The 3 Types of In-Ground Pools

March 3, 2020

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 own 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 major plus of Fiberglass pools is that they do not require liners to be replaced and does need to be resurfaced meaning that a Fiberglass pool will save you more money over the course of the lifetime of the pool. Fiberglass pools also require less 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 which will result in the need for several hours of labor and special equipment to restore the shell of the pool.
• 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 large as a fiberglass pool over an extended distance will incur a big 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 onsite 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 meaning they can be specifically designed to best fit and accentuate your backyard.
• Maintenance. Vinyl Liner Pools require minimal maintenance because algae growth is inhibited by the vinyl liner. These pools will also need to be regularly vacuumed and maintained.

Cons

• Higher Lifetime Cost. If properly 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 that 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 there are no liners that need to be replaced and have very good impact resistance.

Cons

• Installation Time. Concrete Pools require pretty extensive installation time (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 also may irritate your hands and feet after an extended period of time.

These were the three types of in-ground swimming pools and their pros and cons. It is now up to you and your family to decide which type of pool best suits your needs.

Whether you need help understanding which pool would be the best fit for you or need help installing your new pool, fill out our contact form to speak to one of our experienced designers and for a FREE estimate.