The 3 Types of In-Ground Pools
Summer is around the corner, and you know what that means: swimming pools. Make this the year where you finally take the plunge and add the ultimate backyard addition to your home. There are three varieties of in-ground swimming pools you can choose from, each with its pros and cons. To figure out which of the three is right for you, you need to know how your family intends on using the pool, how much time you’re able to spend on maintenance, and most importantly, a realistic budget.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass pools are prefabricated in a factory into a seamless bowl-shaped shell. Fiberglass pools, because they are mass-produced, make them very unforgiving and uniform, meaning that the transportation and installation of the pool may limit which pool you will ultimately be able to pick.
Pros
Low maintenance. A significant plus of Fiberglass pools is that they do not require liners to be replaced and do not need to be resurfaced, meaning that a Fiberglass pool will save you more money throughout the lifetime of the pool. Fiberglass pools also require fewer chemicals because the gelcoat surface of the Fiberglass pool inhibits the growth of algae.
Comfort. The pool shell is very smooth and non-abrasive on delicate feet.
Durable. Scratches and dings can easily be repaired.
Cons
Maintenance. The shell will wear down over time, necessitating several hours of labor and special equipment to restore the pool's shell.
Limited Number of Choices. Because Fiberglass pools are mass-produced, it limits the possibility of your choice of pool.
Size. Because Fiberglass pools are prefabricated, they need to be transported to the home. They are only allowed to get to 16 ft long due to shipping regulations.
Unintended Fees. Transporting something as significant as fiberglass pools over an extended distance will incur a hefty transportation fee.
Aesthetics. Fiberglass is the least aesthetically appealing of the pools.
Vinyl Layer
Vinyl-lined pools are the most common type of swimming pool. They are built on-site so they can be customized to fit the specific dimensions of your backyard.
Pros
Vinyl liner pools are traditionally less expensive than concrete or fiberglass pools from the outset, because they require fewer materials to make them stable.
Fully Customizable. Vinyl Liner Pools are fully customizable, allowing them to be specifically designed to fit your backyard perfectly and accentuate its features.
Maintenance. Vinyl Liner Pools require minimal maintenance because the vinyl liner inhibits algae growth. These pools will also need to be regularly vacuumed and maintained.
Cons
Higher Lifetime Cost. If correctly maintained, the Vinyl Liner should last 10+ years; however, once the liner needs to be replaced, the cost to replace it can be pricey.
Resale Value. Before you resell your home, you may be required to replace the old liner by the prospective home buyer.
Concrete
Concrete pools are 100% customizable because they have a custom skeleton which allows you to choose the size, depth, and shape of the pool.
Pros
100% Customizable. Some of the additions you can add to your pool include: vanishing edges, beach entries, tanning ledges, slides, grottos, waterfalls, etc.
Aesthetic. Because Concrete pools are so customizable, they can become a work of art and elevate your entire backyard landscape.
Durable. Concrete Pools are built to last because they have no liners that need replacement and offer excellent impact resistance.
Cons
Installation Time. Concrete Pools require a significant amount of time for installation (approximately 2 - 3 months).
Investment. Concrete Pools have the highest initial investment cost and the highest renovation cost. You will probably need to renovate the pool every 10-15 years.
Rough Finish. The plaster finish can be rough to the touch, and it may also irritate your hands and feet after an extended period of time.
