Fibreglass, Vinyl-Lined and Concrete Gunite Pool Installers
Are you thinking of installing a new family pool in your backyard? Then you already probably know there are 3 major options for in-ground pools.
- Concrete Gunite Pools
- Fibreglass Pools
- Vinyl Lined Pools
Let’s take a look at how each of the above options are built and some of the benefits of each. Alternatively, contact Local Pros today And a leading Pool Company in Midrand will contact you shortly
How Concrete or Gunite Pools constructed step by step
When installing a new Gunite Pool, the construction process can be broken down into several steps.
- Designing the pool – The first step is the design phase, where you and one of our partners will work together to create a design that fits your garden and needs.
- Digging the hole – The next step involves digging the hole according to the design plans, which can be done with excavation equipment or by hand if access to the pool area is limited.
- Installation of Pipes and Plumbing – Following the digging, pipes and plumbing will be installed, and then a steel reinforcement cage will be built to hold the concrete in place and reinforce the structure for long-term durability.
- Gunite Blasting – The next step is the Gunite blasting, where Gunite is sprayed onto the steel cage layer by layer to form the finished shape of the pool.
- Final Finishing – Finally, the pool will be finished with any small imperfections being fixed, and the finishing touches like pool stone surround and paint will be added for a beautiful finish.
Why a Gunite or Concrete Pool is an excellent option.
There are many advantages to choosing a Gunite Pool:
- Custom designs – Ability to change the shape and design of the pool to fit your needs and backyard
- Choice of finish – Various options for paint colours, stone patterns, and mosaic tiles
- Long lasting – Granite pools have a long lifespan and come with good warranties. When properly maintained, gunite pools can last for decades
- Hardwearing – gunite pools are more durable compared to vinyl and fibreglass pools, suitable for settings where vandalism is a concern
- Flexibility for additional amenities – Custom design allows for easy incorporation of amenities like lighting, benches, tanning ledges and water features
How Fiberglass Pools are installed step by step
Let’s quickly go over the steps of installing a Fiberglass Pool:
- Site excavation – The first step is to excavate the site where the pool will be installed. This involves digging a hole that is 10cm deeper and 30cm wider than the fibreglass pool itself. This extra space is necessary to accommodate the plumbing and backfill material that will be used later in the process.
- Primary plumbing and pool setting – Once the hole has been dug to the correct size, the installers will lay the primary plumbing and cover it with a base material. The pool will then be lowered into the hole and set on the prepared base material.
- Completing plumbing and electrical installation – The next step is to install the remainder of the plumbing, electrical, and filtration system. This includes connecting the pool to the water and electrical supply, as well as installing any additional equipment such as pumps and filters.
- Backfilling the shell and filling the pool – The pool installers will then backfill the pool on the sides, while the water level is raised. The more complex the design of the pool, the longer the backfill process will take. This can take anywhere from one to five days, depending on the project.
- First inspection – Once the pool is full of water, an inspection will be done to ensure that all areas have been backfilled correctly and that all plumbing and electrical installations are working correctly.
- Coping and deck installation – Once everything has been verified to be working properly, the coping process begins. Coping is the casting or installation of cement or stone ledge that surrounds the pool. This will give the pool a more finished look and also provides rigidity. After the coping is done, the pool surround is installed, this can be decking, normal paving or stone paving.
- Cleanup and water balancing – Once the pool surround is completed, the area is cleaned and the water is balanced to make it safe for swimming.
- Enjoy your pool for many years to come – After cleanup, your pool is ready to be enjoyed by your family and friends.
Why a Fibreglass Pool is an Excellent option
- Quick installation – Fiberglass pools are a great option for inground pool installation because they have quick installation, as the shells are premanufactured and installed as a single piece or two pieces that are bolted together for a larger installation.
- Fiberglass Pools are very Durable –They are durable and less likely to sustain damage compared to other pools, which reduces the chance of damage and maintenance expenses.
- Lower Maintenance – Fiberglass pools require little upkeep and have a smooth, non-porous surface which reduces the growth of algae.
- No Liner Replacements or resurfacing –They do not require a liner to be replaced or resurfacing, only a simple gel coat after years of use.
- Lower lifetime cost – They have a lower lifetime cost as they require less maintenance and require fewer chemicals, making them less expensive to own over time.
How Vinyl-Lined Pools are Constructed step by step
Below we will have a quick look at how a Vinyl-Lined pool is constructed:
- Design Phase – During the design phase, customers have the opportunity to fully customize their pool to their liking. This includes choosing the size, shape, and features of the pool, as well as the materials used to construct it. This is where the initial consultation comes in, where a representative from the pool company visits the customer’s property to discuss their plans and assess the area where the pool will be built. This is an important step as it ensures that the customer’s vision can be achieved while also taking into account any limitations or constraints of the property.
- Outline the Pool Area for final approval – Once the design is finalized and approved by the customer, construction begins by outlining the pool area. This is a crucial step as it allows the customer to visualize the final product and ensure that the location and size of the pool meet their expectations.
