There are three popular inground swimming pool options for pool enthusiasts to consider. They are: concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl liner pools. Each of these pools have their unique pros and cons. Most people ask: which one of these is the best swimming pool choice for a year-long swimming fun? Well, there is no simple answer.
This blog presents an honest comparison between concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl-lined pools. It uncovers various factors, such as the size, shape, pros, and cons of these pools, to help you choose the best pool option for your budget and backyard needs.
Let’s begin your fun reading!
What are Concrete Pools?
Concrete pools are inground pools built from a rebar structure surrounded by concrete. A protective and decorative layer of plaster then covers the concrete. Concrete pools are famous for their strength and longevity.
This section covers everything about concrete pools.
Size of Concrete Pools
Concrete pools are generally found in the following shapes:
Plunge Pools: 12 x 7 feet to 20 x 10 feet
Medium Pools: 30 x 15 feet to 35 x 18 feet
Large Pools: exceed 40 feet in length with various depths
Shape of Concrete Pools
Concrete pools are highly customized. They can fit any backyard space and shape. The most commonly found shapes of these pools include:
- Rectangular Shaped
- Kidney-Shaped
- L-Shaped
- Infinity Shaped
- Circular Shaped
What is the Cost of Concrete Pools?
Concrete pool costs depend on your chosen size, shape, and other included features. However, the average price of concrete pools ranges from $50,000 to $120,000.
What are the pros of concrete pools?
The following are the benefits of a concrete pool ownership:
- More customization options in shape and size
- Higher lifespan as compared to other pool options
- More customization options in additional pool features
What are the cons of concrete pools?
Some of the disadvantages of concrete pools include:
- Higher lifetime costs
- More chemical use
- More maintenance requirements
- Longer install time
- Rough interior surface
What are Fiberglass Pools?
Fiberglass swimming pools are pre-constructed. A fiberglass pool shell is directly installed on a prepared site. They are one-piece structures of reinforced shells covered in protective gelcoat surface. These pools are highly durable and stress-resistant.
Let’s explore fiberglass pools in detail:
Size of Fiberglass Pools
Pool owners can choose between the following shapes of fiberglass pools based on their backyard space requirements.
Small pools: 12 x 25 feet
Medium pools: 14 x 30 feet
Large pools: 16 x 35 feet
Fiberglass Pools’ Shape Options
The following are the popular fiberglass pool designs considering shapes:
- Rectangular
- Kidney-shaped
- Free form
What is the cost of fiberglass pools?
The average cost of fiberglass inground pools ranges between $20,000 and $85,000, with an average of $52,500. The other cost-defining factors of a fiberglass pool include size, shape, features, location, and additional accessories or landscaping.
What are the pros and cons of fiberglass pools?
Pros:
Some of the advantages of having a fiberglass pool in your backyard are:
- Pre-constructed designs and shapes for personalized needs.
- quick installation process
- High compatibility with salt systems.
- Low maintenance costs
- High structural durability
- Personalized add-ons such as tanning ledges, spillover spas, and custom tiling.
- Anti-slippery surface with anti-skid texture.
Cons:
The downsides of owning a fiberglass pool include:
- Gelcoat finishing issues
- Discolouration
- Limited shape and design options
- No wider than 16′
- Higher initial cost
What are vinyl liner pools?
Vinyl liner pools are custom-made and made of durable, long-lasting materials. The liners are constructed from PVC vinyl, which has smooth, non-porous surfaces. Here are more details about vinyl liner pools.
Size of Vinyl Liner Pools
The various sizes of vinyl liner pools include:
Small Pools: 10 x 20 feet
Medium Pools: 20 – 40 feet
Large Pools: exceeds 40 feet in length and have various depths.
Vinyl Liner Pools’ Shape Options
These pools are available in highly customizable shapes, including:
- Rectangular
- Kidney-shaped
- L-Shaped
- Free form
What is the Cost of Vinyl Liner Pools?
The average cost of vinyl liner pools is $35,000 to $65,000. However, the pool cost may vary based on your preferred size, shape, and added features.
What are the pros of vinyl liner pools?
Here are the pros of choosing vinyl liner pools:
- Affordable pool option
- The polymer wall system is compatible with the saltwater system
- Durable and corrosive-free material
- Lower algae growth because of its algae-resistant, non-porous surface.
What are the cons of vinyl liner pools?
The disadvantages of vinyl liner pools include:
- Higher lifetime costs
- Liner warranties may be prorated
- You have to use the pool with care to prevent punctures or tears of the liner
- Lower resale value
How much does a concrete, fiberglass, and vnyl liner pool last?
The average lives of a concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl liner pools include:
Concrete pools: 15 years or more.
Fiberglass pools: 25-30 years
Vinyl liner pools: 6 to 10 years
Concrete vs. Fiberglass vs. Vinyl Liner Pools: Which is Right for You?
The above discussion will help you choose between concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl liner pools based on your unique preferences, space requirements, and installation time.
The table below gives you a list of differences between these pool types. You can choose the right pool for your backyard while comparing the features of each one of them.
| Features | Concrete Pools | Fiberglass Pools | Vinyl Liner Pools |
| Customization Options | Highly customizable | Limited Customization options | Reasonable customization |
| Surface | It has a rough surface as compared to the other pool options. | Smooth surface due to the gel coat finishing. | Smooth vinyl surface but less smooth feel than fiberglass. |
| Installation Time | More extended construction or building time | Quick installation process due to pre-constructed structure | Moderate installation. Require a supportive structure before liner installation. |
| Maintenance | Require high maintenance and cleaning | Low maintenance and cleaning requirements as compared to the other two pool types. | Moderate cleaning requirements |
| Costs | most expensive upfront costs | Moderate costs as compared to the other two pool types. | Lowest upfront costs. It is the most budget-friendly option. |
| Durability | Highly durable. It can last for decades. | The fiberglass shell is solid and durable. | The building structure is durable. The liner needs replacing every 7-15 years. |
Silverline Pools: Your Best Pool Builder
Silverline Pools is the best pool designer and installer in Knoxville. With our customizable pool shape and size options, we are leading the local pool industry. In addition to pool construction, we provide pool maintenance and repairs at wallet-friendly prices.
Our seasoned team works tirelessly to provide affordable pool services and transform your ordinary backyards into stunning backyard pools. In addition to concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl liner pools, our other customized pool construction options include:
- Steel wall pools
- Gunite pools
- Aluminum pools.
Which pool is better, fiberglass or concrete?
Both of fiberglass and concrete pools have their benefits and downsides. For minimum initial costs and low maintenance, and quick installation, choose fiberglass pool. However, if you want more customization in shapes and a pool that will last for decades, a concrete pool is the best.
What type of pool lasts the longest?
Fiberglass pools are longlasting without requiring major renovations compared to other pool options.
How often does a concrete pool need to be resurfaced?
Concrete pools need resurfacing every 3 to 7 years.
Wrapping Up
Building a pool in your backyard is a wise investment in your home’s resale value. Unlimited swimming fun is what owners long for in a pool. Considering different pool types, concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl liner pools are the popular options.
Each of these pools is best considered for its unique features. Choosing between these pools depends on your personal choice and budget. Silverline Pools offers highly personalized and wallet-friendly concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl liner pools. Contact their expert team to turn your ordinary home backside into a splashing pool reality.
