Thinking about adding a pool to your Bali property? It’s a fantastic way to enhance your home and lifestyle in the tropics. But with various options available, how do you choose the right one? This guide explores different types of swimming pools, outlining their advantages and disadvantages, so you can make an informed decision.
Different Pool Construction Methods
There are several ways to construct a pool. These include building a frame and hanging a plastic membrane, digging a hole and lining it, or constructing a reinforced concrete tank. Let’s delve into the most common pool types.
1. Reinforced Concrete Pools
Reinforced concrete pools are the most popular type globally, especially for commercial and public spaces. These pools have walls and a bottom made of reinforced concrete, often finished with paint or tiles.
- Advantages:
- Highly flexible in terms of shape, size, and depth.
- Known for their long life expectancy.
- Relatively low cost in areas with affordable labor, such as Indonesia.
- Can be designed for various installations including in-ground, upper floors, or cantilevered designs.
- Disadvantages:
- Requires precise design and construction to prevent cracking and leaks.
- Must be strong enough to withstand ground movement.
- Can be expensive in developed countries due to high labor costs.
- Often involves a major construction project that may take time to complete.
2. Inground Membrane Pools
These pools involve digging a hole and lining it with a waterproof membrane. The hole may be reinforced with concrete or left as bare earth if the ground is stable. The membrane can be made of polymer or bituminous material, with bituminous being easier to weld and repair.
- Advantages:
- Can be low cost, depending on the membrane’s local price and availability.
- Relatively quick to construct.
- Flexible, allowing them to withstand ground movements.
- Disadvantages:
- Thin membranes are susceptible to damage.
- Technically challenging; the membrane must fit perfectly, have leak-proof joints, and properly sealed pipe penetrations.
- Hydrostatic pressure needs careful balancing.
3. Above Ground Pools
Typically found in places like Australia and America, these pools have a lightweight aluminum or steel wall and a polymer liner. These are usually circular, although oval and rectangular options are available, with sizes up to 1.4 meters deep and 10 meters in diameter.
- Advantages:
- Low cost.
- Quick to install.
- Disadvantages:
- Low life expectancy.
- Liners are easily damaged.
- May not be aesthetically pleasing.
- Limited in depth.
4. Fibreglass Pools
These pools consist of a factory-made fibreglass liner that is delivered and placed into a prepared hole. They are more common in developed countries that can support their manufacturing.
- Advantages:
- Quick and easy to install.
- Lower cost than concrete pools.
- Reasonable life expectancy.
- Smooth inner finish makes them safer than concrete pools.
- Disadvantages:
- Can pop out of the ground if left empty and water gets underneath.
- Size is limited to what can be transported by truck.
- Requires a crane for installation and truck access to the site.
- Needs proper support underneath to ensure fibreglass is stable.
Making the Right Choice for Your Bali Property
When choosing a pool, consider factors such as your budget, the available space, desired lifespan, and the style of your Bali property. Reinforced concrete pools remain a popular option due to their versatility and longevity, especially in areas with reasonable labor costs.
By understanding the pros and cons of each type, you can make an informed decision and invest in a pool that will provide years of enjoyment.