- Digging of Pool – If the customer is satisfied with the location and size, the digging of the pool can begin. During this process, the excess ground is removed and transported away from the site
- Building of walls – The walls of the pool are then constructed, typically using metal or plastic, depending on the pool design and the materials used by the pool company.
- Plumbing and Electrical Installation – After the walls are built, the plumbing and electrical installations are done around the pool. This is to ensure that the pool has all the necessary connections for water and electricity.
- Installation of Bondbeam and Casting of the floor – After the plumbing and electrical work is completed, a bondbeam is cast from cement to keep everything level and lined up. Once the bondbeam has hardened enough to hold the walls in place, a floor is cast using a cement mixture to provide a solid bottom. This is important to ensure the stability and durability of the pool.
- Pool surrounds installation – Next, the pool is finished with the addition of a surround of the customer’s choice, such as decking, stone, or thermal concrete tiles with custom designs. The surround is added to provide an aesthetic touch to the pool and also to provide a non-slip surface around the pool.
- Vinyl Liner Installation – A custom vinyl liner is then placed inside the pool and locked into place via the bead. The liner is important as it provides a watertight barrier and also enhances the overall appearance of the pool.
- Filling the pool with Water – The pool is filled with water and appropriate chemicals are added making it ready for use
- Final Inspection and Cleanup – After the pool is completed and filled with water, the client and contractor will inspect it together and then the remaining soil and building waste will be removed from the site, leaving the client with a clean and enjoyable new pool.
Why Vinyl-Lined Pools are an excellent option
There are many advantages Vinyl Lined Pools have over the other built-in pool options. Let’s have a look at some of them.
- Smaller initial investment – Vinyl liner pools have a smaller initial investment compared to concrete and fibreglass pools.
- Quick and Easy Installation Quick and easy installation, taking only a few weeks to install.
- They use fewer chemicals – They use fewer chemicals because the liner is a nonporous surface and does not absorb chemicals, and there is less seepage from outside sources into the pool.
- Vinyl-Lined Pools are Durable – Often Vinyl pools are considered high maintenance due to vinyl liners that will need replacement but a well-maintained vinyl liner will last for 10+ years.
- Vinyl-Lined Pools are Non-Abrasive – Vinyl-lined pools are very comfortable because the liners are non-abrasive.
- Great Warranties – Great warranties are offered by our partners when installing a new vinyl pool or getting a new liner for an existing pool.
New Vinyl Pool Liners for Sale
If your pool liner is showing signs of wear and tear, you don’t have to worry. Our partners provide a wide range of new pool liners for sale, they can take measurements on-site and create new liners accordingly. The installation of new vinyl liners usually takes only a day or two.
Choosing the right Pool for your needs
When choosing between a Fibreglass, Vinyl-Lined, and Concrete Gunite pool, it’s important to consider the benefits of each type of pool.
Fibreglass pools are known for their quick and easy installation, durability and low maintenance requirements. They are less prone to damage and require less maintenance in the long run.
Vinyl-lined pools, on the other hand, have a smaller initial investment and also have quick and easy installation. They use fewer chemicals and are non-abrasive making them comfortable. They come with great warranties and a well-maintained liner can last for 10+ years.
Concrete pools, also known as Gunite pools, are highly customizable and can be designed to fit any space and style. They are known for their durability, but the installation process is more time-consuming and expensive. It is important to weigh the benefits of each type of pool and consult with professionals to make the right choice that fits your needs, budget, and personal preferences.
How much does it cost to install a new Pool?
New pool prices start from R70000.00 for a Vinyl Lined Pool and increase to more than R150000 for some Fibreglass Pools
How much does a Gunite Swimming Pool cost?
The cost of a new Gunite swimming pool can vary, with an average price range of R90,000 to R130,000+, based on factors such as design, shape, size, and additional features.
How much does a Vinyl Lined Pool cost to install?
Vinyl pools have the most affordable initial investment compared to other types of built-in pools. The cost of installing a Vinyl-lined pool can range from R70,000 to R120,000+, depending on factors such as size, design, and location of the pool installation.
How much does a Fiberglass Pool cost to install?
Fibreglass pools have a higher initial installation cost compared to other types of pools. However, they are known for having lower maintenance costs in the long run. The cost of installing a fibreglass pool can range from R90,000 to R150,000+, depending on factors such as size, design, and location of the pool installation.
Why selecting a Local Pros partner is the smart choice.
Finding a trustworthy and reliable pool company can be challenging, but at Local Pros we have done the hard work for you. We have carefully chosen and vetted top pool companies throughout Midrand to be part of our network of partners. By working with one of our partners, you can enjoy the following benefits.
- Clients are the priority ensuring customer satisfaction
- They offer custom designs to bring your dream pool to reality
- They use pool builders that have extensive experience in the field
- They provide great warranties to give you peace of mind
- They offer excellent post-sale service and guidance on proper pool maintenance
- Offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality
These are just some of the advantages of working with a Swimming Pools Pros partner.
No matter what type of Pool you are planning to install contact Local Pros Today and a leading pool installer in Midrand will contact you shortly.
