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Do Fiberglass Pools Have Liners

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Fiberglass Vs Vinyl Liner Vs Concrete Pool: An Unbiased Review

Fiberglass Pools vs Vinyl Liner Pools vs Concrete Pools: An Honest Comparison

Theres lots of information online about the various types of swimming pools available. If you plan to install an inground pool, you really only have three options: vinyl liner, fiberglass, and concrete. Each type of pool has advantages and disadvantages. Unfortunately, an unbiased review of all three is almost impossible to find. Thats because virtually every comparison out there is written by a pool company that sells and installs only one type of pool. Thats like going to a Toyota dealer and asking for a fair comparison between Toyota, Chevy, and Ford pickup trucks. Even if they are trying to be honest, you know they have a motive. So before you trust any of these comparisons, take a look at the rest of the website and see what type of pool they sell. We guarantee that the pool they sell will be the cheapest, easiest pool to install and own.

Fiberglass Pools Require The Least Electricity And Chemicals

Well sum it up like this:

Fiberglass pools are the most expensive to purchase, and the least expensive to own

You really get what you pay for with fiberglass pools. While they cost you a bit more up front than a concrete pool, they make up for it by requiring low maintenance.

You wont have to replaster a fiberglass pool like you would with concrete, and you dont have to worry about replacing any vinyl.

But even better, fiberglass pools actually save you money. A nonporous surface means less heat, chemicals, and water escaping your pool. But why does that matter?

Well look at it this way:

With concrete and vinyl pools, water and pool chemicals get absorbed through the walls of the structure over time. This is because the surfaces are porous.

While you wont notice this difference right away, itll reflect in your bills.

Fiberglass pools consume fewer chemicals since theyre not eaten up by the pool structure. At the same time, water also circulates better since more of it stays in the pool shell.

Is buying a fiberglass pool risky?

Complete Customization Of Size And Shape

The ability to customize any size and shape inground pool is the number one advantage of concrete pools. Because the pool is formed from steel and then the concrete is blown in, your ability to customize is endless. Of course, this comes with a significant price tag, but someone who is looking for complete customization may not be concerned with cost. If you are looking for a unique shape, or multiple bodies of water that flow into one another, or maybe a lazy river pool, then concrete can provide a solution for you.

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Are Fiberglass Pools More Expensive Than Liner Pools

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. Keeping this in consideration, is a fiberglass pool better than a liner pool?

Vinyl liner pools typically cost about $10,000 less than fiberglass pools upfront. However, they need the liner replaced every 59 years and tend to look cheap. Fiberglass pools are much more durable, need less maintenance, and look classy.

Also, what is the average cost to install a fiberglass pool? The cost to install a fiberglass pool ranges between $5,000 and $40,000, with most homeowners spending between $20,000 and $35,000. While this is less than the cost to put in a cement pool, the price is still significant. The final cost for a fiberglass pool project depends on a variety of factors.

In this regard, what is cheaper fiberglass or concrete pool?

Concrete pools cost $50,000 or more and require expensive long-term maintenance. They’re highly customizable but take 36 months to install. Fiberglass pools typically cost $45,000 or more and require little maintenance.

Are Fiberglass pools worth the money?

Cost. Fiberglass and concrete tend to cost about the same initially. That said, in terms of total cost of ownership, it’s worth noting that maintaining a fiberglass pool is generally cheaper. That’s because fiberglass is more algae resistant, and therefore could save you money on chemicals over the life of the pool.

Vinyl Pools Vs Fiberglass Pools Vs Concrete Pools

Six Reasons Fiberglass Pools Are Better

If you are thinking about getting an in-ground swimming pool, the question “which pool is the best for me?” has already come up. While the choices may seem vast, there are three popular categories that most people considering making a pool purchase will lean towards.

When it comes to inground pools, the three most common types are vinyl liner pools, fiberglass pools, and concrete pools. And while were partial to vinyl liner pools, the truth is they all have advantages and disadvantages.

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Fiberglass Vs Concrete Vs Vinyl Liner Pools

  • |January 19, 2021

Backyard pools certainly have come a long way over the years.

