Concrete with Plaster or Aggregate
Concrete and plaster are the most common in-ground pool-building materials and were the first ones used when residential pools became popular. Concrete is durable and porous, allowing the plaster-coated shell to hold water, provide stability, and to be re-plastered when needed, adding to its longevity.
Alternative Pools
Various materials can be added to pool surfaces made of concrete or plaster, including tile, stone, and human-made textures. Alternative finishes with textures are becoming increasingly popular, like pebble aggregate or (Pebble Tec, a glass alternative Beadcrete, WetEdge’s Primera Stone, NPT’s JewelScapes, StoneScapes, and QuartzScapes). Expect these aggregate finishes to last about 8 to 12 years.
Fiberglass Pools
A swimming pool made of fiberglass will be sold as a large one-piece shell that arrives at your home by truck and then is positioned in the excavated hole with the help of a crane. Unlike concrete pools, fiberglass pools are ready-made, making it rare to request a customized design. Most fiberglass manufacturers offer many models and sizes to choose from. Steps, spas, and benches are usually pre-formed. After 10 to 15 years of exposure to sun and chemicals, the fiberglass deteriorates. Recoating it is not easy because the new coating does not stick easily to the older one.
Vinyl Pools
Pools that are lined with vinyl are built with metal or plastic frames above ground or set into the excavated hole. Prefab supporting walls or panels made of plastic, steel, or aluminum are joined to the frame, making a form that is then lined with heavy vinyl to form the pool shell. The bottom of a vinyl liner sits on a bed of sand or other material, while the top is held down by the coping, which creates a finished edge and acts as a border for the pool deck. Like other materials, vinyl deteriorates with longtime exposure to the elements along with pool chemicals. Some liners come equipped with fungus and UV inhibitors, which can extend the life of a vinyl liner from 10 to about 18 years or so. Let us be your Frisco / McKinney Pool Service!
