Final Takeaway
- Fiberglass pools are quick to install and easy to maintain but have limited options.
- Vinyl liner pools are cheap to install but fragile. The liner needs to be replaced every 5-7 years or if it is damaged, leading to minimal warranties and low resale value.
- Concrete pools are as customizable as your dreams but costly to build and maintain.
Full Answer
Is a fiberglass pool better then vinyl pool?
The steel or polymer walls, however, can last much longer. A fiberglass pool will save you money on electricity as compared to a vinyl liner pool. It does need as much cleaning, so the pumps 6 only run for 4 to 6 hours a day, less than the recommended time for a vinyl liner pool. This can make a big difference in annual maintenance costs.
Can you convert a vinyl pool to fiberglass?
These advancements have left many vinyl pool owners, who are in need of replacing their liner and/or existing structure, asking can you convert a vinyl pool to a fiberglass one? The answer is yes. There are many benefits in owning a fiberglass pool, such as quick installation, non-porous surface, and overall less maintenance.
Is a gunite or vinyl pool better?
Today, a gunite pool is the most popular pool due to their high flexibility and longevity. On the other hand, vinyl pools are well known due to their affordability. However, gunite pools are not ideal for aspiring pool owners who have a tight budget. They are relatively costly and incur high maintenance costs.
Which is more expensive fiberglass or concrete pool?
The budget is somehow always the biggest item of all. So keep in mind that neither fiberglass nor concrete pools are very cheap. The average price of a concrete pool is around $ 50,000, while fiberglass is a bit cheaper and you will spend about $ 45,000 on average.
How long does a fiberglass pool last?
While the fiberglass pool maintains its original color for its entire lifespan of 20 to 25 years, after a few years a vinyl pool liner will fade, especially if you are using chlorine 4 to keep the pool water clean. The vinyl becomes bleached and unattractive.
How wide can a vinyl pool liner be?
There is also a maximum width or length limit of 16 feet because it must be shipped to your home on a truck.
How long does it take to install a vinyl pool liner?
From beginning to end, it will take less than 2 weeks to install a fiberglass pool and 3 to 5 weeks to install a vinyl liner pool.
How much does a vinyl pool cost?
A vinyl liner pool costs less initially at $37,000. The vinyl liner itself costs $4,500 - $6,000, while labor takes up, another $10,000 for excavating and installing, and additional parts cost around $11,000. The sidewalks and fencing cost the same as for the fiberglass pool at $10,000. However, you need to factor in the replacement cost for ...
What shape is an inground pool?
The shape of an inground pool ranges from classic rectangular to the very popular kidney shape as well as other geometric or abstract designs. If you choose to install a vinyl liner pool, you can choose any shape you want that your installer can create. This is because the adaptable vinyl liner can be fitted to any size or shape.
What chemicals are added to the water in a swimming pool to kill bacteria and microorganisms?
The fibers may be mixed randomly throughout the plastic, or come in the form of a flat sheet, or be woven into a fabric. 4 Chlorine : A chemical added to the water in a swimming pool to kill bacteria and microorganisms that can make people sick.
How much does it cost to build a fiberglass pool?
The total average cost of an in-ground fiberglass pool is $60,000. The materials for the pool itself cost between$10,000and $19,000for the shell itself, with an additional $10,000in other materials and between $10,000and $20,000in labor. This is based on 160 man-hours of labor, or 5 people for 4 days work for site preparation, hole excavation, and pool installation, including plumbing and pumps. Finishing work, such as the perimeter sidewalks and privacy fencing, costs another $10,000. Lights, covers, and equipment may add additional costs.
HOW THEY ARE MADE & INSTALLED
Both vinyl and fiberglass have relatively quick installation times, with vinyl about four to eight weeks and fiberglass about three weeks on average. An inground vinyl pool is 100% crafted on the job site, while fiberglass pool shells are manufactured at a designated facility based on a mold.
HOW MUCH EACH POOL COSTS
Comparing vinyl pool cost to fiberglass pool cost is a fair comparison, as they both have lower upfront costs than a concrete pool would. However, vinyl liner pools can be less expensive than fiberglass by around $10 to 15,000.
HOW LONG DOES EACH POOL TYPE LAST
The structure of a vinyl liner pool has the potential to last for decades, but the liner wears more quickly and is subject to tearing (especially if you have dogs who like to swim), so it will need to be replaced. Groundwater underneath the pool can cause other potential issues with the liner, such as floating.
PROBLEMS WITH FIBERGLASS POOLS
So, what are the problems associated with fiberglass pools? Not to toot our own horn here, but fiberglass tends to fare well across the board when it comes to pool durability, maintenance, and safety. Where fiberglass falls short is in custom design and upfront costs.
PROBLEMS WITH VINYL LINER POOLS
While vinyl pools have their perks, they also have their pitfalls. This is particularly true with regard to their durability and overall lifetime value.
What is an in ground vinyl liner swimming pool?
To start, the vinyl liner it self is actually the surface or the membrane of the entire swimming pool. Made of colorized PVC vinyl, the liner is set in the pool and hung in the “bead track” which is located at the top of the pools wall. Once the liner is in proper position, it is vacuumed against the walls and floor, then the pool if filled with water.
What is a fiberglass swimming pool?
A fiberglass swimming pool is a one piece pool constructed upside down on a mold. Manufactured with multiple layers that consist of a gel coat layer, a vinyl ester layer, and many layers of fiberglass afterward to give the pool its strength and high quality finish. Once the pool is completed it is the lifted off of the mold and ready to be delivered.
