Summer is fast approaching and you might be thinking about adding a swimming pool to your backyard. And, if you are in this situation, you should know that there are pros and cons of choosing either a fiberglass or concrete pool. However, which one is truly better?
Although the answer to this question will depend on you and the needs you have, this article might help you determine what option suits you best. The text below is going to feature everything that you should know about these options. Let’s take a closer look at this side-by-side comparison:
Fiberglass Swimming Pools – All You Should Know
Source: azpools
The very first thing you should know about this type is that they are assembled in a factory first. Next, it will be delivered to your yard in one piece, which implies that the installation process will be faster – especially if the workers dig up the ground before it arrives at your home.
You can opt from various shapes, sizes, and colors, however, there are limitations when it comes to the design. Since it needs to be transferred to your home by a large truck, the largest one you can choose is about 16 feet by 40 feet. Now, you should know that this is still relatively big, however, on the smaller side of large.
When it comes to the price, they are a bit more expensive than concrete ones with a price most commonly ranging from 20.000 to 40.000 dollars. Now, you should know that the patio and deck are not included, and if you want to add additional features such as lights, a slide, heaters, and cover, you will need to pay extra.
The installation process is relatively faster and easier than concrete and it will take a few weeks compared to several months with concrete ones. Usually, the company that is installing it will give you two choices: to completely install it or just deliver it to your home. If you chose the first option, they will handle every single thing, including the excavation process and filling it. If you want to see what fiberglass pools and services you can opt for, check out compasspoolsmelbourne.com.au for more info.
There is a wide range of advantages that you can gain including:
- Almost no Maintenance – they are nonporous, which means that algae will not grow and you won’t need to add a lot of chemicals as you would need to if you have a concrete pool.
- The Installation is Easy – as previously mentioned, they’ll be delivered to your doorstep in one piece and you can be relaxing in it in a matter of several weeks.
- It is Resistant to Shock – the material used for manufacturing these pools can absorb fluctuation in the surface of the earth, hence, if the area you are living in is earthquake-prone, getting this type might be the best choice for you.
There are a few disadvantages that you want to consider, including:
- The Designs Are Limited – although they are sold in all shapes and sizes, you won’t be able to fully customize the shape and form you want.
- It is Not Perfect For Diving – since they are usually approximately 8 feet deep, they are not exactly perfect for diving. Hence, if you are a fan of it, you should opt for a different choice.
Concrete Swimming Pools – All You Should Know
Source: archiexpo
Concrete – or as they are also referred to, gunite – are customized to fit your specific needs and specifications. For this reason, the forms and sizes you can choose from are basically limitless. Of course, they do not come in one piece, and all the work needs to be done in your yard.
For example, if you want one that has a form of three palm trees, a giant one that will cover half of your garden or one that has a completely twisted and weird shape, you can have that. Besides choosing how it will look like, you can also choose the depth, which means that it can be deeper than 8 feet. Additionally, you can choose to have a concrete surface or you can choose some nice tiles to cover the surface.
Although these pools have been around for a longer time, that does not mean that they are better – we’ll take a look at the pros and cons later on. Now, you should know that these pools are the most expensive option out there, especially since there is customization involved, and as mentioned earlier, the installation is done in your backyard. Also, you might need to hire several companies, instead of one.
The price varies, but, it starts at 25.000 and goes all the way to 50.000 dollars. Again, the patio and deck are usually not included in the price, and like the fiberglass ones, you’ll need to pay for the additional features such as the lights, slide, cover, heaters, and so on. Remember, the more you customize it, the more it will cost.
Implementing a concrete pool means that the company will need to dig out the are, install all the pipes, and lay a frame that is made from steel. To materials used are usually a combination of sand, water, and cement, which makes the name “gunite” quite understandable. Once everything is dry, a finish is added to the surface, and when you wait for everything to dry and set, the entire process will take approximately 2 to 3 months.
Source: dreamlandsdesign
There is a wide range of advantages that you can gain including:
- There Are Endless Design Options – as mentioned earlier in the text, the designs are going to be limited only by how much you are willing to pay. Hence, if you want the chance to opt for every single feature then this is the best choice for you,
- It Can Be Deeper – fiberglass pools are usually about 8 feet deep, however, a concrete one can be as deep as you want – which is perfect if you love diving and exercising.
There are a few disadvantages that you want to consider, including:
- The Price – if you do not worry about your budget, then you can opt for a concrete one right away, however, if you are limited, then you should carefully think about what features you’ll opt for. Additionally, maintenance is extremely expensive as well.
- The Installation Process is Difficult And Long – if you start building your pool now, it will be ready for swimming in August, which means that you’ll lose most of the summer while it is installed.
- It Can Be Rough on Your Feet – as you know, concrete is not a material that is totally smooth, hence, it can be quite rough on your feet – something that can cause cuts and small scrapes. If you have children, you might want to opt for the fiberglass option.
Source: Pinterest
Conclusion
As you can see, there is a wide range of things that you should consider before opting for either a concrete or fiberglass pool. So, now that you know what those things are, you should not waste any more time. Instead, start thinking long and hard about what works for you best, and then start searching for a company that will create a paradise in your backyard by building your dream pool!
