• A concrete pool is typically the most expensive type of pool to build, but it offers the most design flexibilty.Pool image by apeschi from Fotolia.com
  
  A backyard swimming pool can be fun place to cool off during hot summer months. If you are considering installing a pool in your yard, there are several types that may work for your home. When choosing a pool, be sure to consider the space available, your budget and the amount of maintenance that you are willing to undertake.
  
  

Above Ground Pool

• Above ground pools are the best option for homeowners who are on a budget and have limited space in their backyard for construction. They are built entirely above the ground and are typically made with steel, aluminum or resin sidings that house a vinyl liner. However, some above ground pools may have a thick bladder made from a vinyl-like material that is supported by PVC poles. Above ground pools are generally round or oval in shape and do not allow for diving because they typically only reach depths of 4 to 6 feet. They are not permanent structures, so they may be disassembled and moved if necessary.
  
  

Concrete Pool

• Concrete pools are typically the most expensive type of inground pool, but they are also the most durable option for homeowners. They are constructed by digging out a hole for the pool and pouring concrete over a wooden frame. After the concrete dries, several different finishes, including paint, plaster or tile, may be applied. Concrete pools provide a great deal of design flexibility because the concrete is poured on site, so the pool may be formed in any shape or size. While highly durable, concrete pools often require periodic maintenance. Painted concrete pools require repainting every few years, and the concrete finish may need to be repaired if chipping occurs.
  
  

Vinyl Liner Pool

• Of all inground pool options, vinyl liner pools are generally the most affordable. As with concrete pools, a hole is dug for a vinyl liner pool and a concrete base is poured. Premade vinyl panels are fastened together for the walls of the pool and a track is installed along the top of the pool to hold the vinyl liner in place. Vinyl liner pools work especially well in colder climates because they are flexible, so they withstand freezing conditions well. Vinyl liners are available in a wide range of colors and patterns. They typically last approximately five years, but the vinyl may tear at any point during the lifetime of the pool if it comes into contact with a sharp object.
  
  

Fiberglass Pool

• A fiberglass pool is a good option for homeowners who want to build a pool as quickly as possible. As with other inground pools, a hole must be dug, but the fiberglass shell is premanufactured and delivered to the construction site in one piece. Installation is quick and easy, but fiberglass pools offer the fewest design options because they only come in a few sizes and shapes. However, they often cut back on maintenance time for owners because the fiberglass surface is nonporous, so it is not as prone to algae growth as a concrete pool would be. The fiberglass shell is also highly durable, so fewer repairs are generally required over the lifetime of the pool.