Concrete pool - classic construction with modern alternatives
A concrete pool is one of the oldest and best-known construction methods in the field of swimming pool construction. Many garden owners associate a concrete pool with the dream of a solid, durable and customisable swimming pool in their own garden. The solid construction of a concrete pool conveys safety and stability, and the possibility of realising almost any shape and size is attractive at first glance.
Anyone interested in a concrete pool is often looking for the advantages of a foil pool. A liner pool offers the desired freedom of design, a wide variety of colours and designs, a shorter construction time and lower maintenance costs. This is why we rarely recommend the exposed concrete construction method today, because there are better alternatives that usually meet our customers' requirements for a swimming pool more closely.
Advantages and limitations of concrete in pool construction
A concrete pool offers a great deal of design freedom and allows the realisation of individual ideas. It is also possible to choose the colour scheme, integrate a staircase solution or combine it with modern equipment such as an overflow channel, skimmer or counter-current system.
However, the design also has limitations and disadvantages:
- Construction time: A pure concrete pool takes weeks to months to install, especially on slopes and in complicated environments, whereas a liner pool and other swimming pools can be installed much more quickly.
- Costs: The use of concrete as a construction and surface material appears favourable at first glance. However, the costs can quickly rise in the long term due to the vulnerable surface.
- Cleaning: The rough surface favours deposits and requires more intensive care.
- Water chemistry: Concrete can affect the pH value of the water and make water treatment more difficult.
- Maintenance: Cracks, grooves or spalling result in additional renovation and maintenance costs.
Alternatives available to you at egli jona
At egli jona ag, we offer a wide range of pool solutions that can be customised to your wishes and the conditions in your home. Instead of focussing exclusively on one construction method, there are various materials and systems to choose from so that we can find the best solution for every project, whether with foil, natural stone lining, plastic or other materials.
Foil pool
The Foil pool is the most flexible option in modern swimming pool construction. With a large selection of foils, in colour and design, almost all shapes and sizes can be realised. The smooth surface of the swimming pool is easy to clean, hygienic and cost-effective.
GRP pool (glass fibre reinforced plastic)
A GFK-Pool is supplied as a complete prefabricated pool and impresses with its speed of transport, installation and excellent stability. The easy-care surface reduces deposits and is much easier to clean than exposed concrete or natural stone.
PP basin (polypropylene)
The PP basin offers a robust construction and quick transport and installation and also offers many customisation options. The plastic is resistant to UV radiation and chemicals, and the smooth surface is much more pleasant and easier to clean than a concrete pool.
Natural stone pool
For those who prefer an exclusive design, natural materials and durability, the Natural stone pool the ideal choice. The unique colouring and the stone's ability to store heat create a special bathing experience.
Biodesign-Pool
The modern design with organic and individual shapes and a completely natural pool design, blends harmoniously into the garden and creates a particularly aesthetic bathing experience.
At egli jona, we work to ensure that our customers get the best pool that perfectly matches their individual ideas, the available space and their personal wishes. We are happy to provide our customers with individual advice and look forward to combining the client's ideas with our expertise in pool construction to create a coherent overall concept.
Construction and technology
Planning a pool, especially one made of concrete, requires detailed knowledge of statics and building physics. Specialist knowledge and expertise are required, especially for difficult slopes or high groundwater levels, as well as cooperation with an architect.
The design is classic with a stable base plate and solid pool walls. If desired, the surface can then be lined with tiles, foil or natural stone. It can be combined with modern sanitary and swimming pool technology, for example by installing inlet nozzles, steps or an overflow channel.
Design and layout
In theory, a concrete pool offers many design options. The shape of the pool can be freely chosen and the size customised. It is also possible to integrate steps, sunbathing areas or special details into the pool.
However, reality shows that design freedom is limited by the properties of the material. While a liner pool can be easily implemented in different colours and designs, an exposed concrete pool is less versatile in this respect. We will be happy to advise you on your options.
Materials and quality
Concrete is a robust material, but not ideal for surfaces in pool construction. It reacts sensitively to water, chemicals and temperature fluctuations. This results in cracks or spalling, which can impair the pool's impermeability.
Compared to a swimming pool with a liner, a natural stone pool or a modern plastic pool, the concrete pool offers no convincing advantages. Even with professional pool construction using the latest swimming pool technology and in collaboration with an architect, the long-term results are often associated with higher maintenance costs.
Care and cleaning of the pool
Cleaning a concrete pool is more complex than with other swimming pools. The rough surface favours deposits that can only be removed with intensive care. The concrete also affects the pH value of the water, which makes water treatment in this pool more complicated.
A liner pool, on the other hand, offers a smooth surface that is easy to clean and requires fewer chemicals. This significantly reduces maintenance costs and allows you to enjoy your own swimming pool for longer.
Comparison with other pool types
A comparison with other pool types shows that nowadays there are some other and more favourable alternatives to the concrete pool that have different characteristics:
- Concrete pool: classic construction method, great design freedom, but longer construction time and higher costs.
- Foil pool: Flexible lining, large variety of pool colours and designs, quick installation, attractive price-performance ratio.
- Natural stone pool: Exclusive look, high durability, less maintenance than exposed concrete
- GRP pool: Prefabricated shell pools with fast transport, quick installation and easy-care surface.
- PP basin: Smooth, easy-care surface, customisable, modern design
Prices and costs of the pool
The costs for a pure concrete pool depend on the individual circumstances and requirements. The material and labour costs are significantly higher than for a liner pool or a GRP prefabricated shell pool. In addition to the actual construction material concrete, factors such as statics, adaptation to groundwater or difficult slopes must also be taken into account.
Another point is the long-term maintenance costs of the concrete pool: The rough surface of a pool made of exposed concrete is more susceptible to deposits and requires more intensive maintenance. This significantly increases the overall costs over the years. In comparison, a pool with a liner or a prefabricated shell pool is more cost-efficient. A liner pool also uses concrete as a building material. However, the liner makes the surface less susceptible to contamination.
Your partner for modern pools in Switzerland
egli jona ag has been a leading company in the field of swimming pool construction in Switzerland for decades. With extensive experience, modern technology and close cooperation with renowned partners, our team realises individual foil pools, plastic pools, prefabricated shell pools, natural stone pools, stainless steel pools and GRP pools that meet the highest standards of planning, quality, design and durability.
If you are thinking about a concrete pool, you will find the best alternative for a pool with us. We offer various swimming pools that offer equally interesting design freedom and state-of-the-art swimming pool technology without the disadvantages of a concrete pool. Contact us for a non-binding consultation, that will give you clarity and inspiration.
Concrete pool at egli jona - or an alternative?
A concrete pool offers a great deal of design freedom compared to other pools. At the same time, however, the costs, construction time and maintenance of the pool are significantly higher than with other types of plastic pools, which are clear disadvantages.
Anyone looking for a concrete pool usually wants a customisable, durable and easy-care pool, and this is exactly where the liner pool comes into its own. With a modern structure and a liner with foil, almost all shapes and designs can be realised, even on slopes. If you want to emphasise the natural yet modern look of concrete, a natural stone pool is recommended. This can also be integrated into both modern and natural garden concepts, but is much more durable and easier to maintain than a concrete pool.
At egli jona, we accompany all our customers from planning to realisation and create your individual dream pool. Contact us for a personal consultation in Switzerland or leave your name and contact details. Discover the various options we have to offer, because your project is important to us. We look forward to working with you to create a new living environment with state-of-the-art swimming pool technology in your home.
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