Comparison of Pool Types

Vinyl Liner Pools

Advantages

• Low initial cost: Vinyl Liner Pools have the lowest initial cost of any of the three types of inground pools.
• Customizable shapes and sizes: There are no limitations of the length, width, and depth of Vinyl Liner Pools. Dream your dream of what you want your pool and your backyard oasis to look like.
• Vinyl liner pools are nonabrasive: The vinyl liner is smooth to the touch, offering the same advantages as fiberglass pools.
• Doesn’t foster algae: The vinyl material used in vinyl liner pools is relatively non-porous so it inhibits algae growth.

Disadvantages

• Higher lifetime cost: On average a vinyl liner will last between 8 and 12 years at a replacement expense of $2,500-$3,500.
• Liner warranties: Many vinyl liner manufacturers have a 25 year pro-rated warranty.
• Must use care in the swimming pool: The liner is 20-28 mils thick. Be careful of sharp objects around your vinyl liner pool.

Fiberglass pools

Advantages

• Low maintenance: The gel coat surface of a fiberglass pool is nonporous which inhibits the growth of algae and therefore makes it somewhat sanitize the pool the pool.
• Little lifetime cost: properly installed, with cantilever coping covering the top edge of the pool, there is rarely a need to invest in upkeep of the shell of a fiberglass pool.
• Non-abrasive surface: The gel coat surface of fiberglass pools is smooth to the touch.
• Built-in seats and steps: Most fiberglass pool designs have seating and all have steps incorporated into the shell of the pool.
• Manufactured in controlled environment: Fiberglass pools are built in the controlled climate of a factory.
• Quick installation: Because the shells of fiberglass pools are built off site, the installation occurs more rapidly….3-4 weeks on average.

Disadvantages:

• Limited shapes and designs: Because fiberglass pools are built from a mold, the consumer is limited to the shapes and sizes offered by the various fiberglass pool manufacturers.
• No wider than 16 feet: Fiberglass Pools are shipped from the factory on a truck. Shipping restrictions limit the width of the fiberglass pool shell to 16 feet.
• Cannot be drained: Fiberglass pools must never be drained. It is like a boat and the water in the pool holds it in the ground.
• Repairs on some colored finishes do not match: Many fiberglass pool manufacturers use colored finishes that do not match in the unlikely event that a repair is needed.
• Higher initial cost: Fiberglass pools are more of an initial investment; usually at least 20% more than a vinyl liner pool and slightly less than a concrete pool.

Concrete Pools

Advantages:

• Customizable shapes and sizes: Concrete pools can be any size, shape, or depth. Dream on.
• More flexibility with design features: Vanishing edges, beach entries, tanning ledges, etc. are all just a sketch away from reality with concrete pools.
• Works of art: Concrete pools can be integrated into design as a literal work of art in the landscape similar to a Vinyl Liner Pool.

Disadvantages:

• Higher lifetime cost: Concrete pools will need to be renovated every 10-20 years. This involves resurfacing and/or re-tiling the pool at an expense of $8,ooo-$12,ooo.
• More chemical use: Because the surface of concrete pools is very porous, more chemicals and filtration are required to prevent algae. The alkaline pH of the pool shell also constantly raises the pH of the water, requiring the frequent adding of acid to counteract the effect.
• More maintenance: Concrete pools also need to be frequently broomed or swept with a pool brush to remove algae from the pores of the plaster or aggregate surface.
• Longer installation time: Concrete pools take longer to install….usually 2-3 months.