An outdoor swimming pool design is a nice addition to a home. It can make your property more desirable when it comes time to sell, and a great pool design can offer endless hours of entertainment and relaxation during the warmer months. There are several pool designs that can fit a variety of budgets as well. Here is an overview.

Inground gunite — This type of pool design offers the most flexibility when it comes to custom pool design. Made out of reinforced concrete and plaster, this is typically the type of pool you see in commercial uses and upscale homes. It can also be the most expensive, but allows you to make creative pool designs incorporating different shapes, boulders and waterfalls, custom steps and more.

Inground vinyl — Using pre-fabricated vinyl liners, this type of pool can usually be constructed faster than gunite which may make it slightly less expensive. You can also get some level of custom pool design.

Inground fiberglass — This is a popular type of pool design for the homeowner. The designs come pre-molded in fiberglass and can be installed quickly. There are many different pool designs to choose from. One advantage is that algae has a harder time clinging to the smooth surface of the fiberglass.

Above ground — The least expensive choice for the homeowner, an above ground pool design can be set up quickly without the labor and cost of excavation. You may even be able to do it yourself, and there are a number of attractive options for adding decks, partially excavating and more.

Remember to talk to your local pool designer about local building permits and other requirements for installing a pool in your community. And keep in mind that adding a swimming pool design to your property also represents an increased liability risk. Check with your home insurance policy to make sure you have proper liability limits.