Forming the shell with steel-reinforced concrete, plaster and concrete are the most common materials for building an in-ground pool. Indeed, it was also the first one used after residential pools gained a widespread popularity. This is partly because concrete is porous and durable, which allows its plaster-coated shell to retain water and provide stability.

Here is how a concrete pool works: after an excavated hole is created in your yard, its bottom and side will be framed or lined with steel rods (or rebar). These might be sculpted into any conceivable shape, from guitars and hearts to boomerangs and rectangles, along with creating ramps, steps, and other features. Once the rebar has been positioned, the shell is constructed by spraying gunite or shotcrete. This spray-on technique allows a contractor to decide the shape and size of the concrete pool. 

2. Fiberglass

A swimming pool constructed from fiberglass is often available with a large single-piece shell which is delivered to your house by truck. After that, it will be installed in an excavated hole thanks to a crane. Different from a concrete pool, a fiberglass pool is ready-made, meaning that it’s rare to ask for a customized design. However, most fiberglass manufacturers provide a variety of sizes and models to choose from. Benches, spas, and steps are often pre-formed.

Fiberglass allows for a simple and quick process of building the pool. The interior surface is smooth, making it difficult for algae to stick and grow. However, fiberglass pools tend to be more expensive. After around 10 years of being exposed to chemicals and sun, this material might gradually deteriorate.

3. Vinyl

A vinyl pool is typically constructed with plastic or metal frames in an excavated hole or above the ground. The prefab supporting panels or walls made of aluminum, steel, or plastic are attached to the frame, creating a form which is lined with vinyl to establish the shell. The top of a vinyl pool is usually held by the coping, while the bottom sits on a sand bed, resulting in a finished edge that works as a border for its deck.

Similar to other materials, vinyl can deteriorate after longtime exposure to chemicals and sun. Some liners are equipped with UV inhibitors and fungus to extend their life from 10 to 18 years.

 

The three listed are some of the most popular pools you will see, but there are different types of pools in addition to concrete, fiberglass and vinyl. In addition to these three, other options can be used to a pool surface made of plaster or concrete, such as human-made textures, stone, and tile. Indeed, more and more people are using alternative finishes, like pebble aggregate.