IN-GROUND POOL BUYER’S GUIDE
Over 70 percent of in-ground pools sold today are built with galvanized steel, fiberglass, or plastic sides, a sand or optional concrete/vermiculite floor and a vinyl liner. These are known as “pressure pools” because the integrity of the walls are maintained by the force of water on the inside and dirt on the outside. We build these pool using either steel or polymer sides. These types of pools are relatively inexpensive compared to concrete / gunite pools, or one piece fiberglass pools. Ordini's uses a larger concrete collar around the outside of the base to assure that the pool structure is stable, a vermiculite and cement base inside, along with our Master Pool Builders years of experience assures a trouble free pool for years to come.
Another type of pool design is the fiberglass shell. In essence, this
is a molded one piece tub that is installed in-ground. The benefit of
a molded shell is the ease of installation, making it relatively economical.
Fiberglass pools are very popular. Joe Ordini is the leading installer
of these fine one piece pools. They give the homeowner instant satisfaction
because we dig in the morning and you swim in your new backyard paradise
that same evening. When we are finished the pool is full of water and
the filtering system is fully functional. Everything in your yard is ready
for landscaping and fencing. Why not invite
| OPINION: We highly recommend these pools for our area. |
The third type of in-ground pools available is concrete/gunite. These pools are made with poured concrete walls, and a floor that is poured or blown onto a wire grid. Generally the most expensive type of in-ground pool, concrete/gunite pools offer the buyer a wide range of styles, and can be plastered, trimmed with tile, or completely tiled. Concrete/gunite will give years and years of service. The drawbacks include the need to acid wash the walls approximately every two years to remove algae and oils that have been absorbed by the porous walls. As concrete ages it continues to cure, and becomes prone to vertical cracking. Also, because concrete is somewhat porous, after a time tile may begin to loosen. All in all, concrete/gunite pools are higher maintenance than fiberglass or vinyl, but if price is not a concern, they offer many benefits not available in other types of pools.
Basic pools usually include stainless steel ladders (one for the shallow end and one for the deep end). Step options include shallow end fiberglass recessed steps which extend beyond the perimeter of the pool, with the further option of installing Jacuzzi jets into the step walls. The other option is hand poured in-pool concrete steps.
Lighting options include 500 watt halogen underwater lights, Fiber optic perimeter lighting that surrounds the pool's edge with soft light that cycles through a rainbow of colors, and fiber optic in-pool lights. Choose any or all.
There are many different sizes and styles of diving boards and slides. Diving boards for residential pools are usually 6 or 8 feet long. Keep in mind that pools with diving boards require a deeper well, and the National Spa and Pool Institute suggests a minimum length of diving well (deep end) plus transition slope to measure approximately two-thirds of the total pool length. This can severely restrict the size of the shallow end in smaller pools.
Heaters are designed to extend a swimming season by approximately six to eight weeks, or to help maintain comfortable temperatures in pools that receive very little sunlight. Heaters are available in natural gas or propane (which will require a separate tank). An economical passive solar heater is available if your yard or roof can accommodate the solar panels. To estimate the size of the heater required, please read our heater page located in the Products section.
Most vinyl liner pools offer a choice of several standard liner colors and patterns. Additionally, there is a wide selection of pattern and thickness upgrades available at a surcharge.
Today's in-ground pools offer an extensive selection of custom options such as waterfalls, whirlpool spas, decking, tile and mosaics, to name just a few. While most options must be installed at the time of construction, many can be added at a later date. We can help you plan a two or three season project to fit your financial requirements.
O.K. ... You've decided you want an in-ground pool. What's the first thing you need to do? Before you even consider meeting with a pool company, you need to find your townships' "setback" requirements. This is the distances from your property lines and house that the pool must be to conform with zoning codes. Most townships have a brochure available which lists all requirements, including fencing specifications. Check our Township Zoning Page to see if yours is on file. Your next step is to decide the size and shape of the pool you want. Ordini’s suggests taking a length of rope and laying the outline out on your ground. Since the base price of any pool is usually determined by the length of the perimeter, measure and record the total length of the rope on the In-ground cost estimator . Finally, you need to obtain a copy of your plot plan, which is a drawing of your property showing all buildings, water lines, easements, etc.: You should have received a copy when you bought your house, but if you cannot find it, one should be on file with the township.
Now that you have all the required information, it's time to choose a pool company. If your schedule permits, we would suggest visiting the showrooms of all the builders you are considering. Do they have a pool on the premises to show you what the finished product will look like? Do they have samples and displays of the pools they install? Are they a member of the National Spa and Pool Institute and/or the Better Business Bureau? How long have they been in business? Does their showroom and representatives present a professional demeanor?
Once you've decided which pool and company is right for you, it's time to make an in-home appointment with a representative to examine the site. Please allow one or two hours to take measurements and work out the final details.
Remember, an in-ground pool represents not only a large investment, it is also the beginning of a long, hopefully satisfying relationship with the company that builds it. Price becomes a secondary factor if you're not comfortable with the people doing the job!