardless of your choice, you want to understand each design's average price point, benefits, and disadvantages to provide more details on its suitability. The following are different types of pools to build in Florida, based on varying aspects.

     1. Pool Type by Material

Firstly, you will choose your pool design material, which forms the foundation for the entire layout. Undertaking this step is the first part of deciding on your pool design, so you must assess each material and learn its features.

The current market has three main types of pool-building materials. They are:

Fiberglass Pools

Fiberglass material comprises hard plastic that is moldable when heated to a specific temperature. Fiberglass pools typically take on a basin shape that provides for water holding, giving the pool the proper functional aspect.

Since fiberglass is precast and premade, it allows manufacturers to deliver a finished product that will only require installation and filling up with water. However, the installation process requires expertise and may take up to a week, depending on the pool size. During installation, your pool experts will make provisions for piping, water pumps, and drainage to promote proper pool functioning.

While a fiberglass pool is easy to install and relatively cheap, you should note that it does not provide design variety. This is because manufacturers create fiberglass casts in the factory and distribute them as ready-made products. Hence, you would need to engage a manufacturing company to adopt a custom design, which may be expensive and take longer to achieve.

Vinyl Liner Pools

For a cheaper alternative, consider vinyl liner pools made of solid vinyl plastic. The material is sturdy yet flexible, allowing you to choose from various shapes. Moreover, since vinyl comes in different shapes and patterns, you can select a fitting design to match your general home aesthetic.

Like fiberglass pool materials, vinyl liner pools are pre-made, meaning that manufacturers develop them and sell them as ready-made products. Due to this, you can only select an existing design unless you have access to place a custom design order. As a result, the available designs may be limiting and prevent you from achieving the final look.

Nevertheless, vinyl liner pools are advantageous because they do not allow water to sip through them. The non-porosity element is essential in preventing the growth of microorganisms or algae in your pool. Ultimately, you are better positioned to maintain your pool because of the reduced porosity, leading to significant cost-saving.

However, vinyl liner pools also pose some disadvantages. For example, the material is prone to deterioration, so you should avoid having sharp items around the pool area. Moreover, since the vinyl liner is relatively fragile compared to other pool materials, you may have to replace it every eight to ten years. Consequently, you may incur more costs than intended from the pool maintenance fees.

Concrete Pools

Thirdly, consider designing a concrete pool, depending on your access to building materials. The option is popular because of its flexibility, particularly with customization. Using concrete as your material of choice means that you can shape the stone and cement materials to any design, provided your building team lays a solid structural foundation.

Concrete pools enable different depth designs in the same structure because they only require you to design and build along the intended plans. Subsequently, you can enjoy stairs, sitting steps, and edges. The concrete build also allows you to explore varying finishing designs that allow for unique designs. For example, you can use tiles, lining, pebbles, or create a mosaic combination of different elements.

Overall, the benefits of concrete pools make it an easy option for many pool builders, as you have access to a durable and customizable design. Nevertheless, building from scratch may be more costly because it involves buying materials, hiring a construction team, and purchasing finishing materials. The installation time may also be longer than you intend, so you need to assess your project goals and establish whether you can accept the longer timeline.

     2. Pool Type by Position

Moreover, you need to decide on the pool position you intend for your building project. In doing so, consider whether you want to undertake landscaping and excavation or prefer ready-made materials to build your pool. Your decision also relies on the permanence of your pool project, especially whether you intend to move houses in the future.

The two main pool positions are:

In-Ground Pools

An in-ground pool requires you to dig the ground for space creation. Subsequently, you must undertake preparatory landscaping, including shallow excavation, to set the foundation. Moreover, in-ground pools require you to prepare the excavated area by lining it up. Doing so is essential because it primes the space to hold a large water volume.

In-ground pools make up a significant percentage of the pools available in Florida, mainly because they are permanently fixed to the ground unless you decide to redesign your property. Thus, they are an excellent option if you intend to use the pool for a long time because the firm fixing into the ground ensures their safety.

Above Ground Pools

Alternatively, you can choose an above-ground pool if you intend to avoid undertaking the significant landscaping work necessary for in-depth collections. Usually, an above-ground pool is ready-made and only requires installation and reinforcement to the ground for support. Afterward, you can fill it up and begin using it.

You may choose it over an in-ground pool because it reduces the chances of people falling in since the water is only accessible from a raised point. Consider installing a platform or a diving board to access the pool. The platforms will also double as a restriction for children and pets at a high risk of accidentally falling into the water.