Today, theres various options you can choose from when it comes to construction and design. Each has their pros and cons, which can be overwhelming if youre left to figure everything out on your own.

So lets do a full comparison of fiberglass, concrete and vinyl liner swimming pools, so you can pick the one thats right for you.

Should I Build A Vinyl Pool Fiberglass Pool Or Gunite Pool

The answer to this question will affect your cost, maintenance and long term enjoyment of your pool so choose wisely! For most DIY pool projects, a Gunite pool is Out of the Question ~ its a very complicated installation, with too many trades involved. For a simpler discussion, lets contrast and compare between Fiberglass pools and Vinyl lined pools, or Vinyl Pool Kits vs. Fiberglass Pools

The term Vinyl Pool is a bit of a misnomer, Vinyl Lined Pools would be a better description. Inground vinyl pool kits have walls of either steel or polymer, and a floor of either sand or vermiculite over top of which a vinyl liner is placed. Fiberglass pools, as shown above, are a pre-fabricated shell, delivered on a truck and positioned with a crane, set on a bed of sand.

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Doheny’s Lowest Price Guarantee

Shop with confidence at Doheny’s.

Our volume discounts guarantee the absolute lowest prices on all of our products: swimming pool supplies, chemicals, equipment and more. To prove it, if you find a lower total delivered price by a licensed and authorized pool supply catalog or website , we will refund you the difference. We will even guarantee our Low Price for 30 days after your purchase. Simply contact our Customer Care Team at: or call us at 1-800-574-7665 to report the lower price. After verification, the difference will be promptly refunded. Doheny’s is not responsible for inadvertent price or text misprints or errors. Some restrictions apply – call for details.

Pros Of A Concrete Pool

Vinyl Liner Pools vs Fiberglass Pools: An Honest Comparison
  • Durability- Similar to fiberglass, concrete pools are also very durable. Depending on your region, concrete pools are built to hold up against mountainous regions.
  • Shape and size- Because the pool is formed from steel and then the concrete is blown in, your ability to customize the shape and size is endless.
  • Outdoor work of art- Because the pool is formed from steel and then the concrete is blown in, your ability to customize is endless. Concrete pools can be designed as a literal work of art in your backyard. If you are looking for a unique shape, or multiple bodies of water that flow into one another, or maybe a lazy river pool, then concrete can provide a solution for you.
  • Longevity- Concrete pools can last up to 20 years, although they may require refinishing or resurfacing from a swimming pool service Raleigh such as Rising Sun Pools and Spa.

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Fiberglass Pools Have The Shortest Installation Time

Typically, installing a pool takes months and involves several steps. And usually, its building the pool itself that takes the longest amount of time.

But since fiberglass pools cut that step right out of the equation, their install time is drastically shorter than other options.

How much shorter?

Well, while concrete pools take 3-6 months to install, a fiberglass pool takes just 3-6 weeks.

So when youre ready to install a pool, rest easy knowing that choosing fiberglass means more time in the pool, and sooner.

What type of swimming pool is the strongest?

List Of The Cons Of Fiberglass Pools

1. Poor installation practices can impact the quality of your pool.Fiberglass pools arrive as a pre-manufactured shell. You must work with an experienced contractor who follows the correct procedures for installation to ensure that your investment pays off over time. Anyone can dig a hole to place the foundation of the pool. What youll need to watch for is the work that happens afterward. Your installer should backfill the space with sand and pea gravel as the pool gradually fills with water to ensure the correct supports.

If the installation does not go as planned, then you can experience everything from improper water circulation to a collapse of one of the walls because the bracing was inaccurate. Only work with contractors who are licensed, insured, and bonded so that you have some outs available if the fiberglass pool doesnt live up to your expectations.

2. The fiberglass can interfere with the quality of the water.You must maintain your water quality in the pool throughout the year to ensure that the gel coating can provide the protection the fiberglass requires. If you have a poor pH level or the alkalinity levels are too high, then it may only take a few years before youll need to repair this component of the fiberglass pool. Even something as simple as an improper calcium balance can be enough to trigger this disadvantage. Thats why it is imperative to test the water weekly to ensure it remains at the appropriate quality.

