Buying a pool can be a big decision and if you’re a first time pool owner, there may seem like there are a lot of different directions you could go in. The three most common types of inground pools you can have installed are fiberglass pools, concrete pools, and vinyl pools. So, which one is best? This post will cover some of the pros and cons of owning each.
Fiberglass Swimming Pool
Fiberglass pools are made from molded plastic material. They begin with a pattern, or plug, that creates the general shape of the pool. This is then turned into a mold, which is basically the inverse of the pool design. The shell of the pool is built on top of the mold, and then released to create the final shape of the fiberglass pool shell before it is dropped into the ground at its final destination. Fiberglass pools come in other materials besides fiberglass, and they can be used for residential swimming pools or for spas or resorts.
There are three kinds of fiberglass pools – acrylic, polyethylene, and acrylic terra-cotta. Each one is unique because of their manufacturing process. Acrylic is the cheapest because of its low manufacturing cost, while terra-cotta is the priciest because of its natural durability and resistance to chemical corrosion. However, all three have low maintenance costs and require very little cleaning, aside from occasional sanding and painting. Acrylic and polyethylene shells are resistant to water, sun, stains, grease, and algae, so owners can enjoy them for many years.
In addition to their low costs, fiberglass pools also have faster installation and less costly repairs. This is mainly because their shell is already pre-molded. These shells also allow for faster installation because they don’t need to be “filled” with concrete, which takes more time and costs more money.
Concrete Swimming Pool
The pros of concrete pools are plenty, but the key one is durability. Concrete pools are extremely durable and reliable. This is why the majority of outdoor commercial and residential pools are concrete. The major con of concrete pools is that they are expensive, especially in comparison to fiberglass
Vinyl Swimming Pool
Thanks to their lightweight construction and easy-to-install qualities, vinyl pools can be built into many different shapes and configurations. The flexibility of vinyl pools means that less complicated designs can take as little as a few days for construction.
One of the main reasons that people choose vinyl pools is for their design flexibility. Most vinyl pool installers will have a variety of stock shapes for you to choose from while also offering you the option of a fully customized design.
The cost of installing vinyl pools is substantially less than the concrete pools. The reason for the significant cost difference is primarily because the vinyl lining is installed as a solid membrane within the liner base itself. This makes the vinyl extremely light weight, which reduces the overall cost of the pool to manufacture. However, vinyl pools are not without their cons. Vinyl pools may require the liner to be replaced more frequently, and sometimes have issues with algae growth, which can both add to your long-term expenses.
Outfitting Your New Pool
Once you’ve decided on the right type of pool, you’ll need to figure out what other accessories you’ll need to complete your new backyard oasis. Will you be adding a pool slide? How about railings and ladders for easy entry? What about a pool side bar or a pool basketball hoop for the kids? Be sure to do your homework on these items as well to make sure your pool equipment and accessories are as long lasting and high quality as the pool itself. Global Pool Products is an American manufacturer who supplies these products. You can browse them all on our website and contact a dealer to learn more.