For most people, having a private pool is a dream and luxury item. It can also enhance the look and value of a property when done correctly.
Whether you are installing a pool, or considering buying a property with an existing pool, there are many things to consider.
Types of Pool
Concrete
Concrete is the strongest and most costly option and is usually finished with plaster, aggregate or ceramic tiles.
With cement and concrete being relatively cheap in Thailand, concrete has always been a staple of most pool designs. For most concrete pools, steel is used to strengthen the concrete and give the pool a framework. This essentially creates a strong container which can huge thousands of gallons of water without any worry. However, some builders are always on the lookout to save some money on the construction price and may opt to use concrete cinder blocks as a basis for the pool frame, either with or without any steel reinforcement. Whilst this works fine in the short term, the longer-term downside is any future movement of the ground will cause weak points in the pool and runs the risk of cracking and leaking. If this happens, you potentially must repair this or even install a brand-new pool. A concrete pool has a top finish such as stone or ceramic tile, which creates a 100% waterproof structure and can look amazing. Finishes usually need reworking or replacing every 15 years but a properly constructed concrete structure gets stronger with age and cannot corrode.
Fiberglass
Preformed and bought in a specific size and shape, this is installed into a garden by lowering into place and then connecting ancillary pipework and lighting.
Fiberglass pools are a popular choice as a pool can be seen before it is even installed and then installed in just days. Fiberglass is smooth and durable and easy to keep clean and resists algae. The disadvantages fiberglass is that you are limited to the available sizes and shapes and it deteriorates over time with continued exposure to UV and chemicals. Re coating is not easy as they need extensive work for any new material to bond with the existing pool. The typical lifespan of a fiber pool is around 15 years.
Vinyl
A vinyl pool can be installed quickly to any shape and is usually the cheapest pool option but has drawbacks.
Vinyl pool are created with a bed formed and then a prefab frame of steel, aluminium or plastic which holds the liner. Vinyl pool are very cost effective and can be built quickly and have a very smooth surface. However, vinyl can deteriorate with exposure to UV and chemicals, it can also be ripped. Vinyl lifespan is usually around 10 years but can be longer with some brands of UV resistant liners.
Choosing a pool installer
Get several recommendations. It is always best to see what other pool work a particular builder has done in the past. Make sure you talk with the owners of these properties too to confirm the legitimacy of the work.
If buying a new home with a pool, check some of the other properties being built on the same development to see what kind of construction they use. If you see any shortcuts being used, go and find another option or be prepared to pay later.