So, you are ready to add an in-ground swimming pool in your backyard but don’t really know which type will best suit your needs. A comparison of fiberglass vs concrete pools with their differences and similarities can help you make the best choice for your distinct landscaping option.
Concrete Swimming Pools
Concrete in-ground swimming pools can be made in any size and shape that you can imagine because they are custom-made. You can choose a contemporary design of a rectangular shape or any geometric design, as well as free-form and natural shapes to add a big impact to your landscape design.
With concrete swimming pools, you get many more design options, such as different pool tiles and beautiful mosaic patterns, beach entries, and even vanishing edges for an upscale appearance.
Concrete pools can also fit in any size area from very small to very large–it’s still possible for smaller lawns.
Fiberglass Swimming Pools
Fiberglass swimming pools have different styles and texture options. They are made from a pre-formed piece in a mold, and they are pre-finished before installation to shorten the waiting period before you get to enjoy it.
If all goes well, it can take about two weeks for your fiberglass pool to be installed, in comparison to a concrete pool which can take up to 12 weeks or more.
Fiberglass is a smooth material without the rough texture of a concrete pool. This translates to your fiberglass pool having
much easier upkeep and maintenance while needing fewer chemicals from a swimming pool supply store.
If you are in a hurry to get into your new swimming pool and begin enjoying it, then a fiberglass in-ground pool will be best for you.
Differences Between Fiberglass vs Concrete Pool
In the end, your overall vision of what you want in your personal pool is what determines the best option for you. Concrete pools can be very beautiful with pool tiles and mosaics in many different colors and patterns for beauty and performance. You can also add a tanning ledge, a beach entry, or specialized custom water features, rock waterfalls or splendid fountains. You can also add colorful underwater lights and finishes for a custom concrete pool installation.
Fiberglass pools are pre-formed items that are generally seen in sizes up to 16 feet wide, 40 feet long, and about 8 1/2 feet deep. This limits you to your shapes because most fiberglass pools are a standard rectangular shape.
If you are searching for a specialized product in a unique shape with extra options available, then concrete would be your best bet.
Durability of Products
Concrete pools can be a plaster-based interior finish that is concrete and extremely durable. These pools won’t suffer from damage from dogs, falling tree branches, or pool toys. However, expect to Contact a pool paint restoration and repair company to replaster a concrete pool every 10 to 15 years or so, and to replace the waterline tiles as well. Salt chlorine generators dissolve the salt in your water, and this will shorten the life expectancy of a plaster-based finish, but not a tile finish.
Fiberglass pools have a gel coat finish that makes them durable as well. Using a salt chlorine generator will make it lower maintenance, and this has no harmful effects on your fiberglass shell whatsoever.
Both are equally durable, but concrete pools are weakened with salt and will need to be refinished in the future. If you intend to
use a salt chlorine generator, you should choose a fiberglass pool.
Maintenance Required
Concrete pools are alkaline products that increase the water’s pH level, so you need to add muriatic acid daily to keep it in balance. You also need to clean the entire surface of the pool with a steel brush every week to keep algae at bay.
Fiberglass pools made with a gel coat don’t affect your water pH level, so you have much less hands-on maintenance time and costs. You do still need to test your water weekly and make any adjustments necessary.
If you are looking for a low-maintenance and hands-on item, you should choose a fiberglass pool.
Electrical Costs and Chemicals
Concrete pools are higher maintenance with hands-on items and money for chemicals, as well as higher energy costs to maintain your pool properly.
Fiberglass pools take less electricity and fewer chemicals to stay in tip-top condition and save your sweat and time.
If you prefer an easy-care pool, then fiberglass is the clear winner!
Conclusion
At Aqua Guard 5000, we have over 30 years of experience in creating swimming pools for homeowners to beautify their landscape and provide them with years of family fun. We can help you decide if a concrete or fiberglass pool will work out the best for you. Contact us today to get started on your swimming pool plans or for swimming pool remodeling!
