Concrete, Fibreglass or Vinyl? Understanding your Options for an Inground Pools

If you’ve been dreaming of getting your own backyard swimming pool, there are a lot of options to consider. The major decision you’ll need to make is what type of pool you will be enjoying.

Most inground swimming pools are one of three major varieties: concrete, vinyl-lined, or fibreglass. Each material for your inground swimming pool has different positives and negatives. The choice you’ll make will depend on your vision, your budget, and your backyard.

Learn a bit about the options for inground swimming pools to ensure you pick the perfect swimming pool to enjoy summer after summer.

The types of inground swimming pools

Inground pools are a beautiful feature to add to your home. A swimming pool can be the perfect place to enjoy time with friends, bond with family, and entertain during the summer season. Inground swimming pools are usually constructed from concrete, fiberglass, or vinyl-lined pool kits.

The type of pool you choose will be based on your budget, space, and esthetic vision. But, you will also need to speak to a professional about the type of pool you are envisioning, and what you can accomplish in your backyard space. Your chosen professional may have a good reason to encourage you to choose one building material over another based on your personal needs.

Concrete swimming pools

Concrete swimming pools are a wonderful option for anyone who is looking to express creativity in their swimming pool design. Some of the most unique and impressive swimming pools are concrete-based. If you’re looking to move beyond the traditional shape and sizes available for standard inground pools, concrete is the right option for you.

The benefits of concrete swimming pools

If you have a unique design or oddly-shaped backyard, a concrete pool is likely the right choice for you. Concrete pools allow you to create a pool that is sized and shaped according to your vision.

Concrete pools add a level of flexibility of you’re hoping to build a truly unique swimming pool. You can finish a concrete swimming pool with tile, stone, or pebbles to create a truly unique swimming pool design.

The drawbacks of concrete swimming pools

It can be difficult to completely scrub and clean the porous surface of a concrete swimming pool. This can make it particularly difficult to treat algae infestations and stains to your pool surface.

The freedom and flexibility that comes with a concrete pool comes at a price. Concrete pools are much more expensive than vinyl-lined or fibreglass swimming pools. Many people also dislike the rough concrete surface of a swimming pool.

Concrete pools require more planning and installation time than fibreglass or concrete vinyl-lined pools. Every 10 to 15 years, you’ll also need to resurface your pool, making concrete a very expensive option.

Fibreglass swimming pools

Fibreglass pools are made with predesigned moulds and delivered in a single piece. A fibreglass pool resembles a very large bathtub before installation.

Fibreglass pools are a great choice for anyone who is looking for a standard-shaped pool that is easy to install and maintain. There are many flexible options available to compliment your pool design, and families across Canada invest in fibreglass swimming pools each year.

The benefits of fibreglass swimming pools

Fibreglass pools have a very smooth shell and casing that make them easy to clean and treat for algae.

Fibreglass pools are usually sold as one-piece units that make an inground swimming pool fast and easy to install. If you’re hoping to have your pool completed in a hurry, fibreglass may be the right choice.

The drawbacks of fibreglass swimming pools

The design potential for fibreglass pools is somewhat limited. Because these pools are usually delivered in a single piece, the options are usually pre-formed, oval-shaped pools. Anyone who is looking for a design may find fibreglass pools limiting.

As a fibreglass pool ages, it can be much more difficult to repair than a concrete or vinyl pool. If a fibreglass pool suffers a serious crack or damage, expensive repairs or even a full-shell replacement may be required.

Vinyl-lined swimming pools

Vinyl-lined swimming pools are a very popular choice for homeowners looking to install a new swimming pool. These pools are available as kits that come in flexible shapes and sizes. Vinyl kits do require some planning and time to construct, but make a much faster, easier and more affordable option than concrete pools.

Vinyl liners provide a comfortable swimming experience and beautiful look for your pool. If you’re looking for a traditional blue backyard swimming pool, a vinyl-lined pool kit may be an excellent choice for you.

The benefits of vinyl liner pools

Vinyl liners repel algae and bacteria colonies from forming on the surface of your pool. It is still possible to have an algae or pathogen infestation in a vinyl-lined pool. It is much easier to treat and eliminate these problems.

Vinyl lined pools provide a very comfortable swimming experience. If you have small children in the pool, you won’t need to worry about scrapes as you do with a concrete pool.

The drawbacks of vinyl liner pools

Vinyl liners can be prone to damage if they are exposed to sharp objects or not taken care of correctly. Purchasing and installing a new liner can be extremely expensive, and also results in downtime for your pool.

Over time, you’ll need to replace your vinyl liner. If this happens sooner than you might expect, this can be a big blow to your finances.

Choosing the right swimming pool for your space

There are many positives and negatives associated with concrete, fibreglass and vinyl-lined swimming pools. Understanding your options will help you to make a better decision for your inground pool when you begin to consult with your swimming pool professional. If you’re overwhelmed by your options, you’ll be able to make the right choice after learning your options.