Myth: A Vinyl Pool Takes 3
FACT: A fiberglass pool typically can be installed in 3 4 days. A similar size vinyl pool usually takes twice as long, ex: 6-8 days. Both are weather dependent. It is the landscaping after the pool is installed that can take weeks depending on the extent of the project.
The type of pool you choose should be based on your individual preference.
A fiberglass pool with similar features to a vinyl pool will typically cost a little more for the structure but will cost less for the installation. A vinyl pool is custom made to your specifications. You can choose the size, shape and depth. A fiberglass pool, however, is available only in factory ready design, size and shape. There is a large selection to choose from however so it is unlikely that you will not find a model suitable to your needs and your budget.
Fibreglass Or Concrete Pools
Once you know the look you want, you are ready to embark on the biggest decision of all a fibreglass vs. concrete pool? To be honest, most people dont even know what the difference is until theyre in the market for a new pool.
The most challenging part about this decision is that theres no clear winner. Fibreglass and concrete are both great options you just need to work out which one meets your needs best.
The biggest decision youll make when installing a pool is deciding between fibreglass or concrete. Picture: Three Birds Renovations
Gunite Pool Pros And Cons:
Pros:
- Flexible design if you are after a specific shape, an extra-large or extra deep pool, gunite is great for this. Gunite pools are custom-built on-site and can be designed in a way that best fits with your existing landscape design. While the gunite pool building process takes longer than a fiberglass pool installation, this construction process allows for more flexibility in shape, size, and depth.
- Extra features if you want a lagoon style pool with built-in rock formations, waterfalls or underwater bench seating, gunite goes much further in this direction than fiberglass.
- Customized finishes gunite plaster is available in a range if colors, or you can even opt for a pebble or tile finish. With plenty of options you will be sure to find a finish that suits your home and landscape design.
Cons:
- Maintenance costs gunite pools require more maintenance than fiberglass. Every 7-10 years gunite pool resurfacing should take place to keep it in great condition and looking like new.
- Chemical usage due to the materials used in gunite pools, more chemicals are required to maintain them and to avoid damaging the pools surface.
- Longer installation time gunite pool installation can be a long process as all the work is done on-site. Depending on the complexity of your custom-designed pool the installation from start to finish can take from weeks to months to finalize.
Large lagoon style gunite pool with paved patio
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Swimming Pool Sizes And Shapes Not Customizable
The one major disadvantage of fiberglass inground pools is that you can’t change the shape, size, or depth of the pool.
So the question then becomes, can you find a fiberglass pool model that you’re happy with?
We’ve found that about 90% of people do find a fiberglass pool that perfectly meets their needs.
However, if you need a pool that’s 10 feet deep or an ultra customized shape, fiberglass probably isn’t the best fit for you.
Liner Warranty Isn’t Straightforward
Another point of discussion is the liner warranty, which is typically stated as twenty years or so.
We would encourage anyone expecting to receive any credit on a liner replacement to read the warranty in full. You’ll probably find the following information:
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Go With A Concrete Pool
You should go with a concrete pool if
- You are concerned about longevity and overall lifespan of your pool. Concrete pools are known tosurvive for decades.
- You love warranties! There are a lot of warranties out there for concrete pools that help further down the road
- You want a unique and custom pool. Looking to create the next Pool Picasso? Your best bet is to go concrete!
- Size matters. You have more options for a bigger and deeper pool.
- You want certain specific features added to your pool. Concrete pools allow for a lot of customization from beach entries to rock waterfalls and much more.
Pros Of A Fiberglass Pool
- Low maintenance
- Beautiful
Low maintenance
The gelcoat surface of the fiberglass pool shell doesn’t have the big pores and cavities of plaster.
This inhibits algae growth and reduces the amount of sanitizing chemicals required to maintain the pool.
Little or no lifetime cost
About 99% of the time, the shell of fiberglass pools needs no upkeep.
There’s no vinyl liner to replace and no resurfacing.
Non-abrasive surface
The gelcoat surface of fiberglass pools is smooth to the touch.
Built-in seats and steps
Most fiberglass swimming pool designs have seating, and all have steps incorporated into the shell of the pool.
Manufactured in a 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…36 weeks on average.
Beautiful
You can do amazing things with a fiberglass swimming pool, such as beautiful colored finishes, ceramic tile, tanning ledges, water features, stunning pool lights, elevated spas, poolside walls, and more.
Want to see about how much that cost will be with all your favorite pool accessories?
Use our Design and Price Tool to walk through your options and approximate price!
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Concrete Pools Vs Fiberglass Pools: An Honest Comparison
Time for a radical statement: fiberglass pools arent for everyone. I know! Contain your shock! River Pools manufactures and sells them, but our priority is one thing: customer satisfaction. We want you to be informed so you can make the best decision for you and your family…even if that means not choosing us.
