You will surely agree that one of the most relaxing ways to beat the summer heat is to take a dip in the pool. Having a swimming pool at home can be so much fun! It’s a terrific way to spend time and cool off with your family and friends. Investing in a swimming pool is a big deal! You don’t want to make the wrong choice.
The two most popular kinds of swimming pools among homeowners are fibreglass pools and concrete pools. Both can be great choices, but they have their pros and cons. To know which kind is right for you, it is important to compare the two before you make that big decision.
The most important factors to consider are –
- Cost (initial and long-term)
- Installation time
- Durability
- Maintenance / Wear and tear
- Surface texture
- Customisation / Design
- Algae
- Chemicals
- Heat
Here is a close look at each factor to help you choose your dream pool.
Cost factors
Cost is a major consideration when investing in anything big such as a swimming pool, because most people have a budget! Concrete pools can be designed as you like, but they cost way more than fibreglass pools. Fibreglass pools are pre-fabricated and cost around 20% less than concrete pools when it comes to installation. You can install good fibreglass pools within a range of $30000- $50000. However, that will greatly depend on some factors, including company, design, installation, pool accessories like spa jets, and landscaping. The construction of a decent size concrete pool may cost $50000 – $100,000 or more. Everything depends on the size, material, and added features that you intend to include.
Plus, if long-term maintenance is considered, concrete pools need more chemicals, refinishing, and electricity for cleaning and heating. Fibreglass pools not only require lesser upfront costs but also less spending on long-term maintenance.
Installation
Building concrete pools involves a tedious and complex on-site process that may take weeks and months to complete. This project may not only take a long time but need several people working on your property, turning it into a construction zone. Fibreglass pools come in different shapes and sizes, all ready for installation! It may take a few days or weeks to install a fibreglass pool. These pools are convenient and the best off-the-shelf solutions when you want to get your pool functional quickly. As fibreglass pool models can be installed faster than concrete pools, you do not have to wait for months to enjoy them.
Durability
When regular wear and tear is considered, fibreglass pools surely win the race. Fibreglass is an extremely strong and durable building material. Concrete pools can develop cracks and need costly repairs and leakage fixes more often. Fibreglass pools are not susceptible to cracks if there is no major underground earth shifting (which is not common).
If you are looking for a perth mineral pools that can save you more money on repairs, fibreglass pools are a better choice. However, both pools are long-lasting choices and you can enjoy them for decades to come.
Maintenance
Concrete pools are more prone to algae growth, leakage due to porous surfaces, and damage due to regular use. More algae mean more spending on chemicals and cleaning equipment to maintain healthy water chemistry. Damage equals additional repair work. Fibreglass pools have a smoother, non-porous surface and develop algae at a much slower rate, which means less cleaning and low maintenance cost. Concrete pools mostly require resurfacing or repainting after ten to fifteen years which fibreglass pools don’t.
Pool feel / Surface texture
Fibreglass pools have a smoother and nicer feel due to their finish. Concrete pools usually have rough edges and may not feel as smooth as fibreglass pools. The gel-coated surface of fibreglass pools feels more comfortable against the skin. There are fewer chances of accidental bruises and cuts from sharp edges in fibreglass pools due to the smoother finish. Concrete pools have finishes like tiles, pebbles, and plaster on the edges and the floor. Tiles are prone to chipping, leading to cuts and grazing while swimming. Plus, the floor may feel rough when your feet touch the ground. If children are using the pool, you surely do not want to keep the risk of pool injuries at the lowest. Fibreglass pools score better than concrete pools in this respect.
Customisation / Design
If you are looking for unique design choices, concrete pools have unlimited options. For homeowners whose only concern is the uniqueness of their dream pool with a complex design, a concrete pool is the answer for them. When budget, maintenance, and installation time don’t bother you, and the main focus is on pool aesthetics and luxury, concrete pools take the cake. In concrete pools, you can play with shapes and add features like a Baja shelf or a water spill-over. Fibreglass pools have a limitation when it comes to customisation. These pools are pre-made, off-the-shelf options that are transported and installed in homes. Although fibreglass pool shells come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colours, designing pool models to fit your unique requirement is not an option.
Algae
Clean and healthy pools are desired by everyone but keeping them clean is not an easy job. No matter concrete or fibreglass, it takes time, effort, energy, and chemicals to keep the pool clean. However, fibreglass pools have a clear advantage when it comes to algae growth in the pool. The smooth, gel-coated surface limits the growth of algae, meaning you need less amount of chemicals to keep your swimming pool clean. Concrete pools being porous and having more joints and edges allow quicker and more algae growth that sure needs more frequent and aggressive cleaning. In the long run, the money spent on chemicals and cleaning equipment piles up to be a substantial amount. All pools require routine cleaning, concrete pools more than their fibreglass counterparts. If the cleaning routine is not maintained properly, your pool can turn into a murky, bacteria-infested, pond-like feature in your backyard.
Chemicals
As already said, fibreglass pools have lesser algae growth meaning they require fewer chemicals to balance the pH level of the pool water. In concrete pools, the pH balance is disturbed more frequently due to algal growth. Simply put, you can save on pool cleaning chemicals if you install a fibreglass pool on your property.
Heat
In fibreglass pools, the water heats up faster and stays warm for longer than in concrete pools. The material used for making these pools do not absorb much heat. Thus, fibreglass pools require less electricity when you want to heat up the pool for comfortable water temperature and remain warm for a longer duration. On the other hand, concrete pools absorb heat faster, cooling down the water at a greater speed compared to fibreglass pools.
Now that you know the advantages and the disadvantages of fibreglass pools vs. concrete pools, decision-making should be easier. Fibreglass pools offer several benefits over concrete pools, barring customised designs. For more information, you always have your local pool specialists to help you choose the best option for your home.
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