A swimming pool is a wonderful investment for any family and their home. It is a perfect place for families to enjoy the summer sun. With the options to relax, play, and even exercise, there are many benefits to owning and using a swimming pool. However, with so many different types of swimming pools available, it can be difficult to know what to look for in your new family pool.
Why buy a family swimming pool?
Socialising: By having a swimming pool, you are creating a space for family members of all ages to come together and spend time together. This is a great way to build relationships and have fun.
Fitness: A swimming pool is a great way for people of all ages to get exercise. From hydrotherapy rehabilitation and gentle non-weight bearing activities, to more intense workouts where you really increase your heart rate. There are so many different ways to build your fitness in a swimming pool, with most of them not even feeling like you are exercising!
Saving Money: While it sounds counterintuitive like you need to ‘spend money’ (on a pool) to ‘save money’. By having a swimming pool in your backyard, you can engage in days’ worth of fun, right in your own backyard, which means you save money on expensive days out and activities.
Adding value to your home: a swimming pool will upgrade your backyard, transforming it into a functional and beautiful space. If you are ever looking to refinance or sell your property, this will definitely add value to your home.
Beating the heat: Of course we love the warm summers and sunny days, and a refreshing dip on a scorching day is a great way to cool down. Plus you can also add a pool heater, so you can use your pool all year round if you would like to!
Types of family pools
There are several varieties of swimming pool designs. There’s different sizes, purpose-built or general-purpose, so choosing the right kind of swimming pool for your family can be a difficult decision. Firstly, safety is paramount. Make sure you are investing in a swimming pool from a company that is of high quality and a guarantee.
Ensure your pool builders are experienced and qualified to install and offer advice for your new pool.
The most popular types of swimming pools are made from fibreglass and concrete. Let’s take a look at the benefits and challenges of both:
1. Fibreglass
Fibreglass is a more cost-effective option, as the shells are manufactured in factories. This means they are ‘off-the-shelf’ solutions. They do come in a range of shapes, sizes and styles, however they cannot easily be customised. You do have some control over their appearance, such as being able to choose the colour, tanning ledges, steps etc.
The biggest advantage of investing in a fibreglass pool, is that they can be installed and ready to use in a matter of days (depending on weather and the amount of excavation required in your backyard). Thanks to the latest technology, they are also so strong and durable that some now come with lifetime guarantees.
2. Concrete
The reason why concrete pools are more expensive is because they need to be built from scratch. This means the construction process is longer, and the installation may take months to complete. Unlike fibreglass pools, concrete pools require tiling or pebbling, which takes extra time and money, and can lead to higher ongoing maintenance. Concrete pools tend to attract more algae on their porous surface, so would require more cleaning and chemicals. As well it is important to keep in mind that concrete pools will need to be resurfaced after about 10-15 years. If your backyard is an unusual shape and you would like more control over the design of your pool, concrete will be the right choice for you. With concrete, you can design a completely bespoke solution suited to the needs of your property, your lifestyle, and your personal tastes.
Sizes of pools:
Standard/General Purpose swimming pools are available in a variety of sizes and are the perfect multi-purpose space for fun, exercise, and entertainment. These are the most popular.
Slimline Pools are ideal for those who have limited space but still want to enjoy all the benefits of a swimming pool in their own backyard. Slimline pools have all the same design and features and quality of full-sized versions, they are just a more compact option.
Plunge Pools are perfect for those that want a smaller swimming pool perfectly suited to relaxation.
Key Features:
There are many optional features you can add to your family swimming pool to increase your fun, and make life easier. The additions you choose will depend largely on your intended usage and budget.
Automatic cleaning systems are a great addition. Either a pressurised or robotic vacuum will reduce the maintenance time you will need to manually do.
Heating systems are a great way to get more use from your swimming pool. There are gas, solar or electric heating options available. Having a heated pool will mean you and your family will get more use and value from your investment, as you have the option to use it all year round.
Spa bath additions to your pool, or as a smaller option, can bring extra enjoyment and relaxation to your backyard. You can get a fibreglass pool that has a spa inbuilt, or you can organise your concrete pool design to have a spa.
Water features can make a beautiful addition to your backyard. Not only can they be physically appealing they can encourage relaxation, as the sound of running water is proven to be an effective tool for relaxation. Water slides also can be a relaxation benefit from the sound of running water, more often when the kids aren’t using it! And with a water slide addition, it can increase the usage of the pool, as it will encourage the kids to use it more.
In-built steps in your swimming pool will benefit both children and adults. This will not only offer a shallow and safe area for children to get used to the water, it will also make it easier to enter the pool. A seating/tanning ledge can also benefit in the same way.
Landscaping and paving around your swimming pool is the final touch, and your pool builder can give you advice on what sort of paving would align best with your vision and budget.
As you can see there are so many varying features, you are really spoilt for choice, when choosing your new family swimming pool. Some of the main deciding factors are around budget and ongoing maintenance. The most popular pool for families is fibreglass, because they are more cost effective in upfront costs, as well as the ongoing chemical costs. The time needed for maintenance and cleaning is usually less than a concrete pool, because of the gel coat’s smooth surface. Whichever you choose, your family will be grateful to enjoy a beautiful swimming pool for years to come. Get in contact with us today!