The most common choices for a long-term pool are concrete or fiberglass. Lets go through how these two types of pools compare in the following areas:
- Cost
Fiberglass Swimming Pools: Overview
Looking for fast installation and low maintenance? A fiberglass swimming might be perfect for you. Fiberglass is a strong, lightweight material made from tiny glass fibers that are woven together and strengthened with polyester resin. The result: A pool surface thats smooth, attractive, and easier to maintain than concrete or vinyl pools.
Fiberglass is naturally algae resistant , which can contribute to healthier, more balanced swimming pool water. For most fiberglass pools, the biggest maintenance issue is waterline staining/buildup, which can typically be removed with a sponge and a splash of pool cleaning solution.
Do a little research, and youll quickly learn that most folks who opt for fiberglass absolutely love their swimming pools. Youll also learn that, cost-wise, fiberglass can be one of the more expensive options out there. Part of this can be attributed to the unique manufacturing and shipping considerations required with fiberglass swimming pools: Unlike other types of pools which can be assembled on-site, a fiberglass pool is built at a factory and shipped to you in one large piece. That said, most fiberglass pool owners agree that the extra durability and long lifespan are worth the higher upfront cost.
Got a fiberglass pool? Leave draining to the pros.
Fiberglass swimming pools can sustain serious structural damage if not properly drained. If you need to drain your fiberglass pool for any reason, call a pool professional to get the job done right!
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Myth: Fiberglass Pools Use Less Chemicals To Sanitize The Water Than Vinyl Pools
FACT: Again that is true of a concrete pool as the concrete may leech chemicals into the water resulting in a high amount of chemical balancing. Both fiberglass and liner pools are inert so nothing is on the surface that can alter the water chemistry. The least expensive product to sanitize any type of pool is a mineral water ionizing system such as the Clear Blue Ionizer. This system reduces chemicals by as much as 90%. Salt chlorinators, on the other hand are on the other side of the scale, ex: The most expensive form of pool sanitizing.
Fiberglass Pros And Cons
A fiberglass pool is manufactured offsite as a giant fiberglass shell. The shell is delivered to your home in one piece and dropped into a prepared hole.
Fiberglass Pros
A fiberglass pool comes prefabricated. This means that installation is pretty quick and easy. The pool can be installed, leveled, and backfilled in just a couple of days, although it will be a few weeks before you can take your first swim. The prefabrication includes steps, seats, and ledges. It may even include rails and ladders. Think of a fiberglass pool like a mobile home. It shows up from the manufacturer ready to go.
Fiberglass pools also have pretty low maintenance costs. Most fiberglass pools have a gel lining. The lining is non-porous, which means theres not much of anywhere for algae to take hold. That makes cleaning a fiberglass pool less labor intensive than other types of pools. The non-porous shell also doesnt absorb chemicals or react with the pool water, minimizing the cost of added pool chemicals.
A fiberglass pool is more expensive to install than a vinyl liner pool, but less expensive than a concrete pool. Over time, however, you can recoup some of the installation costs with the lower maintenance costs. A fiberglass pool with a gel coating takes a long time to fade and rarely needs resurfacing or repairs.
Fiberglass Cons
In terms of initial cost, a fiberglass pool is cheaper than concrete but still more expensive than a comparably-sized vinyl liner pool.
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How Long Will A Fiberglass Pool Last What Is The Life Expectancy Of A Fiberglass Pool
by Team Teserra | Jan 14, 2020 | Fiberglass Pools
Just imagine this: owning your own swimming pool. While you indulge in the eagerness and excitement you are feeling, remember to consider the type of pool you will purchase. The type of pool construction, amount of gallons for pool, the type of water features, and ease of excavation at the property can drastically change the price of the total project. There are many types of pools and one that is becoming more popular is fiberglass due to price and ease of installation. But just how long will a fiberglass pool last?
Fiberglass Vs Vinyl Liner Vs Concrete Pools
Vinyl liner pools have a lower initial cost and a customizable shape, but you frequently replace the liner. Fiberglass pools are easy to maintain, quick to install, and very durable. They cost more upfront and arent as customizable. Concrete pools are extremely durable and customizable but require heavy maintenance, the highest costs, and a slow installation.
Want to decide for yourself which type of pool would be perfect for your backyard? Take our Pool Type Quiz now! You’ll get answers in just a few clicks… just tap the button below to get started:
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Vinyl Liner Pros And Cons
A vinyl liner pool is built by digging a giant hole, installing steel or polymer walls, then dropping in a paper-thin vinyl lining. The lining is the inner wall of your pool and holds all the water.
Vinyl Liner Pros
A vinyl liner pool is the cheapest type of pool to install. There are other lifetime costs, but the startup costs are the lowest of any type of pool.
