Having a swimming pool at home is a great idea. It adds to fun and entertainment. It also offers you the opportunity to engage in one of the well rated physical exercises, conveniently in your own home, whenever you want and for any number of hours.

1. In-ground Pools Versus Above
Ground Pools
Having a swimming pool at home is a great idea. It adds to fun and entertainment. It also offers you the opportunity to engage in one of the well rated physical
exercises, conveniently in your own home, whenever you want and for any number of hours.
Considerations
Which pool is better - the In-ground Pool or the Above Ground Pool? Your usual considerations are the cost, swimming considerations in terms of depth, width
etc, and flexibility for add-ons, durability, appearance or aesthetics, choices available, repair and maintenance cost, safety and finally resale value and disposability.
Cost
In-ground Pools cost ten times more than the above Ground Pools. Installing an aboveground pool can cost between $1500 and $5,000 while for an in-ground
pool, it is estimated to be $16,000 for a vinyl-lined model, $15,000-$25,000 for a fiberglass shell and $17,000-$45,000 for concrete. However, custom designs can run
prices much higher.
Swimming Considerations
Aboveground pools normally have a deep end of about four feet and as such do not offer the depth that in-ground pools can. In addition, your freedom to have
add-ons such as diving boards, slides, and fancy lights is severely curtailed. In-ground pools offer a depth of about six feet, giving you more leeway for comfortable
swimming. Add-ons like diving boards, slides, fancy lights etc are feasible as there are no constraints of space.
Durability and Aesthetics
As far as durability and appearance goes, the aboveground pools score lower. These pools often are not as good on the eyes, as they tend to jet out and look as
protrusions not in harmony with the rest of the layout.
In-ground Pools get a higher score on aesthetics. You have a lot many more options in respect of the shape of your pool, the materials used, the type of finish etc.
The design need not be an eye-sore and can merge with the layout in harmony with the ambience, lending support to the style you want to project. The durability
of in-ground pools is vouchsafed with the fact that in-ground pools have been found to last for decades, less impacted by weather and normal wear and tear.
Variety & Options
These types of pools come in various colors, patterns, structures, shapes and styles, besides the type of material surrounding the pool.
Maintenance & Repairs
The Above Ground Pools are easier to maintain and less expensive to repair. Maintaining in-ground Pools is expensive. They require more in terms of
efforts, equipments, testing kits, chemicals etc. Continuous monitoring of the site is required for clearing the debris both within and outside the pool.
Safety
It is easier to prevent any unauthorized use of an aboveground pool; all you have to do is to remove the pool ladder. For safety, in the case of an in-ground
pool, though you can think of putting a fence around cordoning the pool off, it is not as simple as removing the pool ladder.
Removal & Disposability
An aboveground pool can be removed easily when not required. An in-ground pool can not be easily removed. While the presence of an in-ground pool could be
a negative factor while selling if the potential buyer does not want it, it could well be a plus point when he wants one.

