Hours of good clean fun – that’s what swimming pools are all about. But the really good news is that a backyard swimming pool is no longer reserved for the wealthy.
Today, with the advent of vinyl liner pools, the average family can have a pool installed for as little as $50 a month (oac).
Once you’ve made the decision to invest in a pool, the next step is to decide what type you should purchase and from whom. Many people assume that a pool is a pool and whoever gives the best price is where they should deal. They couldn’t be making a more costly assumption.
The materials that go into the manufacture of a pool and its equipment, along with dealing with a reputable company that knows and understands swimming pools, are of the utmost importance. Good materials and workmanship can triple the life of your pool! Location, size of family and budget are only a few of the factors that should enter into your buying decision. The type of pool material, filtration and maintenance equipment are also very important.
What You Need to Know About the Materials Your Pool is Made of
Whether your pool is going to be in ground or above ground, most pools in our climate are made from galvanized steel sidewalls, plus a vinyl liner to hold the water. Unfortunately, these are not always the best materials to withstand the corrosive elements in the soil and the ultra-violet rays of the sun – all elements common around pools.
Galvanized steel is the most popular frame material today, but it has its drawbacks. The chemicals in the soil or pool water can very easily eat away the galvanized coating, causing rust and wall failure especially around the plumbing fittings through the pool sidewalls. Corrosion from salt chlorinators is always a concern with this type of pool.
A much more durable sidewall material is copperguard, diamond coat, or stainless steel. The grade of steel is a critical component, especially where the pool sidewall is punched out to accept the pool’s plumbing. Pool wall failure due to rust or pitting is eliminated when a pool uses these materials in this critical area.
You can tell if a pool wall material is galvanized steel, copperguard, diamond coat or stainless usually by the warranty you received.
The second critical area is the vinyl liner. Your pool liner has to withstand the chemical treatment of your sanitizer, the ultra-violet rays of the sun and the weight of several tons of water.
Some retailers could supply you with recycled vinyl and you would never know the difference, for a time. These liners usually have a warranty of 10-30 years. A liner made from virgin vinyl with special seaming, however, may have a warranty. Always look to buy a pool from a company that supplies you with a premium pool liner.
Tips to Remember
When you make the decision to purchase a pool, have a good look at the various automated cleaning, sanitizing and filtration equipment that is available – so you can enjoy your pool and not work on it! Tips to remember:
- With the advent of vinyl liner pools, the average family can have a pool for as little as $50 a month
- Materials that go into the manufacture of a pool and its equipment, along with dealing with a reputable company, can triple the life of your pool
- Consider location, size of family, budget, type of material, filtration and maintenance equipment before buying
- Whether your pool is in ground or above ground, most are made from galvanized steel sidewalls, plus a vinyl line to hold the water
- Galvanized steel is the most popular but it can rust over time
- A much more durable sidewall material is copperguard, diamond coat or stainless steel.
- Make sure your pool liner is virgin & not recycled
If you are considering investing in a pool, visit our showroom or contact us with any questions.
