We all love the idea of having our own swimming pool in the backyard. But a pool is a major investment, so choosing the right pool is a decision that needs to be made very carefully. With so many different types of outdoor pool available to buy, it can be confusing figuring out which is the right pool for you.
Here is our guide to purchasing outdoor pools, and all the factors you should consider if you want to make sure you are choosing a pool that you can continue to enjoy for a long time to come.
Things to consider when choosing an outdoor pool
Before you even think about purchasing an outdoor pool, you need to ask yourself a number of important questions so you can gain an idea of the type of pool that will be most suitable for your needs.
1. What is your budget?
This is the obvious place to start, as the pool you choose will be determined by what you can afford. Swimming pools are not cheap, and it’s important not to overstretch yourself, as this can cause a number of problems for you later on.
If you are on a budget, an above-ground pool will be a more practical solution than an in-ground pool. As these do not have to be built into the ground of your backyard, they are far cheaper to buy and install.
You also need to think about the material you want your pool to be built from. Concrete pools are the most expensive, as these have to be built from scratch on your property, but they are extremely hardwearing, and will last a lifetime. Vinyl-liner pools are the cheapest option, but they require more maintenance, and are not nearly as durable, so you can end up spending more than you initially thought on repairs.
A fibreglass composite pool is a compromise between the two. It costs a little more than a vinyl-liner pool, but is engineered to be as tough as concrete, so it will last for many years, offering you the best of both worlds.
2. How will the pool be used?
The way you intend to use your pool will have a major impact on the type of outdoor pool you should choose.
If you are a serious swimmer who intends to devote most of your time to swimming laps, a lap pool would be the obvious choice. These are long, narrow pools which are designed to give you an unimpeded lap swimming area. Lap pools are often built in-ground, but if you would prefer a more convenient, cheaper option, a shipping container pool also offers the ideal shape for lap swimming.
If you have children and your pool is likely to be used for family time and games, you might want to consider a full-sized outdoor pool. Full-sized pools are usually made of concrete or fibreglass, and are in-ground solutions. This will offer you the largest amount of space, and will also give you more choice of pool shapes. However, a smaller, above-ground pool can also be perfectly adequate for a family, if your backyard is not very large or you are on a budget. Above-ground pools now come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, so you can easily find a pool to suit your needs.
If you want to use your pool for hydrotherapy treatments, you should think about a plunge pool or a swim spa. These can be fitted with spa jets so you can gain all the benefits of hydrotherapy while in the water. Both in-ground and above-ground pools can offer this option, as spa pools tend to be smaller than regular swimming pools.
If the aim is relaxation, all the options are open to you. Spending time in the water is highly relaxing, and you can benefit from this no matter which type of outdoor pool you choose.
3. How much space do you have in your backyard?
If your backyard is large, you may choose an in-ground pool, as these tend to come in larger sizes. If you decide on a concrete pool, however, the size of the pool does not matter, as these can be built in-ground or above-ground, in practically any size and shape you choose.
However, you do need to consider the quality of the soil in your backyard. An in-ground pool requires your backyard to be excavated, which can be difficult in certain conditions, and will require a survey before it can be carried out safely. This is something you will need to ascertain, as it might be the case that an above-ground pool would be a better solution for your backyard.
4. Do you want an instant solution?
If you choose to have an in-ground pool built, this is a complex process which takes time. A fibreglass pool shell can be installed in several days to a week, as this is a pre-fabricated solution which then has to be installed in the ground of your yard. A concrete pool can take even longer, as it has to be built from scratch, so you could be waiting for up to a month for it to be completed.
Along with the pool building process comes the disruption of having builders on your property each day until the pool is finished. If you can deal with this, and are patient enough to wait for your pool to be finished, an in-ground pool could be the right solution for you.
If you are looking for a pool which is easy to install, comes with everything you need, and can be used practically straight away, an above-ground pool would be a better choice. These come as complete kits, with the pump and filtration system included. This makes them quick and easy to set up, with no building work required, giving you a convenient outdoor pool solution which you can start using as soon as it is filled.
5. How much control do you want over the design?
If you are looking for a concept pool which is designed to suit the style and aesthetics of your property, a concrete pool would probably suit you best. Whether you choose an in-ground or above-ground concrete pool, these are built from scratch in your backyard, so you can have as much control over the design as you want – they can be built in practically any shape.
Fibreglass and vinyl-liner pools are pre-fabricated in factories, so they are off-the-shelf solutions which come in a range of sizes and designs. This means they are harder to customise, but with such a wide selection now available, there are pools to suit all sizes and shapes of backyard at a lower cost than concrete pools.
Some people prefer the look of an in-ground pool to an above-ground pool, as it looks more streamlined. However, there are now plenty of above-ground pools on the market which come with a variety of styling and lighting options. With good landscaping, an above-ground pool can be a highly attractive feature in your backyard.
6. Are you thinking of moving house?
An in-ground pool is only a wise choice if you intend to stay in your property for the foreseeable future, or if you are happy to sacrifice your new pool in order to add value to your home. If you are considering moving, you will probably want a pool which you can take with you.
This means you should think about a portable pool. These are above-ground, fibreglass or vinyl-liner pools which can be packed up and loaded onto a standard flatbed truck, making them easy to transport to practically any location. Once your pool has been installed in your new backyard, you can easily set it up and start using it again straight away.
How to select the best outdoor pool
Once you have decided what you want from a pool, you need to choose the right model. Your pool is an investment which should last for many years, so it is important to get this decision right.
Take a look at different pool manufacturers and what they offer. If you want an in-ground pool, choose an experienced pool building firm, ideally a company which has built other outdoor pools in your area. This way you can look at their previous work and decide if it meets your standards.
If you have chosen to purchase a pre-fabricated pool, it is important to buy from a reputable pool manufacturer. Each pool company offers different quality standards, so it is important to read reviews, and if possible, speak to some people who have already purchased pools from the company. You need to know you are purchasing a product which is safe, strong and built to last.
Most importantly, think about what suits your needs. Is there a particular size and shape of pool which is ideal for your backyard and the way the pool will be used? For example, is a pre-fabricated pool shell suitable for your yard, or do you want a bespoke design which would only be achievable with concrete? If your pool will be used regularly by your children, will a vinyl-liner pool be durable enough?
By narrowing the field down and discovering what different manufacturers are offering, you can select the perfect outdoor pool for your home.
What Little Pools can offer
Little Pools are a new concept for those who want an instant, portable outdoor pool solution. They are manufactured in small sizes to suit backyards which do not have a lot of space for a pool, but they still offer plenty of room for swimming, enabling you to enjoy all the benefits of your own pool without needing a large backyard or a large budget.
However, a cost-effective solution does not mean compromising on quality. Little Pools have been designed by one of the most respected engineers in the pool construction industry, in conjunction with a leading Australian manufacturer of full-sized fibreglass composite pools. This means they have all the strength and durability of an in-ground fibreglass pool, using all the latest technology, yet they are easy to install and transport.
Little Pools are designed to look attractive, with a choice of three outer cladding options and four colours for the pool interior. They are also easy to install, with no excavation work required. All a Little Pool needs is a level concrete pad to sit on, and access to an electrical connection.
Coming pre-plumbed with a high-quality pump and filter, Little Pools are easy to set up and can be used as soon as they are filled, making them highly convenient, attractive, cost-effective outdoor pools which can be enjoyed by everyone for many years to come.
If you would like more information about what a Little Pool could do for you, please contact us, and we will be happy to answer your questions.