Additionally, an above-ground pool can be temporary, allowing you to empty and move with it in case you change locations. You may also choose it because of its relatively affordable price point, as installation ranges between $1850 and $5000.

     3. Pool Type By Shape and Design

Pool customization is your ultimate goal, particularly if you want a unique outcome. Thus, you want to focus on the pool shape and building design after establishing the first two selections. In doing so, you can determine the best design to match your taste and the expected outcome.

Notably, your pool shape and design rely significantly on whether you choose an in-ground or above-ground pool. Similarly, achieving designs and shapes using some pool building materials is more challenging and expensive than others, so you also want to consider the implications as you make your decisions. Some standard pool design selections include:

Infinity Pools

Infinity pools have gained popularity over the past decade because of their elegant design. Their primary design often consists of concrete, in-ground structuring, allowing an illusion of a never-ending edge of the water. Infinity pool designs work best if your property is at the edge of a raised ground. For example, infinity pools provide an excellent design if your home overlooks the ocean, a river, or a glen. 

Upon deciding on an infinity pool, factor in the maintenance costs needed to sustain its aesthetics and usability. If the budget is beyond your financial range, you can adjust the dimensions for a smaller pool, or choose another design altogether. Your pool construction team will advise you on the best approach when considering an infinity pool.

Plunge Pools

A plunge pool works best if you want a place to cool off and not necessarily swim. Therefore, the design is excellent if you often undertake physically demanding activities like sports and intense exercises. Since the pool is smaller than typical pool designs, it is easier to maintain, mainly because it should remain cold throughout for functionality.

Despite the small pool size dimensions, you can still expect to pay between $14000 and $25000 for installation. Thus, you want to adjust your budget to meet the price demand.

Lap Pools

Lap pools provide different functionality than plunge pools, allowing you to swim across the length for exercise and practice. The design is, therefore, excellent if you intend to use swimming as your exercise of choice or if you are a professional swimmer who needs constant practice. On average, a lap pool costs between $15000 to $30000 to install, excluding maintenance costs.

The Importance of Researching a Pool Design

Although you may intend to add a pool to your property, you must research to establish the best fit. Choosing a pool design based on your expectations and functionality is crucial because it saves you from costly adjustments in the future. Thus, you want to understand the importance of choosing a fitting pool design before undertaking the project. An important reason for choosing a pool design before the building project includes the following:

Design Selection Helps With Budgeting

Some pool building projects may start without proper planning, resulting in significant financial demands for you. Mainly, these outcomes arise because of insufficient research and pool design selection. Consequently, the economic additions may compromise the pool project outcome and limit your pool usage.

Further, exceeding your budgetary expectations can be a setback if you intend to undertake a complete home project. To avoid the possible delays and challenges related to exceeding the budget, consider undertaking your design research and selection early. You also want to undertake the selection with an expert’s guidance.

You Understand the Pool Functionality

Moreover, understanding the pool design functionality is important, and you can do this by undertaking research. Pool functionality relates to the activities you can engage in water. For example, if you are athletic, you want a pool design that allows you to practice efficiently.

Alternatively, you may be more interested in building a pool for your children’s recreation. If so, you also want to consider the best pool by considering their safety and ability to enjoy swimming. With a pool expert’s help, you will make a suitable decision.

You Learn About Proper Maintenance Practices

Additionally, you need to understand how to maintain your pool, mainly because you expect to use it for the foreseeable future. Based on this, you need to learn the dos and don’ts for each pool design. The information will help you establish whether some maintenance options are more unattainable than others, helping you in your decision-making process.

Contact a Jacksonville Pool Building Expert Near Me

As a new home builder, or a property owner looking to improve their home, building a pool is an excellent investment. You have access to a recreational facility that you can access at any time. Moreover, you can use the pool as a pricing point, especially if you intend to sell the property after the renovations. If so, you need advice from an experienced pool-building expert to guide you on the best pool you can build. Their input is essential to your project's success and saving costs related to pool maintenance.

With Oak Wells Aquatics, you will receive excellent directives on the best pool to build for your property in Florida. Our experience is enough to determine the most suitable option depending on your budget, terrain, and the intended pool use. Hence, you can expect a properly- functioning pool that is easy to maintain, thanks to the directives you receive. If you want to build a pool in Jacksonville, Florida, consult us at 904-619-3281.