Similar to the gelcoat on a fiberglass pool, a vinyl liner is nonporous and doesnt absorb chemicals. That makes it less expensive to maintain than a concrete pool. It also means less room for algae to grab hold, so you wont be spending as much time brushing your walls as you would with a concrete pool.
Vinyl liners offer much more customization than fiberglass pools. The liner is shipped folded up, so there are few size limitations. The shape and size of your vinyl lining pool are really up to you.
Vinyl liners have a soft, slick surface. You can decide if that is a pro or a con. Its gentle on your toes, but can be hard to grip.
Vinyl Liner Cons
A vinyl liner is fragile. The liner is only 20 to 30 thousandths of an inch thick, literally paper-thin. The vinyl is a lot stronger than paper, but you still have to be careful. Small tree branches, pointy pool toys, or a pets claws can all puncture the lining. If you have kids or pets, a vinyl lining is a risky choice.
How Do They Feel To The Touch
Comfortability is important when it comes to swimming. So how does each one measure up?
- Fiberglass: The gel coating on fiberglass pools make it the smoothest finish available. Additionally, its also anti-slip, adding a level of safety so you dont wipe out when entering and exiting the pool.
- Concrete: As concrete finishes vary, so do their textures. Epoxy paint is literally just a paint job on concrete, and many a stubbed toe has been cut open on this finish. Plaster is smooth but bumpy, aggregate can be smooth like fiberglass, or textured for more grip, and tiles will be smooth but textured as well.
- Vinyl Liner: Liners come in either embossed or non-embossed varieties. Embossed liners have peaks and valleys in their surface, making for a soft, squishy feel under foot. Non-embossed liners are flat with a uniform thickness still smooth, but not as comfortable as embossed liners.
Winner: When it comes to feel, its hard to beat the fiberglass gel finish. Its smooth and comfortable to walk on, and has enough grip on it for added safety.
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Fiberglass Vs Concrete Pool Installation Costs
Both concrete and fiberglass pools will cost roughly the same to install. The average cost of fiberglass pools is approximately $50,000, whereas a concrete pools tend to cost about $55,000. This price difference is hardly significant enough that it should affect your choice of pool.
There are so many factors that can make either a good choice. It all depends on your needs and preferences. Because of this, installation costs shouldnt be your main concern when installing.
While both concrete and fiberglass pools cost roughly the same to install, fiberglass is cheaper to maintain. Fiberglass is more resistant to algae and will generally be cheaper to maintain than concrete, so if a low-cost pool thats easy to maintain is what you want, fiberglass might be a better option.
How Easy Are They To Install
Installing a pool is always going to be a big project, but some are easier to do than others.
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass pools have an average installation time of 3 to 6 weeks. This makes them the fastest out of all the pool types. This is because the pool shell is ready to go, which saves a considerable amount of time. Some people can even install them in a matter of days if they know what theyre doing.
- Concrete: Creating a pool with concrete is the most laborious way to do it. The trade off is a long-lasting pool, but the install time for a concrete pool is anywhere from 3 to 6 months. This of course also depends on how intricate the design is, but be prepared for your backyard to become a construction zone for an entire summer.
- Vinyl Liner: The option in between fiberglass and concrete, vinyl liner pools take around 4 to 8 weeks to install. This is because the perimeter walls require building, and the floor needs to be constructed from either grout or vermiculite.
Winner: Fiberglass pools are the way to go if you want your pool to be constructed in a short amount of time so you can spend your summer swimming in it, rather than just building it.
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Look For Quality Fiberglass Manufacturer
Purchasing and installing a swimming pool is a lifetime investment. If there is one component you need to consider when choosing your fiberglass pool manufacturer, it should be the pool shell. The pool shell will contain the water of the pool and becomes an essential element in creating your landscaping and paving.
Sadly, not all manufacturers say and do the same thing. They may tell you they build quality pool shells, but in reality, they do not. If you want to be sure, always do your research first. Interview multiple manufacturers, and aside from good quality, look for one that offers a warranty. Moreover, you can speak with their customer and client references to make sure they have good standing in the field.
Fiberglass Pools: The Cons
The cons associated with fiberglass pools are primarily related to cost and installation issues. Contrary to popular belief, fiberglass pools arent cheaper than traditional options like concrete . Furthermore, finding a contractor who is experienced in installing fiberglass pools is critical if you want to avoid future problems caused by poor installation. Here are the potential Cons of fiberglass pools:
Ready to start your fiberglass pool?
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Pools Construction And Price
Summer is a time when everyone is very happy to cool off and relax in the pool. Pools are considered a stylish addition to the house and garden although it is more accurate to say that it is one of the most pleasant places to spend your free time. There are countless different types and models pools on the market. They differ primarily in materials, of which they are made, as well as in construction. Today, customers most often opt for concrete and fiberglass that is, build or prefabricated pools. In this text, we will deal with what you need to know if you decide to build a pool. You can read more about planning, materials, and, of course, prices.