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The Basics Of A Vinyl Liner Pool

A vinyl liner pool has a sheet of vinyl between the water and the pool framework . Vinyl liners usually lock their top edge into a track located on the bottom of the coping, which is at deck level. Underneath the liner is a sand or cement-like floor, specified to the dimension of the liner that is to be used. Vinyl Liners are inexpensive to build but come with a lifetime of maintenance concerns.

Advantages

The Basics Of A Concrete Pool

Are Fiberglass Pools More Expensive Than Liners?

Concrete Pools, often referred to as gunite pool, as a pool building material has been a popular choice until recent years. Gunite is a mixture of sand and concrete that is sprayed onto surfaces at high velocity. Unfortunately, with the design flexibility concrete provides comes with a heavy price.

Advantages

  • Can Customize Shape and Size

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What Colors/finishes Do They Allow For

The finish thats put on the pool walls and floor can not only protect the structure, but also make things a lot more comfortable for swimmers to stand on.

  • Fiberglass: Fiberglass pools use a gel-coating that comes in a variety of colors: various shades of blue, white, or grey. Lighter colors will keep the water tropical-looking, while darker shades make the water look more like a lake. Fading of this gel finish will take decades, and you should get between 20 and 30 years of use before needing to resurface it.
  • Concrete: Concrete allows for the widest range of finishes to choose from. From basic epoxy paint, to plaster, to aggregate, or tiles, all can be used with a concrete pool. On average, epoxy paint will last 5 years, 7 to 10 years for plaster, aggregate is between 10 and 20 years, and tiles can last a lifetime.
  • Vinyl Liner: Vinyl liner pools use a vinyl liner as their finish. While theyre relatively easy to install, they are also the most delicate to deal with, and can be easily damaged. Additionally, the shelf life of a liner is between 5 and 10 years. This means youll be spending a few thousand dollars each time you need to replace it.

Winner: Concrete pools win this round, as they have 4 different options you can choose from to put the finishing touches on your pool surface.

What Is The Best Type Of Inground Swimming Pool For You

Ultimately, the best type of inground swimming pool is the one that lets you get the most enjoyment out of your backyard. Planning your dream pool and picking pool materials is an initial step to set you up for a lifetime of fun and memories. To help you choose the best type of swimming pool for you, well look at factors like installation time, style and customization, pool cost, durability and maintenance needs to help you understand the differences between Latham fiberglass and vinyl liner pools vs. concrete pools.

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Vinyl Liner Pool Conversions

Although it is estimated that vinyl liner pools account for less than 1% of all residential pools within Florida, that still means over 2000 of them.

Vinyl liner pools are the entry level pool package for full in ground pool systems. However in Florida, the liners do not last as long as they do in more northerly parts of the country and need to be replaced every 3-5 years. It is not just the expense of replacing the liner, you have to find a good, sound, reliable pool contractor who knows what they are doing.

Reason : Lower Maintenance

How Long Do Fiberglass Pools Last?

Vinyl pools have the advantage of requiring less maintenance than concrete or fiberglass pools. Nowadays, Vinyl pool liners are considered to be extremely long-lasting. The reason is that Vinyl is a nonporous surface, it will need less chemicals than a concrete pool.

The smooth surface of vinyl also makes it more difficult for contaminants such as algae to take hold and cause havoc in your pool. A well-maintained liner will endure for many years, but it will eventually need to be replaced. When you compare the expense of a new liner to the cost of refinishing a concrete pool, youll realize that a vinyl liner is a highly cost-effective option.

The freeze/thaw cycles that impact colder climates are less vulnerable to vinyl pools. This is particularly essential if youre building your pool in the Midwest or somewhere else where winter temperatures often fall below freezing.

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Fiberglass Pools Vs Vinyl Liner Pools Vs Concrete Or Gunite Pools

Fiberglass Pools vs. Vinyl Liner Pools vs. Concrete or Gunite Pools: An Honest Comparison

Many people often ask us, Is there an unbiased comparison of in ground fiberglass pools, vinyl liner pools, and concrete or gunite pools on the internet?

