September 9th, 2009
Build Your Own Pool: Buying A Swimming Pool Kit
Next Page - Build your own in-ground pool step by step
If you want to build your own pool you have many options. If you want to have a tailor-made swimming pool and if you want to have control over every detail you have to go the concrete and plaster pool way. This is a lot of work and there are thousands of possible ways for you to slip up. So you may consider buying a swimming pool kit.
Even when buying a swimming pool kit you have many possibilities. First you have to decide between an above ground pool and an in-ground pool. Each one has his pros and cons and each one makes people happy. Of course there are differences you should be aware of.
One important difference is the shape of the swimming pool. Swimming pool kits for above ground pools are circular or oval only. There are no serious rectangular above ground swimming pool kits. In-ground pools offer more variations. In-ground pools come in circular, oval, rectangular or kidney shapes. With some types of pools you may have even more variations to choose from. If you like to swim or someone in your family likes to swim a lot you will have to choose a shape that supports this. The shape of a swimming pool kit that supports swimming best is a rectangle. You can also opt for an oval shape if there are not many people using the swimming pool at the same time.
If size matters to you – if you want to swim or if you have a large family – you will have to choose an in-ground pool. Above ground pools are much smaller than in-ground pools. In-ground pools can be much bigger because the surrounding ground helps to hold back the water. Above ground pools are not very robust so that you are more limited in what you can do in your swimming pool.
This is also the reason you should choose an in-ground pool if you like to dive. If you browse youtube you will see many videos where someone is jumping into an above ground pool and the pool breaks. You also will have to be creative, if you try to use a diving board with your above ground pool. Most above ground pools are not deeper than 1,5 meter which is not a good diving hight.
The time you need to build your own pool differs widely between an in-ground pool and an above ground pool. Normally you can install an above ground pool within a few hours. It is possible for you to do it alone although you will appreciate a helping hand. In-ground pools take several days to build. You will need an excavator and depending on the type of pool eventually a crane. And you will need professionals to operate the machinery.
Finally you should be aware of that an in-ground pool is much more expensive than an above ground pool. In addition to the swimming pool kit itself you will have to spend a lot of money on the machinery to dig the hole in your backyard and the professionals operating them. Even if you choose an above ground pool you may have to do some earth moving because the ground has to be planar. But this can be done with a shovel in most cases.
The final choice depends on what you want to do with your pool. If you want to swim laps or dive you need a lot of space and a deep pool and an in-ground pool is your best choice. If you want to have a small pool for a quick dip in the water for yourself and your children, an above ground pool will suffice. So it comes down to what you hope to get from your own pool and what works best for you. Now you know what to consider to choose the right swimming pool kit.
