Fiberglass Pools, Vinyl Pools and Concrete Pools: Pros and Cons

Swimming pools are a wonderful investment that provide family and friends with an interactive, healthy and relaxing way to spend time together.Whether it’s a casual swim or the morning lap routine, a swimming pool adds value to your life as much as it does to your home. Hence, it’s important to make the right decision when purchasing or upgrading a pool. Numerous factors come into play when considering the most optimal pool set up for a home – from climate, space, and shape, to budget and intended use. Fiberglass, vinyl, and concrete pools all come with their pros and cons, so it’s recommended to take the time to understand which investment is best for you.

Fiberglass Pools

Image via RiverPoolsAndSpas

It’s no secret that Fiberglass pools are becoming the preferred style for inground pools. They’re super flexible and easy to move, which makes them resilient in nearly all climates and soil conditions. The highly durable, smooth and sleek surface of fiberglass pools makes pool maintenance a world easier. Vinyl liner’s impermeable qualities prevent algae from being able to penetrate the wall, in addition to preventing pool chemicals from bleeding out – which makes maintaining pH a breeze.

So far so good right? Of course, as with any quality product, you pay for what you get. Fiberglass pools are the most costly to install out of the three pools and are typically limited to smaller sizes since the shell is molded prior to installation.

Vinyl Pools

Image via RaftToRafters

Vinyl pools are a great choice for those looking for a cost friendly option. Unlike fiberglass pools, vinyl liner pools are far less restricted in regards to potential size and shape. Moreover, they’re hands down the cheapest and one of the quickest types to install. Much like fiberglass pools, vinyl pools also feature an impermeable surface, however, that’s not to say that vinyl pools are flawless in design. The average vinyl pool will last anywhere from 7 to 15 years, with replacement cost sitting between $2,000 – $4,000. On a related note, since vinyl liners are not very thick, it’s important to exercise caution with what enters the pools (branches, sharp rocks, etc.) – one small tear could cost hundred in repairs.

Concrete Pools

Image via  CoastalPools

Concrete pools are the ideal pool for the home owner with a knack for creativity. Among all the swimming pool types, concrete pools are the most limitless in terms of design. They can be any size, shape or depth – not to mention the option for incorporating some creative flare (“natural” pools, vanishing edges, beach-style entry, etc.). Essentially, any pool design you can image can be turned into a reality when dealing with concrete pools. But, beauty comes at a cost. When it comes to absorbency, concrete pools might as well be sponges. Concrete pools are highly porous and in turn absorb a significant amount of pool chemicals (which means higher chemical costs), all the while providing a comfy home for algae colonies. So expect to spend more time scrubbing the pool walls and adding chemicals when aiming to keep a concrete pool in good condition. It should also be noted that although a great investment, concrete pools typically need to be renovated every 10-20 years, with expenses ranging from $8k-$15k.

Overview

We hope you found this article to be helpful. Feel free to share any experiences you’ve had with your pool set up below!

SOURCES: PoolSpaOutdoor | RiverPoolsAndSpas