Concrete pools are the best, but the most expensive.
For me, without a doubt, concrete is the way to go when you are talking about high quality and durable swimming pool installations. Of course, I was a concrete pool builder, so I guess I’m biased. What’s interesting is that I’ve also built vinyl pools. So why would I do this if I think concrete pools are the best? The answer is simply that not every home (or property) can afford a concrete pool and, in some situations, a vinyl (or fiberglass) pool, or even a above ground pool might be a better fit.
Concrete swimming pools
I consider concrete pool construction to be the highest quality and most durable possible. The only downside as far as I am concerned is that concrete pools are also the most expensive and they also require specialized tools, equipment and skills to build and work. Concrete swimming pools are the most versatile in terms of shape, depth or unique variations in structure, as concrete is the most versatile and widely available construction medium on the planet.
Vinyl Lined Pools
Vinyl liner pools are inexpensive to build and require little prior pool installation experience to create one with a reasonable degree of success. Vinyl pools are constructed using tiered components and almost all parts are individually repairable or replaceable to one degree or another. Vinyl liners work well in cold climate areas and are also unlikely to pop out of the ground in the same way that fiberglass pools and concrete pool shells do in areas with a high water table. In recent years there have been many design improvements with vinyl pools including more infinity edge options, tanning shelves, vinyl on steel steps, textured vinyl as well as welding increasingly popular on-site custom vinyl for even more personalized poolscapes. From vinyl. Vinyl pools offer great value for money, and when installed correctly, they can look and feel almost as good.
Fiberglass pools
I have a chip on my shoulder about fiberglass pools, but it’s less about the pool itself, and more about how fiberglass pools are often sold to customers as not. never needing maintenance and installed by people with minimal experience. A high quality fiberglass pool installed by an experienced pool builder and installer, who simply prefers the fiberglass pool process, I have no problem. My problem is that many home builders and general contractors install fiberglass pools themselves with little or no real experience installing pools of any type. Since a fiberglass pool is so easy to install, many custom home builders are pushing toward fiberglass pools in design, not because it is the best option, but because it brings the more money in their own pocket. Additionally, a fiberglass pool and a concrete pool should not cost the same to install. This is another problem I have with fiberglass pools. They should cost less than a concrete pool installation, and when they do, I’m much more likely to recommend this route for a home owner.
In summary, the type of pool you should purchase will depend on your unique budget, your priorities, your expectations for longevity and ease of maintenance, and of course, your real estate value. Concrete swimming pools are suitable for high-end residential installations and highly customized designs. Indoor swimming pools are generally made of concrete. Commercial swimming pools are generally made of concrete. Vinyl liner pools are ideal for economical installations, cold weather applications, and areas with seasonal water table fluctuations. Vinyl pools are fairly easy to assemble, but still require people with experience in trades such as concrete finishers. Fiberglass pools require the least skilled trades to install, but are also the least usable if there is a problem with the hull or installation.
If you plan to build the pool yourself, fiberglass becomes a much better option, as you won’t need to hire a dozen trait-specific trade crews like with a concrete pool, nor will you need to Build the basic components of the pool as with a vinyl kit. If you have access to machinery and can find a fiberglass pool manufacturer willing to work with you, you can probably install your own fiberglass pool and save a little in the process. If you are still unsure which type would be best suited to your situation, please do not hesitate to contact Steve for a second opinion on your situation.