1. Home & Garden

Anatomy of a Pool: Types of Pools & Construction

More than just a big pit in your yard, a pool goes through many building phases before it looks like a swimming pool. Discover the various materials and degrees of labor involved in pool construction, including gunite, masonry blocks, vinyl linings, fiberglass shells, hybrid fiberglass, pouring concrete, finishing, and more. Learn what's involved for both inground and above-ground pools.
  1. Pool Design Fundamentals
  2. The Right Pool Builder (1)

Above-Ground Pool Manufacturers

An above-ground swimming pool seems like a great idea, but where do you go to learn more about the different manufacturers? The following is a frequently updated list of above-ground pool manufacturers. While above-ground pools have seen a rise in popularity since the Great Recession, some manufacturers have had to close their doors because of...

Important Things to Consider Before Building a Swimming Pool

Before diving into a pool project, follow the advice of Ray Cornise of Trilogy Pools. Among his suggestions: Use builders who are members of the National Swimming Pool Industry (NSPI); avoid exposed coping; request that the pool not be installed with one main drain; and consider using tile, but don't accept it if it's been pre-installed at the factory.

Above-Ground Swimming Pool Designs, Shapes and Styles

In the current economy, above-ground swimming pools are enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Why? Above-grounds always have cost less than inground pools, a point that is not lost on pool shoppers and buyers. Other selling points: above-ground pools are a breeze to install compared to building an inground pool, many can be disassembled at the...

How to Design the Perfect Pool for Your Family

For a swimming pool that is designed to fulfill the needs and desires of your family, congregate the clan to discuss pool plans. Consider the age of your children and the number of friends they'll be splashing around with in the pool. Will any family members swim laps in it? Is a spa or hot tub important? If everyone in the family has input, no one will be disappointed later.

What's Your Swimming Pool Type?

Do you want an in-ground pool? If so, should it be made of concrete, fiberglass, or vinyl liner? What are the pros and cons of owning an above-ground swimming pool? Should you choose a hard-sided or soft-sided above-ground pool? Discover the various types of residential swimming pools available in this helpful article from swimmingpoolmagazine.com

From the Ground Down:

Follow along throughout the many stages it takes to build a new swimming pool. From digging the big pit to the final result, you'll witness the various steps and stages involved in a complete backyard swimming pool project. Not a do-it-yourself project, this pool includes a landscape architect, licensed pool contractor, subcontractors and crew.

Diary of a Pool Project: Part 2 -- The Rebar Chronicles

Follow along throughout the many stages it takes to build a new swimming pool. From digging the big pit to the final result, you'll witness the various steps and stages involved in a complete backyard swimming pool project. Not a do-it-yourself project, this pool includes a landscape architect, licensed pool contractor, subcontractors and crew.

Pool Construction: Top 10 Mistakes

Before you start wading through volumes of manuals, and have dozens of contractors scheduled to come and give you a free estimate for your swimming pool construction, read the following ten tips. Heeding this simple advice could save you a great deal of aggravation -- and money -- in the long run.

A Natural Pool Becomes the Scene of a Battle

Residents of Ridgewood, N.J., are fighting over the future of Graydon Pool, a natural swimming hole, pitting concerns of safety versus a sense of heritage. This article from <i>The New York Times</i> covers the issue from both sides of the pond.

10 Things to Consider When Hiring a Contractor

You've assessed your DIY skills and interest in building a pool, patio, or other backyard project, and realized you'll need to hire a contractor for a venture of this magnitude. This calls for finding someone whom you can trust to follow through with the job until the not-so-distant finish. Everyone has a construction horror story; follow these...

The Big Apple is Not Exactly a Pool-Lover's Paradise

A whopping 100-or-so residential swimming pools can be found in Manhattan. Who are the lucky pool owners and how did they make it happen? <i>The New York Times</i> plunges into the pools of Manhattan.

Discuss in my forum

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.