A pool is the ultimate home upgrade. Whether you're envisioning a serene retreat for relaxation or a bustling hub for entertaining guests, selecting the right pool is crucial. Before breaking ground on your dream backyard oasis, it's essential to explore the diverse array of pool options available. From classic inground pools to innovative designs, the choices are endless. 

This comprehensive guide delves into pool types to consider, ensuring you make an informed decision tailored to your needs and preferences. It explores the benefits and features of various pool types, providing insights to help you navigate the decision-making process with confidence.

With the expertise of pool installers and the versatility of inground pools, the possibilities for creating your ideal aquatic escape are limitless. Read on as this guide takes you into the world of pool options, empowering you to turn your backyard vision into a reality you will enjoy for years.

Inground Pools

A popular swimming pool type perfect for family enjoyment is an inground pool. Installing an inground pool can cost anywhere from $28,000 to $55,000, or even more, depending on materials and customized features. Three materials (concrete, vinyl, and fiberglass) are available for an inground pool.

A fiberglass pool is usually the most expensive to construct but the least expensive to maintain. Fiberglass pools are easy to install, although they can't be wider than 16 feet, and their shapes are not configurable. 

The least expensive pool to install is a vinyl pool, which you can customize to any size or form. Every five to ten years, you must replace a vinyl liner because of the material's brittle nature, which makes it susceptible to damage from pets, falling branches, and rough-housing kids.

You can construct concrete pools at any specification but they cost the highest in the long run and need the longest installation time (three to six months). Finishes come in various hues and include paint, plaster, and specialist coating materials like Pebble Tec. They endure the longest but are also the hardest to maintain.

You can build most in-ground pools to fit any size or shape of the yard and to meet your unique requirements, including diving or fitness training depth. It is easy to design them so they blend in with the surroundings. They also have numerous features and extras, like slides, diving boards, water activities, waterfalls, and custom lighting.

On the other hand, the cost and duration of construction for in-ground pools are usually higher. Furthermore, there may be a higher safety risk for small children or pets in in-ground pools due to the water's proximity to the ground.

Above Ground Pools

Above-ground pools represent the possibility of owning a swimming pool. They can also be suitable in areas with harsh winters where it can be challenging to maintain an in-ground pool during the winter. 

This type comes in both hard-sided and soft-sided choices. If you build a raised deck or frame around the edge of the pool, some of these pools can nearly be mistaken for far more expensive in-ground pools. In many regions, in-ground pools are emptied, dismantled, and stored during the seasons when they are not in use. Soft-sided above-ground swimming pools are the ideal choice in this situation.

Assembling an above-ground pool is not too challenging for do-it-yourselfers. Constructing an above-ground pool costs around $3,000 in the United States, but if you want to add features like built-up decking, the cost might go up to $20,000 or more. Above-ground pools need filtering and cleaning in addition to maintaining water chemistry, but they are less complicated to maintain than huge in-ground pools.

Indoor Swimming Pools

A swimming pool indoors is simple: It's indoors, covered by a roof, and typically shielded from the elements by one or more house walls. Most indoor pools have straightforward geometric designs and are intended for year-round swimming or exercise, particularly in colder regions. 

Typically, indoor swimming pools have an ordinary in-ground pool (average cost: $55,000) and a built-in glass enclosure (extra: $10,000–$30,000). However, you can also use the same method to enclose an above-ground pool.

An indoor heated pool's maintenance costs can occasionally be less than those of an outdoor pool. The pool room keeps its heat longer than outdoor pools because it has protection against the weather. Additionally, the enclosure minimizes the need for cleaning by keeping leaves and other particles out of the pool.

Infinity Pools

Infinity pools are typically built to accentuate a view; they have one or more walls with disappearing edges that end slightly below the waterline. As a result, water can flow over the wall and have the impression that it is infinite. 

This pool features scenery of mountains, water bodies, and other breathtaking surroundings and is frequently installed on sites with a steep drop-off. The construction and upkeep of infinity pools can be expensive due to their unique design specifications.

Plunge Pools

Small, cold-water pools known as plunge pools were well-liked by the ancient Romans and have been utilized in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Many athletes and swimmers enjoy cooling off in a pool of cold water following a hot workout, sauna, or spa treatment because they read that it has healing properties.

Plunge pools can be connected to a bigger in-ground pool or they can stand alone. Despite their seemingly average appearance, a cautious toe-dip in the pool will show you differently.

Lap Pools

A lap pool may be a good purchase if your primary motivation for having a pool is fitness. Long, thin, and usually rectangular, these in-ground pools are made especially for swimming laps. Lap pools use very little room, perfect for tiny yards. 

Most lap pools include at least 40 feet of uninterrupted, straight swimming space to reduce the frequency of turns. A lap pool's width might be as short as 8 feet for an individual swimmer. Like other in-ground pools, there are similar building considerations.

Choosing the Perfect Pool Type

The various pool types offer boundless opportunities for creating your perfect aquatic haven. Whether it's the timeless elegance of inground pools or the versatility of above-ground options, each choice presents unique benefits to suit your lifestyle and preferences. 

By considering factors such as budget, space, and intended use, you can confidently select the ideal pool type to transform your backyard into a cherished retreat for relaxation, recreation, and endless enjoyment.