What are the pros of a fiberglass pool?
Low Cost of Maintenance – As mentioned earlier, the finish of a fiberglass pool is the called the gel coat. The gel coat has a very low porous finish. This means in a fiberglass pool the algae will not attach to the surface and can simply be removed by a light brushing. With this smooth non porous finish it leaves no places for algae to hide and stay attached such as the seam or a wrinkle in the liner. For these reasons, fiberglass pool owners typically spend 75% less time and money maintaining their pools.
What do pool builders do?
Pool builders who install concrete pools instruct the owners on how to brush the walls and bottom frequently to prevent algae buildup. The majority of pool cleaning and maintenance companies across the United States have concrete and vinyl pool owners as clients.
How long does it take to build a fiberglass pool?
The installation speed is essential, and a fiberglass pool will provide the quickest time to install and swim! Fiberglass pools can have you swimming in as few as 2-3 weeks, unlike vinyl liner pools, which can take anywhere from 5-8 weeks and concrete pools as long as 2-4 months.
What is the lowest cost of ownership for a pool?
As you will see from our 10-year pool ownership comparison chart, fiberglass vs. vinyl pool, and the fiberglass vs. concrete pool, the fiberglass swimming pools are the lowest cost of ownership, especially over time.
Why does concrete need acid?
Due to the porosity of concrete, it requires more chemicals for maintenance than either vinyl liner or fiberglass pools. Concrete naturally increases alkalinity (pH), which requires continually adding acid to keep a stable pH balance.
How much does a fiberglass pool cost?
Depending on the region you reside in, the initial cost of an average fiberglass pool is approximately $30,000 – $45,000. If you factor in the yearly maintenance cost over ten years, fiberglass pools are significantly less expensive than vinyl liner pools and concrete pools overall.
What are the different types of inground pools?
When choosing an inground pool, you have three choices: vinyl liner, fiberglass, and concrete (also referred to as shotcrete or gunite). There are pros and cons for each type of inground swimming pool. We identify the fiberglass vs. vinyl pool and the fiberglass vs. concrete pool in our overview below.
Why are fiberglass pools so low maintenance?
Fiberglass pools are low maintenance because of the finished gel coat surface that is extraordinarily smooth and non-porous. This type of surface eliminates dirt and algae’s ability to gather as it does in concrete pools and vinyl liner pools.
What are the different types of inground pools?
When it comes to inground pools, the three most common types are vinyl liner pools, fiberglass pools, and concrete (gunite) pools. And while we’re partial to vinyl liner pools, the truth is they all have advantages and disadvantages.
How much does it cost to resurface a fiberglass pool?
Resurfacing with plastic costs roughly $5-$7 per square foot.
Why use a vinyl pool liner?
The main advantages of a vinyl liner swimming pool are the low cost of materials, fairly quick installation, and the customization available . In addition to these reasons, vinyl liner pools are fairly easy to maintain and the least expensive to own. You will spend less money up front, and less money refinishing vinyl pools than the others.
What is gunite pool?
The term refers to the method used to apply the concrete since the concrete is shot from a gun onto steel-reinforced walls. Once the concrete sets, it is either plastered to a smooth finish, tiled, or painted. Concrete pools are going to be the highest class of swimming pools on the market and are often referred to as a traditional pool.
How much does a vinyl pool cost?
Even with vinyl generally costing less, there are vinyl pools out there that rival some of the best comparable concrete pools, at a fraction of the cost! Here is vinyl lined pool-scape that cost a little over $100k, minus the outdoor kitchen.
How much does it cost to replace a pool liner?
Liner replacements are usually done every 7-10 years (the better you take care of your pool the longer you can expect the liner to last, some up to 25 years), and average $2,500-$3,500. This is however much less than the typical $5-$10k for resurfacing concrete or fiberglass.
How wide is a fiberglass pool?
Unfortunately, fiberglass pools are limited in shape and size. These pools get transported on a truck, which only allows for them to be up to about 16' wide and 40' long. Most are not very deep compared to vinyl or concrete.
What are the advantages of vinyl pools?
Advantages of Vinyl Pools: Cost: Vinyl pools are the cheapest option in terms of initial price. Size and shape: There are virtually no limitations on the size and shape of a vinyl pool. Smooth Surface: The surface of a vinyl pool is non-abrasive.
How much does a fiberglass pool cost?
In order to prevent the fiberglass from bowing in either direction, the hole is back-filled with sand while the water is being pumped into the pool. The cost of a fiberglass pool is usually $35,000 or more.
Why do you need fewer chemicals in fiberglass pools?
Chemical Use: Because fiberglass pools are non-reactive, they typically require fewer chemicals than other types of pools.
What are the disadvantages of fiberglass pools?
Disadvantages of Fiberglass Pools: Shape: Because fiberglass shells are constructed off-site, they come in a limited range of shapes and styles. Size: Fiberglass pools must be able to be trucked to the site, so they are limited to a certain width and length.
What is a swimming pool made of?
Most swimming pools are made from concrete, fiberglass or vinyl. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. We run through the basics of each pool type below to help you make the right decision.
How much does it cost to build a concrete pool?
The budget for a concrete pool is usually upwards of $50,000.
What to consider when choosing a pool?
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a pool. Cost is always an important factor, and it involves not only the installation of the pool, but also the pool deck, on-going maintenance, and any repair work needed.
