Splash Out On An In-Ground Pool At Style Plus

The dream Kiwi Christmas is more often than not a festive barbeque with friends and loved ones around the pool. Style Plus recognises that an in-ground pool is the ultimate in home upgrades. It remains a big investment, so it's important to carefully consider your choices with regard to fencing, size, shape, site selection, and type before going to the expense of submitting plans for council consent. With tight pool fencing laws in place, consideration to the safety of the pool is one of the main concerns for local authorities issuing consents.

Glass is the most favoured option for pool fencing as it has minimal obstruction to the view and more streamlined looking from the house. It has become more affordable as there are now a number of companies offering glass manufactured outside New Zealand. There are also a number of companies offering powdercoated metal pool fencing which is easier on the budget but is not as stylish or contempory as glass.

Size and shape depend upon your needs, budget, available area, and design wishes. Swim spas are small pools (some only 3 – 4m long) that produce a manmade current against which you can swim in place. Lap pools are typically narrow but require a sizeable area. Recreational pools are usually shallow at one end and deep enough for diving (3-4m ft.) at the other. Freeform shapes are also available and are often preferred because they blend well into the landscape.

Many pool owners prefer to install their pool close to the kitchen or family room, if it meets regulations. It provides ready access to the house and makes it easier to bring food and drinks out and to clean up afterwards. It's also easier to keep an eye on the pool from the house. That said, a somewhat secluded pool has the feel of a vacation getaway - without ever pulling out of the driveway. As long as the pool is connected to the house with a smooth, well-lit path and has a sizable pool deck around it for outdoor furniture and a grill, no one will complain.

Pool Construction Methods

The majority of today's pools are built of vinyl, fiberglass, or concrete. Poured concrete pools and concrete block pools have fallen out of favour. A plaster finish is trowelled over concrete surfaces. Fiberglass pools are pre-moulded in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are manufactured with steps, benches, and swim outs already in place. After the hole has been dug, plumbing installed, and sand base laid, it is lowered into the hole and levelled. To avoid bowing, filling the pool with water and backfilling with sand must be done simultaneously. No framing is required.

There are two types of concrete, wet and dry. Wet concrete is delivered premixed with water in a truck. Dry concrete is a mix of sand and cement and sometimes small aggregate. It remains dry until it reaches the nozzle of the applicator and doesn't really mix with water until impact on the pool walls and floor. There is some debate about which approach is stronger and longer lasting, but both processes produce durable pools.

The walk area around a pool also needs careful consideration and choices include poured concrete, stone, brick, tile, or any of a variety of pavers. Wood may also be used, but it will demand more maintenance, can be slippery when wet, and is prone to causing splinters. Don't skimp on area. The pool deck, which will be used for lounging, sunbathing, and dining, is likely to get more use than the pool!

For more information on home renovations Auckland, bathroom renovations Auckland and house renovations Auckland please go to http://styleplusrenovations.co.nz .