This article is our effort to provide an objective source of information about the three types of in ground swimming pools. The approach is simple. Weve listed the advantages and disadvantages of in ground fiberglass pools, vinyl liner pools, and concrete pools.

Fiberglass pools

Advantages:

  • Lowest maintenance. The solid surface of a fiberglass pool shell is nonporous. This reduces the potential for algae growth and the amount of sanitizing chemicals required to maintain the pool.
  • Little or no lifetime cost. Fiberglass pools eliminate the need of a replacement liner.
  • Non-abrasive surface. The solid surface of fiberglass pools is smooth to the touch.
  • Built-in seats, tanning ledges, and steps. Most fiberglass pool designs have seating and all have steps incorporated into the shell of the pool.
  • Quick installation. Because the shells of fiberglass pools are built off site, the installation occurs more rapidly. The average installation time is completed in 3-4 weeks on average.
  • Reparable. In the event that scratches or surface cracks appear on your fiberglass pool they are easily repaired. This is often accomplished with very little visual evidence of the repair.

Disadvantages:

Vinyl Liner Pools:

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Advantages:

Reason : Smooth To Touch

Vinyl pool liners, unlike fiberglass and concrete, provide an extremely soft and non-slippery feel. Opposed to vinyl, concrete and fiberglass pools have a rougher surface. If less experienced swimmers plan to frequent the pool, soft vinyl is the most ideal option. Moreover, vinyl liners with a non-slip finish have just been made available, making this a great option for younger swimmers and for children.

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Pros Of A Fiberglass Pool

  • Low maintenance- The smooth, non-reactive surface of the fiberglass pool shell doesnt have the big pores and cavities like concrete pools. This hinders algae growth and reduces the amount of sanitizing chemicals required to maintain the pool.
  • Longevity- Most fiberglass pools will last 25 years or more, making there be little to no lifetime cost, other than regular pool maintenance Raleigh.
  • Quick installation- A fiberglass pool can take as little as a week to install. Promising a brand new swimming pool for your kids birthday party or first week of summer is acceptable with a fiberglass pool!
  • Pool warranty- Fiberglass pools have the best warranties in the industry. The reason the warranty is so good is that the pool is manufactured in a controlled environment.
  • Compatibility with salt- Fiberglass pools are the best option for saltwater pools because they are impervious to the corrosion that saltwater can do overtime.
  • Customization- You can do amazing things with a fiberglass swimming pool, such as colored finishes, ceramic tile, tanning ledges, water features, pool lights, elevated spas, poolside walls, and more. Check out our blog on the most popular pool trends of 2021 to see what were talking about!

Fiberglass Vs Vinyl Liner Pools: Which Is Better

A Comparison between Vinyl Liner and Concrete Pool

Throughout the years of helping pool shoppers compare and contrast the different types of pools available, Ive had many that debated the merits of Vinyl Liners versus Fiberglass Pools. So lets take a closer look at these two swimming pool building methods and the pros and cons of each. While both have their differences the addition of a pool can bring great value to your life. This post is to simply outline the differences between vinyl vs fiberglass. In the Wisconsin area we see a lot of both kinds of pools.

Vinyl Liner Pool Advantages:

Initial Price: In just about every market, a vinyl liner pool will have the lowest initial install price. This is mainly due to the fact that the material costs for a vinyl builder are the lowest, and the labor isnt too bad either. The majority of vinyl liner pool installations in most parts of the United States fall in the 30-50k range once one figures pool and patio.

Soft/Non Porous Liner: Although vinyl liners have their drawbacks, one of the benefits of a liner is the fact that it, like fiberglass, is not rough on the feet and does not harbor algae growth. Having a non-porous surface leads to less chemical usage during the season and therefore money savings as well.

Shape/Depth Customization: Unlike a fiberglass pool, vinyl liners can be customized into any shape or depth. So whether you want an L shaped pool, a classic Roman, a Grecian, etc a vinyl liner pool will fit the bill.

Vinyl Liner Pool Disadvantages:

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