Lake Havasu City Swimming Pools

Fiberglass swimming pools, concrete swimming pools, vinyl swimming pools and above ground swimming pools - which would you install?

Pictures: Bringing in the fiberglass swimming pool:

Thinking of adding a swimming pool to your back yard? In Arizona we have several popular options: the above ground swimming pool, the concrete or gunite swimming pool, the fiberglass swimming pool and the vinyl swimming pool.
The following article will discuss the various swimming pool options, and which, if any, swimming pool may add value to your Lake Havasu City home. As for swimming pools adding value to your home in another area, that varies from state to state, and community to community.

Above Ground Swimming Pool

The least expensive swimming pool construction option is probably the above-ground pool, which is normally made from prefabricated kits. Above ground swimming pools tend to be less attractive, less durable, and less permanent. Similar to the family trampoline, it may be something that your kids enjoy, yet don’t assume it will add any value to your home. In fact, expect to pack it up along with the trampoline when you move.

Vinyl Pool Swimming Pool

Buyers are mixed over the vinyl swimming pool. Structurally they are similar to above-ground swimming pools, yet they look more like conventional in-ground swimming pools. After a hole is dug, a frame is constructed around the perimeter, and sand is placed along the bottom of the hole. A vinyl liner (which needs to be replaced about every 10 years) is secured to the structural wall. While it is an affordable option, and preferable over the above ground swimming pool, it would be a significant detriment in a higher end home. Even in medium to lower end homes, some buyers see the vinyl swimming pool as having no value, and would not consider purchasing a home with one.

Concrete VS Fiberglass

       Some Havasu buyers may prefer the concrete swimming pool or fiberglass swimming, yet when presented with a home they like, if the pool is in good condition, they will normally accept either a concrete swimming pool or fiberglass swimming pool. Yet, when it comes to adding a swimming pool, the choice between the two types is often personal preference.
       For many years the gunite or concrete swimming pool has been the most popular choice. After the hole is dug, and plumbing installed, the walls are reinforced with concrete and finished with a coating such as plaster. This type of swimming pool allows for more creativity, as the size and shape is only hampered by the home owner’s imagination and pocketbook.
       Unlike the gunite swimming pool, a fiberglass swimming pool comes prefabricated in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. The construction time is less, and instead of rebar and concrete, the fiberglass swimming pool shell arrives at your home, and is lowered into the hole.
       We’ve built two swimming pools in Lake Havasu City, the first was a gunite swimming pool with a built-in spa, and the last was a fiberglass swimming pool. I’m sure there are plenty of pool owners who will tell you they prefer a gunite swimming pool, yet our preference is a fiberglass swimming pool.

Why we Prefer the Fiberglass Pool

       Our first swimming pool was built in the early 1990’s, and it included a spa that cascaded, waterfall-like into the main body of the swimming pool. Gas is not available in all neighborhoods in Lake Havasu City, so if you want a gas heated swimming pool, you will need to have a propane tank installed. Or, if you are in one of the neighborhoods with gas (as we were) you can use gas to heat your pool and spa.
       My husband loves using his spa every evening. While the swimming pool and spa combination was very attractive, it was not practical for our lifestyle. When he wanted to use the spa, it would sometimes take thirty minutes to warm up, compared to the instant gratification of a portable spa. We also found it was less expensive to heat our portable Hot Spring spa, than the in-ground spa.
         We installed our fiberglass swimming pool last summer, and we love it. We went with an unheated salt water pool. It has proved to be much easier to maintain than the gunite pool. And since it is a salt water system, that creates its own chlorine, we spend practically nothing on chemicals. In fact, with the salt water system, it has proved to be virtually maintenance free. With our gunite swimming pool, we spent almost $80 a month on a pool service. (We tried going without a pool service, yet discovered that we were almost spending the same amount on chemicals, and we were doing the work!)
        When our gunite swimming pool was installed, we wanted a play pool, no deeper than 5’. Yet, when they dug the hole, they went too deep, and we ended up with a 6’ deep end. With the fiberglass swimming pool, you know exactly the shape and depth of your pool. I also prefer the feel of the fiberglass pool, which does not make my feet raw.
        But the best advise I can give to someone considering installing a swimming pool: talk to other swimming pool owners in your area. Find out what they like, and dislike about their swimming pool, and pool contractor.

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