With the long, hot summer of last year still on many people's minds the idea of installing a pool in your backyard is definitely on the "to do list". You can install an inground or above ground type.

Inground pools are broken down into Vinyl Lined, Concrete & Fiberglass.

Vinyl Lined

Over $195 million dollars in pools were installed in Ontario in 2004. Over 2/3 were vinyl lined pools. These are the least expensive of all the inground types & come in all shapes and sizes. They are constructed of steel or PVCwalls & usually with a concrete bottom. The vinyl liner is stretched across and formed into place before the water is added. The huge variety of colors & patterns plus lower cost makes them very popular.

Concrete Pools

Concrete pools offer more durability and strength. You can't cut the liner as there is no liner and the lifetime of these pools are longer than vinyl lined. Almost all commercial & municipal pools are made like this. The cost is somewhat higher to make, however, the end result is very impressive. Different marble like finishes are available.

Fiberglass Pools

Fiberglass poolsrepresent a tiny pool fraction of the Ontario pool construction. Although they are available in different shapes and types, I am not aware of any Canadian manufacturers. Some American manufacturers are represented here and the cost falls in between the vinyl & concrete. Care in the ground digout must be exercised with these to avoid stresses on the pool as it is made in one piece. It requires a large crane to carry it over your house & in place.

Above Ground Pools

The easiest to install and the least expensive. They are available in round or rectangular versions. They are also the easiest pools to remove should they not be wanted anymore. If not installed tastefully they can actually downgrade a home's resale value, so thought should be used When planning on these pools for a long term change in your backyard. These pools are not meant for diving.

What type is best for you?

This depends on your income and the resale value of your home. Traditionally more expensive homes & higher income people want the inground types, whereas people with smaller homes or lower income levels do not see the investment worthwhile and go with the above ground types.

In any case having a pool on a hot summer day is a lot of fun!