Fox/Cardinal Ultimate vs. True Inground Pool

[dnow]

We are currently planning to install a 12x24 rectangle inground pool. We are going with a steel, vinyl liner pool and have received quotes for both Fox/Cardinal Ultimate pools and true inground. The true inground quotes are slightly higher but we are having a tough time judging the pros and cons of each.

Beyond the bracing technique (buttress vs x-brace) is there an appreciable difference between the two for this application? Thanks!

 

[InyoRich]

One advantage I see to the True Inground pool is the coping (the edge between your deck and the pool). It looks like it uses traditional inground pool coping versus the above-ground style of coping (top rails and top caps, by the look of it) on the Ultimate pool. This can be a little bit of a headache down the road if you need to replace any of the top caps or top rails. In my opinion, the True Inground pool edge looks better; the Ultimate pool will look like you sunk an above-ground pool into the ground (unless you get clever with the coping or if there are additional options that I don't see). It can be an even bigger headache if you build a deck over it and need to service it in the future.

 

[Newdude]

Fox pools have come up a couple times. Check here and/or search away with any relevant combo of terms that you can think of. I remember seeing similar wall braces on a proposal at some point. I'll try to find it when I get some time.

Here's the standard search results for Fox pool

Google search results

www.troublefreepool.com

Click on any members name and most profiles will say 'last seen XX/YY/ZZZZ' if they've been around in the last month or two you can tag them here with @ + their name and they might respond.

@riny for example, here is theirs. (But they haven't visited since sept)

Installation timelapse - Fox Ultimate pool

I finally got around to putting my installation timelapse together! This took place over 4 days in August. Sorry about the occasional glare (it's the reflection of the tripod on the window). The pool is a Fox Ultimate which is an onground (also called hybrid or semi-inground). Enjoy...

www.troublefreepool.com

And +1 with Rich. You're spending 'shouldn't have to look at top rails/caps money'. Forget about possible maintenence headaches later, they're ugly now.

(To all my above ground peeps, there's nothing wrong with rails and caps, and I even had my own for a spell. But not for dozens of thousands of dollars.)

 

[dnow]

Thanks @InyoRich and @Newdude, that's very helpful! After digging further, it looks like the rectangular Ultimate pools are compatible with CR and HZ coping options (shown here), where CR is a bullnose and HZ is a liner track. Are these similar to typical inground pool options? I'm having a bit of a tough time deciphering all the options in that catalog.

Also, thanks @Newdude I'll do some digging through the archives too!

 

[Newdude]

it looks like the rectangular Ultimate pools are compatible with CR and HZ coping options

So the liner track is good, but the aluminum coping has the 80s look to it. You could do stone coping with the proper backfill / base.

What are you doing for a patio ? The aluminum coping fits better with concrete than pavers IMO.

 

[dnow]

Good question! We're planning concrete, so likely the aluminum coping.

 

[Newdude]

Ok it makes more sense then. The concrete goes right to the edge of the pool and the aluminum coping cleans up the rough edge of the concrete. The right crew can spend time on it and make that edge pretty clean, but it's never perfect. The wrong crews leave Swiss cheese. Lol.

 

[kimkats]

I am SO in for this one!!

 

[InyoRich]

Yes, those coping options you linked are the same for most/any other inground vinyl-lined pool. Pick one to go with the decking you are installing and it will look great for years to come!

If you are pouring a concrete patio next to it you may want to look into the stone coping liner track. This would really set off the pool!

 

[dnow]

Yes, those coping options you linked are the same for most/any other inground vinyl-lined pool. Pick one to go with the decking you are installing and it will look great for years to come!

If you are pouring a concrete patio next to it you may want to look into the stone coping liner track. This would really set off the pool!

Thanks! I'll look into the stone coping liner track option too.

One additional difference between the two options that has arisen is the bracing structure. We are planning on having a 2' concrete apron on two sides of the pool but some of the builders are concerned about the x-brace for the true inground option being beyond that.