By: Mark & Sue Henderson, co-owners, Pools & Spas Unlimited of Milford, DE

In-ground pools are more expensive than above-ground, but they are also a permanent home improvement. They add aesthetic, as well as intrinsic value to your home. And when it comes time to sell your house, an in-ground pool is generally more appealing to potential buyers.

In grounds range from play pools with depths of 3-to-5 feet to diving pools with deeper depths appropriate for the divers in your family. Before you purchase an in-ground pool, you need to think about how your family will use it. Do they like to play a lot of water sports? Then maybe a play pool with sports set-ups is the answer. Do they like to swim laps? Perhaps a rectangular design is best for you. Or do you have a combination of swimmers and splashers? How about an L-shaped pool so everyone is happy? Thinking about usage and then designing with those needs in mind is the key to building a pool that your entire family will be happy with for years to come.

We will discuss Fiber-glass with this article: Now, let’s talk about your primary options in an in-ground fiberglass pool.

Fiberglass In-ground Pools

A fiberglass pool is factory-manufactured and then installed in one piece in your back yard when your excavation is completed. Basically, a fiberglass pool resembles a giant bathtub.

Points to Ponder:

Price: Fiberglass pools typically will require fewer chemicals. You also will avoid liner replacement costs.

Maintenance: A Fiberglass shell does not change the chemistry of the water, so you often will use less acid. When discussing options with a dealer, be sure you are comparing apples to apples.

Installation: Once your yard has been excavated, the pool is delivered in one piece and installed.

Shock absorbent: Fiber-glass has a shock-absorbing ability that allows it to flex up to 2 feet.

The Top Ten Reasons to Own an In-ground Pool:

1. Enhance your landscaping. Pool contractors can help you to design beautiful pool areas to complement your landscaping.
2. A pool may increase your house’s resale value, since buyers are sometimes drawn to houses with luxurious amenities like in-ground pools.
3. A pool can provide a fun way to exercise. Swimming laps or doing pool aerobics are just two fun, low-impact cardiovascular workouts.
4. A pool can provide an opportunity for family time. Instead of sitting in front of the television all weekend, you and your family can spend the weekend swimming, playing pool basketball, and soaking up the sun.
5. A pool can help reduce stress. You can enjoy the gentle ripples in your pool whether you’re just taking a dip, floating in an inflatable lounger, or swimming at the end of a long day.
6. Everyone loves a pool party. Investing in an in-ground swimming pool can make your home a preferred gathering place for friends and family.
7. For children, time at the pool requires adult supervision, so you can know where your kids and their friends are spending their free time—in your own backyard.
8. Cool off on hot days. On a blisteringly hot day, nothing feels better than taking a dip in cool water. As your family begins to favor the pool over air conditioning to escape the summer heat, you might even notice a shrinking electricity bill.
9. Add a bit of romance. Isn’t there something special about spending a moonlit evening in the pool with your partner?
10. Get a good deal. Pools are more affordable than you might think, so you won’t have to break the bank to enjoy the water.

A swimming pool can be a fine place for your family and friends to gather in comfort and luxury. For a relatively small initial investment, you too can reap the benefits of pool ownership for years to come.

Publisher’s Note:
When I decided to build a new home this year one of the first things that I decided to do was to purchase an in-ground pool. I went to several pool stores to look at different types of pools. Most of the other stores treated me like a nut because I really didn’t know much and I expected them to educate me about what they had to offer. But one store was different; Pools & Spas Unlimited of Milford. The sales person took the time to educate me, and yes he sold me on the spot. When it came time to install my pool they were prompt and extremely professional, and their service was even better. I love my new pool and I love these guys.