As the world progresses our amenities also improve at the same rate and one of them happens to be the swimming pool too. Getting a new pool can be a hard decision as there are so many options available these days. We have taken it upon ourselves to compile the pros of cons of the most readily visible types of the pool right now. By the end of the article, you will be more attuned to what you might want to buy. You will also be available for all the future care you would need to maintain the pool of your choice and how to go about it too.
The 3 main types of pools are
fibreglass
Vinyl Liner
Concrete
fibreglass
As the name suggests, these pools are made of fibreglass accompanied by wood, primer, and body filler. These fibreglass pools are the newest in the industry and have been gaining popularity due to a variety of reasons.
Pros
In most cases, fibreglass pools are easy to maintain and do not require major upkeep. This is due to the interior gel coat surface that is nonporous. Being non-porous it is resistant to both algae and bacteria to a large extent.
Fast Installation
These pools are usually crafted off-site and then moved to the location. The installation is easy and the pools take about 7 days to settle in. These pools are stronger than their contemporary and flexible enough to accommodate changes in the Earth. This means that they crack less and can withstand a lot of pressure.
Designs
The advancement in the technology of our times allows fibreglass pools to be virtual of any shape or size. They are sleek and modern looking and can be pleasing to look at. Many of these have transformed backyards and boring pieces of the landscape into aesthetically exciting places.
Value Added by them
A few years of having a pool in your backyard would have been cumbersome and tacky sometimes. The fibreglass can fit virtually anyplace and also add a ton of value to your property. What this means is that one can see these pools as an investment that will give many times its investment. If and when you decide to sell that property.
Disadvantages of fibreglass
Costs
Installation and initial costs are higher for fibreglass pools and also a bit more tricky to install. However, these are the only times when you’ll send on your pool again.
Designs
What is a good thing about these pools can be a bad thing too. The pools are cheap when ordering from the catalog, but custom designs can cost a huge amount depending on the intricacies.
Concrete Pool
Traditionally most pools would be made of concrete only and are a mainstay in the industry. These easy to build and sturdy pools have had a long history of being durable and design-oriented.
Advantages
The main advantage of this kind of pool is that it can easily be shaped according to one’s need. Unlike fibreglass pools, the sky is the limit when it comes to Concrete pools. This is why it is popular among the new swimming pool buyers.
It is also very durable and can last up to a decade before it needs any kind of resurfacing. They are also not as susceptible to mild abrasion due to weather changes.
Disadvantages
The bottom and sides of a concrete pool are porous. This leads to flourishing bacteria and algae in the pool. Algae infestations are common and can be hard to get rid of them. Weekly brushing can stop this from happening.
Water Chemistry
Generally speaking, a concrete pool is tough to maintain from the chemical balance point of view. They need a higher dose of chemicals to keep bacteria and algae at bay. Also, the number of times you will have to use these chemicals is a lot higher than usual. Concrete is basic/alkaline throws off the pH level of the pool. These chemicals are not very expensive but combined with high-frequency use they do add up.
Lengthy Installation time
On average a concrete pool can take anywhere between 3-4 months to be built. In contrast, fibreglass and vinyl liner pool can be made only in a couple of weeks.
High Running Costs
With expensive installation, the general upkeep of a concrete pool is definitely on the higher side of things. They require more chemicals and need an acid wash once every few years.
Vinyl Liner Pool
Vinyl Liner pools are the cheapest to install and are a very budget-friendly option if you are looking for a pool.
Advantages
Design
They are easier to design and are available at almost every location. They are also very easy to install. Custom shapes and sizes can be ordered without any fuss.
Disadvantages
The biggest disadvantage of a vinyl liner pool is that the vinyl will have to be replaced every 4-5 years. In the long term this bill adds up, and you would have been better off buying a fibreglass pool in the first place.
Durability
These are not the most durable pools and vinyl can be damaged easily. They can easily be damaged by sharp objects like branches or pet paws.
Hygiene
The vinyl is relatively non-porous but not immune to bacterial growth. Stagnant water can quickly grow to give birth to them.
At a glance, fibreglass might just be the best bang for the buck you can buy. But upon closer inspection, concrete and vinyl liner can also be very viable options. You should take into consideration factors like budget, the space you have, and how long you would be able to have construction at your place. After that, one should look for pool cleaning services and how easy they are to schedule.
Whether you want a classic design or something offbeat will also influence the type of pool you can go for. Write all your preferences down and talk to an expert for their opinion. Once you’ve made up your mind about the pool, sit back and relax, then when the pool is finished, relax a bit more.
