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River Pools & Spas Blog

The most educational swimming pool blog in the country, providing fiberglass pool articles and videos, as well as information on inground concrete and liner pools.

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Fiberglass Pool Information  |  Swimming Pool Design

What Are the Best Fiberglass Pool Shapes?

We can all admit that, back in the day, fiberglass pools used to be a bit of an eyesore. But science is an amazing thing: the technology has developed so that not only are these pools now gorgeous, but you can find the exact design and accessories to create your dream backyard. We at River Pools take nigh-parental joy in creating fiberglass pool shapes and designs to fit all kinds of needs. Disclaimer: The shape and size of fiberglass pools can’t be customized the way concrete or vinyl liner pools can. A, they’re built from existing molds, rather than from scratch. B, they have to be 16 ft by 40 ft or smaller, since they travel via highway to get to your house. It’s sad, I know. However, that’s not to say you have no choices! There are plenty of options available, and every fiberglass pool manufacturer produces different designs. Most people are able to find a fiberglass pool design that they love and that fits their needs.

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Options and Accessories  |  Swimming Pool Design

Exposed Aggregate on a Pool: Pros, Cons, & Reviews

Ever notice how some people insist on using a $5 word when a 10¢ word would suffice? (I know I just used the word “suffice,” but hear me out.) The first time I heard the phrase “exposed aggregate” for a pool finish, I thought it was a pretentious way to say “Pebble Tec.” But it’s actually the correct term. Not all exposed aggregate pool finishes are products of the Pebble Tec company. Exposed aggregate finishes are sometimes called Pebble Tec in the same way that we often call tissues Kleenex—one brand has become representative of the product. So we’re going to talk about exposed aggregate finishes as a whole.

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Comparing Fiberglass, Concrete, and Vinyl Liner Pools in the Modern Age Ebook.

Comparing Fiberglass, Concrete, and Vinyl Liner Pools in the Modern Age

Don't blindly wonder if a fiberglass, concrete, or vinyl liner pool is right for you. Our educational ebook does a deep-dive comparison of the 3 types, all while noting the advantages and disadvantages of each.

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Options and Accessories  |  Swimming Pool Design  |  Vinyl Liner Pool Information

How to Make Vinyl Liner Pools More Attractive

Ever watched “What Not to Wear”? I wish Stacy London would hand me $5,000 for new clothes. The catch: those clothes didn’t come off the hanger magically the right shape. All those outfits were tailored to the shopper. They looked amazing afterward, yes, but that tailoring also used up a big chunk of their shopping money. Now prepare yourself...that’s basically what you have to do to a vinyl liner pool.

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Fiberglass Pool Information  |  Fiberglass Pool Manufacturers  |  Swimming Pool Design

Viking Pools Review: Laguna, Cancun, & Caribbean

Are you in the market for a freeform fiberglass pool and looking for the perfect model for your family? We’re here for you! As manufacturers and installers of inground fiberglass swimming pools, we at River Pools have a unique determination to help homeowners (like you!) to find your perfect pool—whether that means choosing us or not.

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Pool Design Guides  |  Swimming Pool Design  |  Swimming Pool FAQs

How to Choose a Pet-Friendly Pool

A lot of people with medium-sized pets like to let them play in the pool. Have a dog? Sheep? Llama? Small horse? They might be interested!

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Options and Accessories  |  Pool Design Guides  |  Swimming Pool Design  |  Swimming Pool FAQs

Are Deep End/Diving Pools Really a Good Idea?

For my family, a diving board is a runway. It's all very dramatic. We waddle like penguins, strut like models, wave like royalty, and stroll like oblivious pedestrians...and then drop into the deep end of the pool, still “walking.”

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Concrete Pool Information  |  Installation & Construction  |  Swimming Pool Design

How Thick Should a Concrete Pool Be?

What’s the best concrete thickness for your pool? If you’re asking this question, you’re probably already looking at and comparing the pool contractors in your area. The vast majority of us can’t DIY a concrete pool; the process is too complicated and technical. You’ll contract professionals to engineer and construct it. Be sure to ask them the relevant questions we lay out in our Swimming Pool Builder Vetting Checklist to confirm their integrity and expertise.

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Fiberglass Pool Information  |  Fiberglass Pool Manufacturers  |  Pool Design Guides  |  Swimming Pool Design

Freeform Fiberglass Pools: Comparisons and Ratings

Are you in the market for a freeform fiberglass pool and looking for the perfect model for your family? You aren't alone. As experts of inground fiberglass swimming pools, we at River Pools have a unique determination to help homeowners (like you!) to find your perfect pool—whether that means choosing us or not.

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Concrete Pool Information  |  Installation & Construction  |  Options and Accessories  |  Swimming Pool Design

Best Interior Finish for a Concrete Pool: Plaster vs. Pebble vs. Tile

When it comes to concrete or gunite pools, the finishing options have expanded significantly in recent years. While traditional plaster remains a classic choice, alternative finishes can offer additional benefits such as increased durability, smoother textures, and unique aesthetic appeal. Exploring these options allows pool owners to customize their swimming experience and potentially enhance comfort for all users.

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Concrete Pool Information  |  Pool Design Guides  |  Swimming Pool Design

What's the Best Concrete Pool Design for Your Needs?

Every pool owner has different goals. This affects the design—pools don’t have to be (and shouldn’t be) one-size-fits-all. You can customize concrete or gunite pools to fit almost any look you like, which is a huge advantage for this pool type. However, most don’t vary that much.

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