Say The Word
The most beautiful swimming pools have an uncomplicated allure, but there’s always more to them than meets the eye. In order to demystify some of the most commonly used pooldesign jargon, Western Australia Pool + Outdoor Design has put together a helpful glossary of terms. With this knowledge, building the right swimming pool to meet you and your family’s needs will be as easy as floating on water!
Above or Below
Above Ground Pool
An above-ground pool isn’t permanently fixed into the property and often comes in three shapes – circle, oval, or rectangle. Some higher-end above-ground pools include decking and railing options, which can be added during purchase.
In-Ground Pool
An in-ground pool is built into the ground of the property and – while more expensive than an above ground pool – can add significant value to your home.
Coming Clean
In-Floor Cleaning System
Modern in-floor cleaning systems consist of a series of pop-up heads that push debris into drain traps in the deep end of the pool. Th traps are plumbed to a larger leaf-trap cylinder that’s housed in the pool deck, under a skimmer lid.
Robotic Cleaners
Robotic pool cleaners work independently from the filter and pump, and are driven by an internal electric motor. They are self-contained, and collect debris in a filter canister. Robotic pool cleaners have built-in intelligence that ensures they don’t get stuck in corners or steps. Many professionals believe they provide better coverage than alternative cleaners.
Robotic pool cleaners can be used in most types of pools, both in-ground and above-ground. Some advanced options have the ability to improve water circulation as they clean, which encourages chemical balance.
Fabulous Filters
Sand Filter
Sand filters use specially designed sand to capture dirt and debris as water passes through. The clean water then flows back into the pool through the bottom end of the filter. Back-washing is simple, and should be performed weekly to prevent build-up of debris.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filter
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is sedimentary rock that’s composed of the chemically inert, fossilised remains of billions of microscopic algae-like organisms called diatoms. DE filters are highly efficient because they are able to filter out smaller particles than sand or cartridge filters. That said, DE filters are typically more expensive and time consuming to look after.
Cartridge Filter
Cartridge filters are mostly used for smaller aboveground pools. While they are less expensive than sand or DE filters, they aren’t as effective in filtering small particles and can potentially make the pool look cloudy. However, a clarifier can coagulate these particles, which will help the filter trap them more efficiently. Cartridge filters must be cleaned regularly.
Go With The Overflow
Infinity Or Negative-Edge Pool
An infinity or negative-edge pool has water that flows over one or more edges to produce the beautiful visual effect of water with no boundary. Such pools are often designed so that the edge appears to merge with the sky or a large body of water, such as the ocean.
The structural design and positioning of a pool are given a great deal of consideration when deciding on an infinity edge, which usually works well on a hillside.
Perimeter-Overflow Pool
A perimeter overflow is a style used in many modern designs, where the water overflows the pool edges and falls into a hidden slot or
catch basin, before being recycled back into the pool. This function is similar to an infinity-edge pool, except the water overflows all four sides. As a result, the water’s surface looks like a flat sheet of glass that appears to be perfectly contained without walls.
What Pools Are Made Of
Typically, pools are either made from concrete, fibreglass or vinyl. Each of these materials is extremely sturdy.
Concrete
Concrete pools are excavated and installed into the ground. The plumbing and PVC piping are installed next, while a steel frame is affixed to the outline of the swimming pool, which provides stability for the concrete filling. Typically, gunite is then sprayed onto the steel-bar grid using a power sprayer to create the basin.
Fibreglass
Fibreglass is a lightweight yet strong and durable material that is made by weaving small glass threads into fabric, which is then hardened with a special polyester resin. Its smooth and sleek finish is achieved by adding weather-resistant gel, which gives fibreglass pools their visually appealing surface. Fibreglass pools are much quicker and easier to install than their concrete counterparts, however your design and colour options are limited.
Vinyl Liner
Vinyl liners are custom-made sheets that serve as a divider between the water and your pool’s structure. Vinyl-liner pools are the most cost-efficient option as they have very low material costs. In most cases, a vinyl-liner pool will cost $5000 to $10,000 less than their concrete or fibreglass counterparts. Vinyl-liner pools are also highly customisable in terms of shape and size. However, it’s important to note that they need to be replaced sooner than other options, and have lower resale value.