When choosing an inground pool, you have several options. The main contenders to build the watery oasis of your dreams are fiberglass and concrete. These two options look and feel completely different and have their own strengths and weaknesses.
Here are the main pros and cons of fiberglass and concrete that will help you decide which option is right for you!
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a strong, lightweight material made from tiny glass fibers woven together and strengthened with polyester resin.
Pros of Fiberglass Pools:
- Installation is fast. You can have your fiberglass swimming pool up and running in as little as 4 -6 weeks.
- Midterm lifespan. A fiberglass pool can last up to 25 to 30 years with proper maintenance, but the entire shell must be replaced once it starts showing inevitable signs of wear and tear.
- Fiberglass pools are algae resistant. Simply wipe stains and buildup with a sponge, and as long as you check and balance your pool water regularly, maintenance should be easy.
Cons of Fiberglass Pools:
- Fiberglass pools are pre-made, so your choices for pool size and shape are limited.
- You need a lot of room for delivery and installation. A fiberglass swimming pool will arrive in one large piece. You’ll need to ensure that your backyard and the surrounding area can accommodate an extra-wide delivery truck and possibly a crane.
- Fiberglass can be susceptible to warping issues. Since the fiberglass pool is prefabricated, there can be bending, bulging, and warping issues during the backfill process.
Concrete
Concrete swimming pools are a popular choice for many homeowners, and it may be the right option for you if you’re interested in a high-quality, long-term investment.
Pros of Concrete Pools
- Concrete pools are built to your exact specifications, so there is almost no limit when it comes to your pool’s shape and size. It’s also easy to build in extras like tanning ledges, steps, pool decks, and more!
- There are a wide range of options for the surface of your pool. From plaster to pebble to all-tile, there is a wide range of colors, textures, and styles to create the look you want.
- They offer great durability and a long lifespan. Concrete swimming pools are built to last. In fact, with proper maintenance and a professional replaster after 20 years, you can expect to enjoy your concrete pool from anywhere between 60-70 years, plus!
Cons of Concrete Pools
- Concrete pools can require more work, maintenance-wise. Concrete is naturally porous, which means that the pool walls may need to be brushed more often to prevent algae.
- They take longer to install. With concrete, you can expect your swimming pool installation process to take several weeks or even months, but your concrete pool is worth the wait since there are so many customizable options.
Here at VistaPro Landscape & Design, we understand how important it is to choose the right pool for your specific needs and desires. If you choose to install a concrete pool or spa, we have endless options and zero design limitations. We can turn your backyard into a getaway oasis from saltwater beach entry pools to large freshwater lap pools.
Give us a call today at (301)805-0119 to start building the backyard of your dreams this summer!