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TYPES OF POOLS
What Kind of Swimming Pool is Better? Concrete, Fiberglass or Vinyl Liner?
Here at FS Landscaping Contractors, we specialize in the design & construction of swimming pools. Below are some pros and cons to help you choose the right type of pool for you, as well as the best installer.
Concrete Pools
Advantages:
- Build any Size you want: Concrete pools can be any size, shape, or depth.
- More Flexibility with Design Features: Vanishing edges, “beach” entries, tanning ledges, etc. are all just a sketch away from reality with concrete pools.
- Works of Art: Concrete Pools can be integrated into design as a literal work of art in the landscape.
- Strength and Durability: There is no other pool stronger and more durable than a concrete pool which is why most pool builders give a lifetime warranty on the concrete shell of the swimming pool.
Disadvantages:
- High Lifetime Cost: Concrete pools will need to be renovated every 15-20 years. This involves resurfacing and re-tiling the pool at an expense of $8k-$15k or higher depending on the pool.
- More Chemical Usage: Because the surface of concrete pools is very porous, more chemicals and filtration are required to prevent algae. The alkaline pH of the pool shell also constantly raises the pH of the water, requiring the frequent adding of acid to counteract the effect.
- More Maintenance: Concrete pools also need to be frequently broomed or swept with a pool brush to remove algae from the pours of the plaster or aggregate surface.
- Longer Installation Time: Concrete pools take longer to install….usually 6-8 weeks depending on the size.
Fiberglass Pools
Advantages:
- Low Maintenance: The gel coat surface of the fiberglass pool shell is nonporous. This prevents the growth of algae and reduces the number of chemicals required to maintain your pool.
- Little to No Costs down the Road: 99% of the time there is never any additional money invested in the shell of a fiberglass pool. There’s no vinyl liner to be replaced every 10 years, and plaster or tile resurfacing is not needed.
- Non-abrasive Surface: The gel coat surface of fiberglass pools is smooth to the touch.
- Built-in Seats and Steps: Most fiberglass pool designs have seating, and all have steps incorporated into the shell of the pool.
- Quick Installation: Because the shells of fiberglass pools are built off-site, the installation occurs within 3-5 days versus 6-8 weeks on average with concrete pools.
Disadvantages:
- Limited Shapes and Designs: Because fiberglass pools are built from a mold, the consumer is limited to the number of shapes and sizes offered by the various fiberglass pool manufacturers.
- No wider than 16′: Fiberglass pools are shipped by truck. Shipping restrictions limit the width of the fiberglass pool shell to 16′.
- Difficult Color Matching: In the unlikely event that a repair is needed, many fiberglass pool manufacturers use color finishes that do not perfectly match existing pools.
- Higher Initial Cost: Fiberglass pools are more of an initial investment, usually at least $5k more than vinyl liner pools, although they are about the same as, or sometimes less than most concrete pools.
Vinyl Liner Pools
Advantages:
- Low Initial Cost: Vinyl Liner Pools have the lowest initial cost of any of the three types of inground pools.
- Customizable Shape and Size: There are no limitations of the length, width and depth of Vinyl Liner Pools.
- Vinyl Liner Pools are Nonabrasive: The vinyl liner material is smooth to the touch.
- Prevents Algae: The vinyl material used in vinyl liner pools is also relatively non-porous so it prevents algae growth.
Disadvantages:
- Higher Lifetime Cost: On average, a vinyl liner will last between 7 and 15 years. The expense of the liner replacement is $2,500-$5,000, plus the cost of water.
- Liner Warranties are Prorated: Many vinyl liner manufacturers have a 20-year pro-rated warranty…. read the fine print.
- Must Use the Pool with Care: Dogs, kids throwing stuff in the pool, tree limbs, etc. are all concerns. The liner is only 20-30 mil thick, which is the thickness of several sheets of paper. One mistake could cost you big bucks.
- Lower Resale Value: When you go to sell a home with a vinyl liner pool, one of the first questions asked is “how old is the liner?” If it’s more than 3-4 years old, there’s a significant chance a request will be made to replace the liner before the sale of the house, or the value of the pool will be depreciated.
Top Swimming Pool Designers in Bucks County, PA
CONTACT FS LANDSCAPING CONTRACTORS TODAY!
Since 1997, we have specialized in designing and building swimming pools and outdoor living spaces. We are considered to be one of the top swimming pool designers in the region.
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