In-ground swimming pool: Which is the fastest to build in relation to its quality finish?
If there’s one thing most of the single-family homes we design and build have in common, it’s the presence of an outdoor swimming pool.
Although Mallorca is known for its paradisiacal beaches and coves, it’s always a pleasure to have a pool at home — a place to enjoy a sunset dip or go for a swim first thing in the morning. A swimming pool also significantly increases the value of a property and provides a private retreat that completely transforms the surroundings of the house, especially the garden.
Of course, it’s possible to install different types of pools, but we always opt for in-ground pools, as they offer a durable, aesthetic, and highly customisable solution. But which of the available in-ground pool options offers the best balance between quick construction and a high-quality, professional finish? That’s what we’ll explore in this new article.
Current options for building a swimming pool
When building an in-ground pool, there are various construction techniques that inevitably affect both the construction time and the final result. The most common options are:
- Shotcrete pools: This technique involves spraying concrete under pressure onto a steel framework, allowing for great design flexibility and high structural strength. The surface is usually finished with gresite tiles or microcement.
- Formwork concrete pools: This method uses traditional formwork into which reinforced concrete is poured. It’s slower to build than the previous one and requires more drying time and manual work to achieve a good finish.
- Concrete block pools: A more economical option made of prefabricated blocks that are then filled and covered. They’re faster to build but may not offer the same durability or finish quality as other solutions.
- Polyester or fibreglass pools inserted into an excavated hole: These are not considered actual constructions, as they are prefabricated and simply “embedded” in the ground. They offer speed and a good finish, but have limitations in terms of design and long-term durability when exposed to time and chemical products.
What’s the best option in terms of speed and finish?
If we’re looking for the best combination of fast construction and a professional, aesthetic finish, shotcrete — or shotcrete pools — is the best option.
With this system, you can quickly build solid and waterproof structures. Typically, your pool can be up and running in 4 to 6 weeks, significantly reducing the construction time compared to other methods — without compromising the quality of the result. It’s also a great choice because:
- It covers large surfaces seamlessly, avoiding joints that could lead to leaks over time.
- It allows for high-end finishes such as gresite tiles, porcelain stoneware, natural stone, or microcement, ensuring a refined and elegant result.
In short, to build an in-ground swimming pool that combines reasonable construction time with a high-quality finish, shotcrete technology is currently the best option on the market.
In any case, the gHouse team will assess your needs, the land where the pool is to be installed, the finish you desire, and how urgently you want the pool ready for use — and based on all these variables, will propose the best solution.
Trust one of our arquitect in Mallorca to build your swimming pool or take on your entire single-family home project. You already know we specialise in turnkey solutions that include the design and construction of swimming pools or wine cellars.
