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Type-casting your new pool |
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Decisions decisions …Making the right choice
By Kathryn Alexander.
Having taken the plunge and decided to build a swimming pool, it is important to know what you want.
Pools come in a huge selection of sizes, shapes and finishes, and you will do yourself a favour if you do some serious homework before you sign the contract.
NSPI pool builder members can offer you a range of options including hand-packed concrete, gunite, fibreglass and vinyl-lined pools. Your decision will depend on numerous factors including the site you have chosen (which may be the only site you can use); the finish you want; and price. The best advice is to shop around and ask for references. If possible visit completed pools.
The NSPI categorises pools for its awards competitions according to construction method. Gunite, handpacked concrete and concrete pools in general are in one category, and fibreglass and vinyl in another. Size and surround further separates categories.
Fifty years ago most pools were built using shuttering and concrete. Then gunite, which uses a strong sand/cement mixture was invented and the industry boomed.
Gunite pools are still very popular in South Africa and handpacked concrete is becoming more widely used in certain areas, due to the high specification of concrete design by ready mixed suppliers who can guarantee a 30
to 35Mpa.
Fibreglass pools are moulded in a wide range of shapes and sizes and can be supplied in various colours as well as Vinyl-lined pools are the cheapest option, but be sure you buy these from a reputable manufacturer
remember to look for the NSPI logo.
Finish of concrete and gunite pools is another minefield. There are various plasters which may be used, including the traditional marble plaster. Make sure your builder is using a product manufactured by an NSPI member.
If you don't want a plastered pool shell, a mosaic or tile finish is another option, and in certain areas chip tile is popular, particularly in the Eastern Cape.
Paul Botha of Pelican Pools in Walmer says that chip-tile pools were introduced as an alternative to marble plaster in the late 1960s. While relatively few pool are finished this way elsewhere in South Africa today he says they are still the norm rather than the exception in that part of the country.
He maintains that chip-tile pools won't stain, form hairline cracks or go rough as is experienced with some other surfaces. However, the process of finishing a pool using this method does require intensive labour and there are skills required to do it properly.
Of course there are always pros and cons and it is up to you to ask the right questions and to demand satisfactory answers. Click on any of the images below to enlarge. | Chip tile : | Fibre-lined reinforced concrete: | |  |  | | A popular finish in the Eastern Cape, chip tile is a labour intensive option. It is important that the tiles are spaced an d laid correctly for the best aesthetic effect. Various colours are available, depending on the visual effect you want to achieve. | The combination of a blue poolcoat inside and white poolcoat to the rim flow was chosen to complement the house on this property. The pool was constructed by Amanda Rudman Pools in the Eastern Cape. | | Mosaic : | Fibreglass : | |  |  | | A stunning indoor swimming pool finished with 100mm x 100mm navy blue mosaic tiles. The pool itself was built by Radiant Pools using the gunite construction method and the design incorporates a simple but sophisticated looking flushdeck. | Ideal for any smaller property, this downscaled design from Townhouse Pools is made from fibreglass. No enlarged image, sorry |
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