What types of pools can I build?

Already in Roman times, the pools were built with stone and adobe and covered with mosaics or marble to give them a good finish. So important was the importance of these constructions that this style is maintained today, and similar finishes adapted to the new times are still used. This construction stands on a base and reinforced concrete wall joined together.

The most widely used finishes today are vitreous coatings or tiles, which offer an image of unalterable quality over time. These are solid pools with quality finishes, with an approximate 10-year guarantee, but instead, require a minimum execution time of one month.

Its installation is one of the most complicated systems that exist since it requires much more effort and time to place the tiles, which makes labour and materials more expensive. In addition, at least once a year you have to replace the fallen tiles, and/or clean the joints. These are some of the reasons why mosaic is no longer used and pool architects and professionals opt for more comfortable and equally aesthetic systems.

The types of prefabricated polyester and fibreglass pools are an economical and quick alternative to execute, although they have some drawbacks to take into account. These structures have a conical shape to withstand greater pressure, so we must stick to standard models and measurements that do not allow customization. Also, there is a limitation for large sizes as these pools are built in factories and then shipped.

They also require more maintenance, since it is necessary to protect them every 4 or 5 years because the chemical product with which the pool water is treated affects the material and a crack can be generated in the structure. In addition, its installation is complicated because it is necessary for a crane truck to transport the entire piece and go exactly to where the excavation is. The pool is inserted in the hole of the work, so the locations that are difficult to access by truck make it impossible to install it on some plots.

In the US, 80% of swimming pools are built with steel due to the speed of execution and reliability. They are pools that have two basic elements: a modular structure, responsible for withstanding the pressure of the water, and a PVC coating, whose mission is to provide the pool with water tightness.

Steel panel, liner or reinforced sheet metal pools are an economical alternative when installing a new pool. However, they have great disadvantages compared to concrete or polyester pools.

The cheaper price doesn't make up for some drawbacks, like how slippery they can be or how difficult they are to maintain. Keep in mind that they are very thin steel plates, which are fixed to the ground by means of buttresses and are covered by a liner, which is responsible for waterproofing the pool. The liner discolours easily and it is difficult to fill the pool without wrinkles on the bottom.

Learn more about our architecture studio: Pacheco & Asociados Architects. We have been in the architecture and interior design sector for more than 25 years. We offer a large number of services related to architecture both nationally and internationally. Our team of architects always manages to design the specifications, needs and desires of the clients.

For this, we maintain close contact with our clients, to know in detail their opinions about the process. Well, we offer a comprehensive service, from the design to the execution and decoration of the interior and exterior of the home or building.

We invite you to visit our YouTube channel of Pacheco Arquitectos and learn about some of our latest projects in Murcia and Alicante.