Comparing Fiberglass Pools, Concrete Pools and Vinyl Liner Pools

February 14, 2019 AquamarinePools

There are three types of inground swimming pools: fiberglass pools, concrete pools, and vinyl liner pools. The most durable inground pools are fiberglass pools and concrete pools (also known as gunite pools). This article is designed to provide you a quick comparison of the most commonly built pool types, including the pros and cons of each. We also have included a pool comparison chart for a quick reference of each type of pool advantages.

The Basics of a Fiberglass Pool

Fiberglass is a type of sturdy, resin mix that is reinforced with composite glass fibers. It is an ideal material for swimming pools because it is smooth, non-porous, strong and flexible. Fiberglass Pools are precision-made by applying resin, fiberglass and other composite strengtheners in layers to a prefabricated mold. As an example, Viking Pools, one of the leading manufacturers of fiberglass swimming pools, creates its pools using a 10-stage process that layers fiberglass multiple times with Vinyl Ester Resin (for durability and strength), a sturdy core of ceramic, carbon fibers or more fiberglass (for added strength), and embedded vertical support beams (for structure, strength and ease in lifting). The finished pools are shipped in one piece to the installation site.

Advantages

Low Maintenance
Time to Install
Durability
Lifetime Cost Low
Countless Design Options
Salt and Cleaning Systems

The Basics of a Concrete Pool

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

Durability
Can Customize Shape and Size

The Basics of a Vinyl Liner Pool

A vinyl liner pool has a sheet of vinyl between the water and the pool framework (concrete or steel structure). 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

Low Initial Cost
Can Customize Shape

Pool Comparison Chart

Features	Fiberglass Pools	Concrete Pools	Vinyl Liner Pools
Structural Guarantee	Lifetime 100%	1 Year	No Labor, Seams Only
Maintenance Hours Per Week	1 Hour	8 Hours	3 Hours
Surface	Smooth	Rough	Slippery
Time to Install Shell	1-3 Days	6-8 Weeks	2-3 Weeks
Lifetime Cost of Ownership	Very Low	Very High	High
Painting	Never	Yearly	Never
Quality Control	By Factory	By Installer	By Installer
Type of Coping	Closed Beam	Concrete	Aluminum
Steps	Built In, Textured	Built In	Optional
Relocation Possibilities	Anytime	Never	Anytime
Drainage of Pool	Never	Yearly	7-10 Years
Objectionable Features	None	Expensive to build and maintain	Liners stretch, easy to damage