Building a swimming pool doesn’t have to mean that you choose between an above-ground pool that you set up from a kit, or an inground pool that is installed by a skilled team of pool installers. You have other options for materials that can make for a really unique and energy-efficient pool experience that might not be possible for you using other methods of construction.
From fiberglass to natural stone, there are lots of materials that you can opt for if you are in the market to install a pool that will last for years to come. Sometimes these choices can add a lot of character to your pool, and you will also find that many of them are easier to care for and more energy-efficient than standard pool options.
Unique Materials to Build a Pool From
1.ICF
An ICF pool can be a great choice if you want to save money on heating your pool and you want to install a pool that will hold up to years of use with ease. ICF is a really effective building method that uses hollow foam blocks that are stacked and filled with concrete. The blocks offer up a secure structural integrity, while the cement layer keeps the temperature fairly stable despite the weather outside.
This is a really strong method of construction that is also often used for houses these days. ICF pools are fast to construct, hold up well, and can save you money on heating your pool in the winter.
2.Fiberglass Pools
Fiberglass is often overlooked as a building material. It is actually a great option as it is ultra-lightweight and very durable. This is a great selection if you want a really smooth and well-crafted finish for your pool as well, since the gel coat finish that is used on the fiberglass can be really shiny, and it also resists algae growth and chemical stains.
Fiberglass pools offer fewer design options than other materials, but you will exchange that bit of exciting uniqueness for a pool that is highly durable, easy to clean, and simple to install.
3.Natural Stone Pools
Natural stone pools can be hard to craft, but if you love natural presentation for the items in your backyard, then you will want to look at this building method closely. Natural pools don’t need to be sanitized or have chemicals put in them to keep them in tip-top shape. While you might struggle to “install” a natural stone pool, if you have the space in your backyard to build a “natural” swimming pool, then natural stone is perfect for your preferences.
4.Ceramic Pools
Ceramic is quite strong, and it offers a high-gloss finish that is also beautiful to look at. This is a material that is naturally waterproof as well, which makes it very unlikely that your pool will suffer from leaking or other issues.
For some people, mass-produced ceramic products are controversial since these products were often thought of as fragile or were used in high-end utensils and other “fancy” situations. Ceramic is actually quite durable, but that is partially because modern producers include silica composite to make the ceramic more durable.
This is a great option if you have the ability to hire someone with the necessary experience to work with this medium. Ceramic pools can be harder to install because they are made of a one-piece shell and because they are so much more likely to be damaged during the installation process due to this fact.
5.Stainless Steel Pools
While it might seem too utilitarian to be enjoyable, stainless steel is a great choice if you want a highly durable pool that will have a long lifespan with limited upkeep. Stainless steel offers a really nice finish and can be readily kept clean and ready for use. You should have no trouble installing a pool like this.
Stainless steel will hold up for years to come and require little upkeep to maintain its best appearance. This kind of installation job requires specialized knowledge, but once you get used to what it looks like, it reflects the sun back at you and is quite pretty. Being able to keep your pool really clean when it’s not your full-time job shouldn’t be a struggle. A stainless steel pool can be a great fit when it comes to being a pool owner who just doesn’t have time to take care of endless pool maintenance.
6.Polypropylene Pools
These lightweight pools are resistant to sun damage and chemicals. Often, they are prefabricated to make the transportation and installation process that much easier on everyone. This kind of pool can withstand challenges like the sun and harsh chemicals in your pool water for years at a time.
While not as resistant to sun and chemicals as other pool types in this guide, this is still a very viable, lightweight, easy-to-install material for your pool addition.
Installing a Unique Pool Can Be Easy and Fun
A swimming pool can make your backyard areas far more usable and more enjoyable to spend time in. Having the ability to cool off, chat with friends, or even barbecue around your pool space can make your yard so much more fun to spend time in.
When you add a pool that is truly unique, you will also create a comment-worthy conversation starter, which can be perfect if you have extended family or friends around the pool who are getting to know one another and don’t have much in common. The more special and different your pool is, the more exciting it will be to spend time in it.
The options in this guide are ideal for those looking to create a pool but with less traditional building materials. Don’t miss out on the pool of your dreams just because the cost to add a swimming pool to your backyard. The more energy-efficient your building materials, the more likely it is that your pool will pay for itself someday.