2. Pool Construction - 3 Things to Keep in Mind
when Choosing a In-ground Pool Builder
Making a change to the appearance of your pool can definitely lift the appearance of your backyard. In ground pool building projects are certainly
worth the money if you manage to find a great idea. Once you have zeroed in on the perfect change then all you need to do is find the right
builder to execute your plans. Pool renovation plans are usually detailed and complex and you need the expertise of a reputed contractor to
implement them effectively. If you hire an untrustworthy contractor then you can say goodbye to your dreams of a perfect pool. Without expertise
and experience construction can lead to disaster so it is really important that you find the right company to work with.
Pool building and renovation services are usually plentiful in most areas. However, you do need to think carefully before making a decision. The
right company should be free and open with all the information you desire so don’t be afraid to walk away from an unfriendly and closed-minded
firm. The entire point is that your ideas come to fruition so it is important to find a good inground pool builder that you gel with. Aside from
this, there are three basic things that you absolutely must keep in mind before hiring pool renovation services and they are as follows.
Background of the Pool builder
The fundamental requirement is experience so you should first ask about previous projects. Usually a company will allow you to go through
several client reviews and testimonials and these can be very useful for depicting the efficiency of the firm. However, you should remember that
these testimonials could be doctored or inaccurate. So it is always best to ask for the contact information of a handful of past clients so you can do
your own research. By speaking to past clients, you should be able to get a clear image of how well the company works.
Services Offered by the Firm
Another important question to ask is how far the contractor will be able to implement your ideas. Some people desire major structural changes
but such demands cannot always be met by the firm. Therefore, it is always best to talk about your ideas beforehand so that you aren’t
disappointed in the future. What’s more, you can get important feedback and extra ideas if you ask your contractor for help. It also happens that
some companies are more specialized in above ground pools, above ground pools need different set of technical skills, be sure you get a
inground pool builder.
Costs for Services
This is obviously an important point to keep in mind. Obviously all firms differ in price but some are more luxuriously priced than others are. To
dispel any worries you should clearly lay out your ideas for the contractor to see so that he can form an accurate quotation. Remember that you
can and should ask for quotations from different pool builers. This way you can easily find a firm that suits your budget.
Pool renovation services are essential if you want to really shake up the look of your pool. However, you do have to be careful when you hire a
company. You should always ask several questions and be prepared with your ideas. This will help you find the perfect contractor.

3. In-ground Pools - 3 Great Ways to Make
your Pool Even More Interesting
Having a swimming pool in the house can be a place of fun, enjoyment and relaxation; it can also be a source of investment. You are bound to get
a higher resale value if you wish to sell a house with an attached swimming pool. Apart from a source of investment, an in-ground swimming
pool is a great way to spend quality time with your family members. However, just having a pool is not enough. If you want more out of your
pool, you can add some more items that will make the pool even more fun and interesting. Here are the top three swimming pool add ons.
Swimming pool slides
A slide in in-ground pools is sure to make your pool a lot more interesting and fun. Children, generally, love pool slides. It is advisable to consider
the size of your pool before you put up a slide. If the size of your pool is small, you can put up a small slide for the enjoyment of your children.
Pool slides makes swimming much more enjoyable, especially in the summers. Slides come in various types and are differently priced. Thus, it is
wise to scan the markets for the most apt slide before you actually purchase one.
Some slides can also be inflated and are called temporary slides. These are usually made of PVC or nylon tarpaulin material. Slides differ in their
shape and size. If you have swimmers in your family, you may want to go for the slides that are generally a little higher and have more twists and
turns or a built in permanent slide. Thus, it is highly advisable that you go through the numerous options when deciding to buy a pool slide.
Pool fountains
Fountains add to the aesthetic value to in-ground pools. They look good and have two benefits:
1. They improve the circulation of water inside the pool
2. They help the water to remain cool if the water gets too warm, especially at night.
You can also avail of fountains that have many tiers. These look beautiful when lit up at night. Many fountains are also shaped like
flowers, rainbows, etc. You should be very clear where you want to get your fountain fitted. The most popular type of fountain is the floating pool
fountain. Pool fountains are available in various shapes, sizes and prices.
Pool lighting
In-ground swimming pools look even more appealing and visually attractive when it is lit up with interesting lights during the night. If your
pool is lit beautifully at night, your backyard can become one of the best places to host a dinner party. A swimming pool looks best when it is
done beautifully with a well lit pool fountain or waterfall. You can install basic fluorescent and incandescent lights around your pool if you like to
swim at night.
These are only some of the accessories of in-ground pools. There are loads of other options to make your pool look attractive and appealing and
make it a centrepiece of enjoyment for your family and friends.

