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 |
Learn more about the common pool types with the e-Book: Fiberglass vs Concrete here!
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http://new.aquapools.com/blog/2019/01/09/planning-your-gorgeous-new-fiberglass-pool-starts-here-with-aquamarine-pools/