We are confident that you will be happy for many years to come with your smart choice to put a swimming pool in your backyard. However, it’s also just the first of many choices which you’ll have to make before you can start enjoying your own pool’s beauty and taking advantage of your pool’s many benefits. The first choice – and arguably the most important choice – which you’ll need to make concerning your pool will be its makeup: Concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl are your three primary possibilities.
Do You Need a Fiberglass Pool?
Pools with fiberglass liners are by far the most common option available and have many benefits. The non-porous surface and resulting low-maintenance attractiveness are maybe the most important advantages. Gel-coated fiberglass liners assist in preventing algae growth without the use of additional chemicals. The fiberglass liner won’t need to be replaced or resurfaced, and the liner should last as long as your pool. The slick surface, option for built-in steps and seats, prompt construction, and attractive appearance are all valued by many homeowners.
On the negative side, because fiberglass liners are produced using a mold, your options for size and shape are constrained to what is available through mass manufacturers. Even though repairs are rarely necessary, it can be difficult to match the liner color when those repairs must be made. Another drawback of these pools is that they typically cost more up front than pools with vinyl liners.
Do You Need a Vinyl Swimming Pool?
Vinyl pool liners are frequently chosen since they are the least expensive to install. Additionally, this type of pool allows for unlimited dimensions and customized shapes. Like fiberglass, vinyl has a smooth, impermeable surface that inhibits the growth of algae.
As you may expect, vinyl liners initially cost less but ultimately will cost you more. Because of this problem, the resale value of a pool with a vinyl liner may also suffer. Vinyl liners aren’t tough enough to withstand an unruly crowd or animals with sharp claws, because these liners are also rather thin.
Do You Need a Concrete Pool?
Swimming pools made of concrete, often known as gunite pools, have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. Positively, there is a lot of room for creativity and personalization when it comes to the depth, size, and design of this type of pool. When it comes to features like tanning ledges, beach entry, and finish varieties, concrete also offers a lot of options. With a gunite pool, you can easily create a fully customized, luxury appearance.
Some homeowners aren’t keen on the fact that a gunite pool initially requires more installation time than other swimming pool types. Gunite pools have the additional drawback of requiring additional chemicals and filtration to maintain a healthy pH and to keep algae at bay, because concrete is a porous material. Concrete pools will eventually need more upkeep in the long term as well. However, concrete will successfully withstand heavier use over the years, making it the most common choice for higher traffic pools including public pools.
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