4. 5 most important things to
remember in pool closing and
opening
If you have an in-ground swimming pool, then closing the pool during winter season and reopening once the winter season is over
becomes really important. According to some people, it is a daunting job. Therefore, they even hire professionals to do the job. The
process of pool closing and opening is little time consuming and needs patience. You may need to spend some amount on the
appropriate tools to do the job.
When the winter season approaches, it’s time to close the pool. The main reason of pool closing is to guard it from damage that can
be caused by freezing water. Keeping it as fresh as possible for the warm weather is another reason of pool closing. Properly closing
your swimming pool can save you a lot of time, effort and money, in regards to reopening it for the next season. There are certain
things to remember in pool closing.
• You will need to balance the water. Around five to seven days prior to pool closing, bring the water’s calcium hardness, pool
alkalinity and pH in line because it will guard the equipments and walls of the pool from erosion and scale buildup.
• Prior to pool closing, clean the water of the pool. It is important to carefully vacuum your pool and remove waste water to the
suitable place.
• Adding chemicals to the deep end to keep the quality of water sheltered throughout the winter season.
• The skimmer, basket, pump and filter should be cleaned before storage. Remove all the unexploited chlorine from the chlorinator
and sand from the filter.
• Empty and clean your chemical feeder. Keeping chemicals in the chemical feeder will damage the equipment.
• Carefully plug all the openings.
• Use a solid cover to keep the pool protected and debris and dirt out.
• Make sure you occasionally check the pool and remove the ice and snow from the cover.
Pool opening can be quite hectic particularly after a long period of time. Here are some things to remember that will assist you
prepare your pool for summer relaxation and fun.
• First of all, carefully remove the cover. Clear off the cover and make use of a treatment or a cleaner if it’s required. Let the cover dry
completely before storage.
• Before putting back all the plugs, pump and filter, check for worn components and possible damaged.
• Checking your pool for possible damage and cracks is really important. Cracks can ruin your pool and cost you hundreds of dollars
in inexplicably disappearance pool water.
• Remove pool contaminator such as dirt, leaves and other things before putting water into the pool.
• Give it a shock treatment. It is considered as the best way to ensure that the pool has been cleaned properly and the quality of the
water is up to the standard.
Keeping these points in mind will help get your pool ready for warm weather in no time. Its also good to get consultation from your
local pool builders while pool opening.

5. Pool Construction – What you
Need to Know
Having a swimming pool in your house can make it a great place to spend time with your family and friends. They are the best ways to beat the
scorching heat of the summers and can actually make you look forward to the warm months. Children, too, love to splash about in the pools with
their friends. You might want to consider the idea of pool construction if your house does not already have a pool. Having a pool also adds to the
resale value of your house. It is not too difficult to construct a pool in your backyard. Discussed below are some guidelines on how to build a pool:
Appointing a contractor
You will have to consult a swimming pool builder or a professional company that specializes in making pools. They will be the best guides and
will assist you with your decisions regarding pool construction.
Budget
It is not an unknown fact that constructing pools requires a considerable sum of money. That is why; you need to decide the budget. Your
contractor will be able to do this better. A budget of a pool depends on type of pool you want, its shape and size, the materials you will be
using, whether you want to install pool accessories like fountains, slides, fancy lights, etc. Another thing to consider for the budget are things like
the electricity bill, water bill, maintenance cost, water pump, pool filters, chemicals for cleaning the water and the pool, etc.
Budget of a pool construction also depends on the specific type of pool you plan to build. While above-ground pools tend to be cheaper, in-
ground pools can be a costly affair. It is advisable to seek the help of your pool builder when deciding these issues.
Materials to be used
Pools are mostly made of gunite, fiber glass or poured concrete. Using stainless steel for pool construction is another consideration. Although it is
a popular belief to not use metal to construct a pool because it might get rusted, in reality it is actually the contrary. Using stainless steel adds
durability and strength to a pool. Check for the correct grade and treatment of the stainless steel, as this will help the pool to remain free from the
harmful effects of the chemicals added to the water.
You may want to put tiles on the floors and walls of the pool. However, make sure that the surfaces are regularly cleaned as they may develop
algae growth, making the water unhygienic. You can put up lights of different colors and effects to make your pool look interesting even after
sundown.
Safety measures
Safety measures are a big concern, especially if you have small children in your family. You can put safety fences around the pool and can keep the
pool covered with a safety cover when it is not in use. Make sure your swimming pool builder can gives you a safety demonstration after the
pool is constructed.
Pool construction is no big deal. You have to follow some steps meticulously in order to achieve your dream pool.