Inground pools
What´s the difference to above ground pools?
In ground pools are more expensive than above ground pools, but they can add permanent value to a home so they can be a great investment. In ground pools can be built to different depths depending on whether the purchaser is more interested in wading and playing volleyball in shallow water, or diving and swimming laps in a deeper structure. Installation time varies from one to twelve weeks depending on which type is chosen.
What types are there?
Vinyl-lined pools
Vinyl-lined pools are structurally similar to above ground pools. When this type of pool is installed a hole is dug in the ground and a frame is assembled around the perimeter of the hole. Sand is then laid in the bottom of the hole and a vinyl liner is attached to the structure’s wall. Construction time for this type of pool is usually from one to three weeks. Vinyl-lined pools can be attractive to people who live in colder climates because the winterization process is relatively painless. The pool is simply drained and covered at the end of the summer and reopened in the spring. This type of in ground pool tends to be the least expensive to install but this also means that it can be less durable. Maintenance costs can stack up when the pool liner needs to be replaced and typically this is necessary about every ten years.
Fiberglass pools
Fiberglass pools are built in a factory in one piece by a swimming pool manufacturer. They are made from fiberglass-reinforced plastic that is molded into a basin-shape that resembles a giant bathtub. When this type of pool is installed, the ground is excavated to provide a hole that is big enough to accommodate the pre-made pool. The plumbing is then laid, some sand filler is poured into the hole and the pool is then lowered into it. The pool is then leveled, hooked up to plumbing and the remaining space in the hole around the pool is filled in. Construction time for fiberglass pools is usually about two weeks. Fiberglass pools can be pricey to purchase, but the maintenance cost is generally lower than it is with other in ground pools. Unlike the vinyl-lined variety, this type of pool doesn’t have a liner that needs to be replaced. In addition, fiberglass pools usually require fewer chemicals than are necessary in the maintenance of a concrete pool. Fiberglass also has the ability to flex and absorb shock so people who live in areas that are prone to earthquakes may benefit from investing in a fiberglass pool.
Concrete pools
Concrete pools can be finished in paint, plaster or pebbles and custom-built to suit the space they will be occupying as well to accommodate the purchaser’s specific needs. A concrete pool can be difficult and time-consuming to construct. The process begins with the excavation of the site. The plumbing is installed and a framework grid of rebar is assembled and put in place in the ground. Concrete is then poured into conventional wooden forms around the rebar. Tile and coping are then installed followed by the installation of the interior finish. Gunite and concrete pools are constructed in a similar fashion, but since the gunite method has become more well-known, traditional concrete pools have become much less popular.
Gunite pools
Gunite pools start with the same process as their concrete cousins, but after the framework grid of rebar is laid in the ground a thick coating of gunite, a mixture of cement and sand mixed with water to produce a wet concrete material, is sprayed around the rebar. The gunite is smoothed with trowels and then the pool sits for about a week before a smooth finish is applied. Gunite pools can be finished with tile, plaster, paint, aggregate or fiberglass. Concrete and gunite pools typically take about 12 weeks to construct but they can cost less than a fiberglass swimming pool. These pools are often thought to suit areas that are prone to extremely high temperature and areas where the soil is expansive. Pools made from concrete or gunite are generally strong and durable so often the final product is worth the wait.
What about inground pool heating?
As inground pools have mostly a bigger water surface they lose more heat energy through evaporation, convection, etc. and they also need a bigger pump. A bigger pump also requires a bigger inground pool heater with a higher water flow rate. Inground pool heaters require a minimum flow rate of 5000 l/min. The Euro Pool Shop will help you find the right swimming pool heater as well as other swimming pool products. Our swimming pool heaters will start with a minimum flowrate of 1000 l/min. The cheap swimming pool heaters are a very small investment for comfortable swimming. Also use an inground swimming pool cover. A swimming pool cover is a relatively cheap swimming pool accessory and it will prevent heat loss in times when your heated inground pool is not in use. Pool covers are the most effective way to reduce pool heating cost. Using a swimming pool cover regularly reduces evaporation by 90 to 95%. But one of the most important benefits of using a swimming pool cover can be enhanced safety!
Electric inground pool heaters
An electric swimming pool heater is used where a gas-fired swimming pool heater is impractical and often it is a better option for swimming pool water heating. A big advantage is the efficiency of electricity that is universally available, making it an option for anyone anywhere. Also a small direct electric swimming pool heater can power a normal-sized pool and electric pool heaters do much less damage to the environment because they are pollution-free. The components are similar to gas-fired swimming pool heaters except the heat is derived from an electric coil that is immersed in the water flowing through the unit. There are several sizes of electric swimming pool heater, rated by the kilowatts consumed and, therefore, the BTUs produced.
electric swimming pool heaters
What size inground swimming pool heater do I need?
Electric swimming pool heaters are sized mainly on the basis of the inground pool surface area and the difference between the in-ground pool water and outer air temperatures. The heating load could also be affected by such things as excessive wind exposure or much cooler night temperatures than daytime air temperatures. In these cases swimming pool heaters with more capacity may be desirable. Another factor which may determine the size of the electric in-ground pool heater you will need is the way you intend to use your outdoor inground pool. There are two common swimming pool heating practices - "constant" pool water temperature maintenance and "intermittent" pool water heating. These are determined by how you want your inground swimming pool heated - continually or on an intermittent basis. Heating an inground pool quickly after periods of intermittent shutdown, larger swimming pool heaters are needed. And in colder climates a larger than standard size swimming pool heater also is recommended for "constant" swimming pool water heating. For intermittent water heating however, a larger swimming pool heater actually brings the pool to temperature more quickly. If you have questions about electric swimming pool heater sizing, consult us.
What are the disadvantages?
One disadvantage is that inground pool installation is a very time and money consuming thing. Inground pools will require bigger lots for installation and if you move, you cannot take your pool with you. But in the end the advantages will outweigh the disadvantages. To save money find out about a cheap electric swimming pool heater from the Euro Pool Shop. We can help you in finding the appropriate swimming pool products you need.