In ground Pools
In ground pools, like the name states are built into the ground. In ground pools can be built to allow for diving or not, depending on the depth. A diving pool typically needs to have a deep end depth of 8’6” or more, where typically, non-diving pools have a depth of 3’ to 5’6”. NEVER add or replace a diving board without first contacting your pool builder.

Above ground Pools
Like the name says, above ground pools are built above the ground. Some are constructed with corrosion resistant steel wall panels with a vinyl liner covering the inside. Other above ground pools are made of a thick vinyl-type bladder, which is supported by PVC poles. Most above ground pools are round or oval, but some are also rectangle. There is to be no diving in an above ground pool as most have a maximum depth of 4 to 6 feet.

Concrete
Some pools are constructed by poured concrete. The concrete is poured, finished and allowed to dry to form the walls and floor. When the concrete is dry, it’s painted with the desired color chosen by the pool owner. Paint touch-ups are typically required, periodically, in various areas – make sure you use the same type of paint as the original. Two common types of paint for concrete pools are Chlorinated Rubber or Epoxy. If a concrete finish becomes rough and chipped in numerous areas, it’s best to have your concrete pool professionally sandblasted and repainted – an investment that will extend the life of your concrete pool.

Gunite / Shotcrete
Gunite (or a variation called Shotcrete) is a type of reinforced concrete; it is strong and adaptable to unusual shapes. Instead of being poured, gunite is sprayed. Gunite starts with a dry mixture of cement and sand, which is then combined with water and mixed thoroughly. The finished product is then pressure sprayed over a framework of steel rods and wire mesh to form the walls and floor. There are a variety of color / speckle finishes available to the pool owner.

Vinyl-Liner
Compared to other in ground pools, vinyl-liner pools are generally the most affordable, easy to maintain and are available in a standard set of designs. Although the vinyl-liner is the only part visible to the pool owner, it does not make up structure and integrity of the pool. After digging and shaping the hole for the pool, pre-manufactured panels are bolted together to form the walls, then a base is poured to form the floor. Lastly, a track (coping) is installed to the top of the pool walls to hold the vinyl-liner in place. These types of pools are popular in cold-weather states, since the panels have some degree of flex and hold up well under freeze/thaw conditions. Vinyl-liners are available in many colors, patterns and designs and will last an average of 8 to 10 years, after which time a new liner can be installed.

Fiberglass
Fiberglass pools are made of a one-piece fiberglass molded shell that makes up the entire pool. While a fiberglass pool is typically the quickest to install, there are fewer choices for size, shape and depth compared to other pool types. Because the surface is non-porous, fiberglass pools are easy to care for and long lasting.

How Your Pool Works		Support Equipment