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Choosing a Pool for Your Rec Center

Pool in a rec center

What Kind of Pool Should I Build?

You’ve decided that you want to put a pool in your recreation center. But what kind of pool should you put in? You have quite a few options that you’ll need to consider. Today we’ll talk about some of the benefits and downsides of different construction materials and water types.

What to Build Your Pool With

You will need to decide what you’ll want to build your pool out of. The typical options are concrete, vinyl, and fiberglass.

Concrete

Concrete is one of the most popular options for several reasons. Primarily, concrete is extremely durable and long-lasting. A concrete pool is built by excavating the ground and filling the hole with the concrete shell. If you choose a concrete pool, the benefit is that you can make the pool any shape you like. If concrete needs to be rebuilt or refinished, it’s easy to do. Other pool types don’t accommodate this option. The biggest downside of concrete is that it can take a long time to install.

Vinyl

Vinyl is also a popular option. The pool is made with a liner that fits into the hole. Keep in mind that, with vinyl, you won’t have quite as many shape options as concrete. Unfortunately, vinyl deteriorates over time, which can be expensive to replace after several times. However, The greatest benefit of vinyl is it’s fairly cost-effective and quick to install.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass pools are prefabricated and then set into the hole excavated. Like vinyl, fiberglass pools come in limited shape options. Some benefits of fiberglass include the ease of installation and the fact that the material allows for fewer chemicals to be used.

Saltwater or Not?

Saltwater pools have become more popular recently because of the lower chemical level and the long-term cost savings. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing whether or not you want your pool to be salt water:

  • Less Irritation – Because of the lower level of chlorine, salt water pools can be less irritating on the skin and eyes.
  • Cost – Saltwater pools cost more to install up front, but the eventual savings you get from not having to buy as many chemicals is a benefit to consider.
  • Cleaning – Saltwater pools don’t need to be cleaned as often as standard swimming pools. You should only need to clean a salt water pool once a year.

When considering all your options, it’s important to weigh the costs of each to find the solution that is most cost-effective for your facility.

Contact Sports Facilities Management

If you’re thinking of making an addition to your recreation center, consult Sports Facilities Management. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.

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