Pools

Swimming pools and organized activities go hand in hand since ancient Egypt in 2500 BC. While it was the Romans who built the first swimming pool. The patron of this art was Gaius Maecenas who built the first heated swimming pool in first century BC. Swimming pools became popular only in the middle of the 19th century. In 1837, six new pools came up in London and when the modern Olympic games started in 1896, swimming was among the original events. Nowadays, a swimming pool is available in every big hotel and many people prefer private pools. Private pools come in various sizes, shapes, types and one needs to carry out a mapping of requirements with types as the cost and type of construction varies to a large extent. Some types of pools to choose from are:

Above-Ground Pools: These are relatively economical pools that offer the advantage of being transportable when you move on. However, their life is mush shorter when compared to in-ground pools. These are constructed on site with aluminum, resin or steel sidings with vinyl liners. Since they come in pieces and in several shapes and sizes, they can suit any yards.

In-Ground Pools: There are many varieties of these pools, so you have to decide on the one that best suits your needs and yard. The most common in-ground pools are concrete, fiberglass and vinyl-liner pools.

a) Fiberglass Pools: These are custom built at the manufacturer’s location. However, the fiber glass panel pools are designed and constructed at the site only. These are good for earthquake prone areas more flexible in comparison to concrete pools.

b) Concrete Pools: These are the most costly swimming pools and can only be constructed at site. You can choose amongst the types of finishes between plaster, paint and specialty coating materials.

c) Vinyl-Liner Pools: These pools are built with panel walls that are fastened together on a concrete foundation. The entire pool is then covered with a custom-made vinyl liner.

The major advantage of in-ground pools is that they can be custom designed and can have desired accessories such as diving boards, slides, water games, water fountains, and specialty lighting. The disadvantages are that they are costly, cannot be moved from one place to another and the time taken to construct is long.

Specialty Pools: Many people want pool with the only reason being fitness. If you have any such intention then consider a lap pool or swim spas.

a) Lap Pools: These are long, narrow pools, that are ideal for small yards. These require minimal space and also add to your landscape.

b) Swim Spas: A hybrid of a pool and spa. They have water jets thus allowing swimmer to swim against the flow of water.