Fiberglass Versus Concrete Swimming Pools – Which is the Best Option?

Deciding to install a swimming pool in your backyard is an exciting idea. The thought of escaping to the pool to cool down during the summer months is tantalizing. But first, you need to make a few important choices, like deciding whether you want to use a fiberglass or concrete pool. There are pros and cons to both approaches. To help you make the right decision, let’s look at some of the key differences between them.

Design
One of the biggest downsides of fiberglass pools is that they are pre-fabricated. This means that you will have to choose between a range of pre-made shapes and sizes.

On the other hand, concrete swimming pool designs will allow you to make a statement. You’ll be able to get the pool in whatever size and shape you want. Your pool can be unique to your backyard. Plus, you can add water features, like a waterfall, which is a surefire way to make sure that you have the coolest pool in the neighborhood.

Cost
Fiberglass pools tend to be cheaper to install than concrete pools. This usually comes down to the construction time. Fiberglass pools will be a pre-fabricated shell. This is transported to your home on the back of a truck before being installed into the ground. Once the hole has been dug, it will only take a few days to install a fiberglass pool.

On the other hand, concrete pool installation will be a more intensive process. The lattice work will need to be built and reinforced. Then the concrete will have to be poured and you will need to wait for it to set. Finally, it will have to be tiled. This can take a few weeks.

 

Durability
When facing the installation prices of a swimming pool, you want to make sure that you are getting something that has been built to last for a long time. Both of these pool options will last for years. However, fiberglass pool shells might be affected by changes in the ground. This can sometimes cause them to crack. If this happens, the shell will need to be replaced. This can be a very expensive process.

A concrete pool will still need a little maintenance every few years. Concrete pool builders Western Sydney should be able to help you with this aspect, keeping your pool in prime condition.

Surface
Finally, you might want to consider the type of surface that your pool will have. This will affect both the aesthetics and how it will feel to use it. Fiberglass pools tend to have a smooth gel coating.

On the other hand, concrete pools have a few different options you can explore. Sometimes, you might want to have the pool tiled. Or you can choose to use pebbles. These can allow for a lot of interesting design choices. For example, a darker tile creates a moodier feel. On a more practical note, these are textured surfaces, unlike smooth fiberglass. This reduces the risk that you will slip when you are trying to get into and out of the pool.

Conclusion
Both fiberglass and concrete pools will be excellent choices for pool materials. The right one for you will depend on what you are looking for. A fiberglass pool will be easier and cheaper to install. But a concrete pool will offer a wider array of shapes, sizes, and surfaces. Because of this, concrete pool designs tend to be more visually striking.