If you need to use speakers everywhere where they may be exposed to water or chemicals, eg chlorine, you need to make sure the speakers you use are waterproof. Speaker coils are very thin, and can corrode easily, and standard paper cones can easily distort or collapse if they get wet. There are 4 main types of waterproof speakers: In ceiling speakers, cabinet speakers, free-standing garden speakers, and even wireless speakers are available. So, which should you use to get sound where you want it?
In-Wall and In-Ceiling speakers are designed to fit flush with your ceiling or wall, so their aesthetic impact is minimal and you do not lose space in the room. They are available in a range of sizes to suit most rooms including the smallest ones. They are the best choice for a neat and tidy finish in any indoor situation, such as kitchen, bathroom or swimming pool room. If the building works ere already completed, it may be difficult to get the cable behind the walls for the best results.
In-Wall and In-Ceiling speakers are generally only waterproof from the front, since the back is only exposed to the wall cavity, and if it is wet in there, you have bigger problems to worry about than your speakers. Since In-Wall speakers are usually open backed, the space behind the speaker will affect the sound to a large degree, and they probably will not sound right straight out of the box. This also means that you can change the tone of the speakers by changing what is behind the speaker. I have a large ceiling cavity and the speaker lacks bass, building a small box to fit over the back will help a lot. If the sound lacks definition or sounds harsh, try adding padding or soft insulation behind the speaker.
Box or Cabinet speakers can be used in almost any situation. Although they are not usually as pleasant to look at as the other types, they can be used indoors and out, either freestanding or attached to a wall or post. The two advantages over ceiling speakers are the relative ease of installation, as you do not have to cut big holes in the wall, and the casing, which means the speaker has a consistent sound wherever you install it.
Garden Speakers are available in various shapes and sizes, designed to sit on the ground or be partially buried in a border. These speaks are most commonly shaped to look like rocks, which blend into almost any garden situation, however they are also available in other designs which blend into greenery, or stand out as an artistic feature. They are ideal if you want to leave them in without worrying about moving them. They are usually the most difficult speakers to install, due to running the cable underground, but once installed, they require next to no maintenance.
Wireless Speakers are a relatively new addition to the market. Wireless technology varies in quality and performance, equally with price, as do the other components used. Wireless speakers are ideal if you want to be able to move around with your speakers, for example if you want music in the garden but to keep the volume low to keep the neighbors happy, or if you have a party only occasionally, or use a communal garden or public space, where you need to pack them away when not in use. By using wireless speakers, you also save the hassle of running cables through the house and garden.