FIBERGLASS, CONCRETE, OR VINYL — WHICH POOL TYPE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Vinyl

One of the main advantages of choosing a vinyl in-ground pool is the low initial cost. It offers a smooth finish and you'll find a wide variety of colors and styles available. To construct a vinyl pool, a wall panel is installed around the perimeter and is lined with vinyl. Vinyl is a strong material, but it's not as durable as fiberglass or concrete. The vinyl liner is susceptible to tears and punctures, making this type of pool the least durable. You'll need to plan on replacing the vinyl liner every 5 to 10 years. Plan on cleaning the vinyl liner regularly to prevent issues such as staining and wrinkling. Because of the way vinyl pools are constructed, you're slightly limited on the shape you can choose and the amount of customization. While it's not the least customizable option, you may want to keep this in mind if your dream pool involves an elaborate shape.

Fiberglass

Pools made of fiberglass are constructed off-site and brought to the location for installation. A construction crew digs a hole in the shape of the pool and uses a material around the perimeter to seal the gap between the pool and the soil. Of the three in-ground pool types, fiberglass requires the least maintenance. The interior of the pool uses a gel coating, which is non-porous. This means algae aren't a threat and chemicals work more efficiently to keep the pool clean. Fiberglass pools aren't maintenance-free, but you'll spend less time sweeping and vacuuming the surface than you will with the other two types. Another advantage is build time. Because fiberglass pools are constructed off-site, installation is faster than vinyl and concrete. Additionally, over the lifetime of the pool, you'll spend less since you don't have to worry about refinishing the surface, replacing a liner, or using a lot of chemicals to maintain it.

Concrete

Concrete pools are constructed using steel bars that create a web around the perimeter. The concrete is then poured along the inside of the pool to create the structure. Because the surface of concrete is rough, most people choose a finish for the inside of the pool so that it feels smooth. Plaster is one of the most common finishes. A white plaster finish is a classic option. Other finishes include pebble, tile, stone, and polished aggregate, which consists of finely crushed stones like quartz and granite that are polished to bring out the shine. Customization is the major advantage of a concrete pool. It's the most customizable of the three types as it offers the most beauty and style options. You can essentially choose any shape and style your heart desires. Concrete is also extremely durable. Since the concrete base is porous and permeable, these pools require more work to maintain. Concrete needs the most maintenance of the three pool types. It's susceptible to bacteria, which get trapped in the porous surface. In addition, algae tend to invade concrete pools because the porous surface makes an ideal home. Plan on spending more time cleaning your concrete pool and using more chemicals to keep bacteria and algae under control. Over time, the finish of the inside of the pool will deteriorate, so plan to refinish your pool every 10 years or so. Planning your dream pool build is fun and exciting, but requires expertise. Contact Artisan Pools & Outdoor Living to find out how we can help you make your outdoor living dreams a reality.