Pick Ideal Options With The Best Swimming Pool Contractor
Often, homeowners imagine enjoying their backyard feature when considering building a swimming pool. Wisely choosing your options can help eliminate time spent doing some necessary maintenance tasks. Landscape Solutions & Design, Inc. is a swimming pool contractor that can help you decide on the best solutions.
Types Of Inground Swimming Pools
As you plan your backyard pool, you’ll have to research and decide on options. For example, inground pools are available in 3 different materials:
1. Vinyl
Typically, this is the most cost-effective solution when considering installation. Moreover, vinyl pools are highly customizable allowing you to choose a truly unique backyard feature. However, the liners wear out and you must replace them every 10 years or so.
2. Fiberglass
This type of inground swimming pool allows for the quickest installation time because manufacturers build the shell offsite. Furthermore, fiberglass is compatible with saltwater treatment systems. Also, the gel coat on the surface of the fiberglass inhibits algae growth for less maintenance. The downside to these pools is the initial cost which is considerably more than the other choices.
3. Gunite
Like vinyl, gunite pools are highly customizable giving you complete freedom to design the perfect swimming pool. Gunite, a form of concrete, is also one of the most durable building materials. Thus, your inground pool will last for decades. Nevertheless, you will need to drain and acid wash your gunite pool every 3-5 years.
Equipment Options
After deciding on your inground pool material, you need to decide on the parts that help keep your backyard pool clean:
1. Pump
Your pool’s pump circulates water through the filtration system. Today, you can choose from 3 different types
- Single speed
- Dual speed
- Variable speed
In choosing between types, you’ll need to consider your pool’s size and volume as well as budget. While the least expensive is the single speed, it also uses the greatest amount of energy. The dual speed operates on both a low and high-speed allowing you to save on energy costs. However, the variable speed offers the highest efficiency due to the use of a magnet motor.
2. Water Treatment
A sparkling, clear swimming pool won’t stay that way without a sanitizer to kill algae and pathogens. Unfortunately, algae are always present in a pool waiting for the right conditions to bloom. Then, in a matter of hours, your clear water can become cloudy or colored.
For years, backyard pool owners have relied on chlorine to sanitize the water. While chlorine-based systems are the cheapest solution upfront, the long-term costs are more than other systems. Furthermore, you must continually test the water to ensure the proper chemical balance.
Another popular choice is saltwater. This solution uses salt and a generator to produce chlorine at a steady rate. This system requires much less maintenance and long-term costs are significantly lower. However, salt water is extremely corrosive eating away at metal and natural stone.
Two other solutions include UV and ozone systems. Both require higher upfront equipment costs, but use fewer chemicals.
3. Filtration System
The pool’s filtration system removes dirt, debris, and other contaminants. Often the efficiency of your filter can affect the quality of your water. You can choose from 3 different types:
- Sand
- Cartridge
- Diatomaceous earth
Each type can filter out a particular micron size. Scientists use microns to measure very small particles like bacteria or spores. Typically, pool algae range between 5-10 microns.
Generally, sand is the most cost-effective solution. However, it’s also the least effective at filtering with a range of about 20-40 microns. Cartridge filters can filter out smaller particles of 10-15 microns. For this option, you’ll need to rinse the filters every 2 weeks and replace them every 2-3 years. Although it’s the most expensive option, diatomaceous earth has the greatest filtration capacity removing particles as small as 5 microns.
Swimming Pool Contractor – FAQs
Typically, finding a great swimming pool contractor can impact the value and enjoyment of your backyard feature. A poorly installed pool can present seemingly endless maintenance tasks or repairs. Landscape Solutions wants to help you find the best options for years of enjoyment. Below, we answer a few questions about inground pools.
Is An Inground Swimming Pool A Wise Investment?
Installing an inground swimming pool may increase the value of your home. The exact amount depends on different factors such as the location of your home. However, the real value is in the enjoyment you’ll receive from having a pool in your backyard.
How Long Does It Take To Build A Pool?
Generally, the answer to this question varies with the type of pool and your contractor’s schedule. When you choose Landscape Solutions as your contractor, we’ll discuss the various options and time frames for completion. Once we begin your project, we keep you posted on our progress and any delays due to the weather.
Where Can I Find A Qualified Swimming Pool Contractor?
Typically, in a metropolitan area like Greensboro, you’ll find many quality contractors. However, after the contractor finishes installing your feature, you’re left with a mess surrounding the pool. If you want a complete design integrating other features like a cabana, deck, and complementing plants, you’ll need a landscaper.
Since 2005, Landscape Solutions & Design, Inc. has been helping homeowners create their dream backyard. In addition to installing your custom pool, we can design and install any other feature you want such as waterfalls, patios, cabanas, outdoor kitchens, fire pits and fireplaces.
Why wait? Now is the best time to plan your inground swimming pool! Call us at 336-442-0160 to book your free no-obligation consultation.