Fibreglass Vs. Concrete Pools-Which is the Better Option and Why?
Swimming pools are great party boosters. Be it kids, teenagers or adults, everyone loves a swim once in a while. These large cuboid structures of water fill the wide age gap among different members of the family, bringing together loved ones and friends alike. It can be to learn swimming or exercise or simply for chilling on a hot day. Either way, it’s a no-brainer that pools are a quirky add-on to any household. Pool parties or get-togethers rank high among leisure activities. Along with its fun side, there is also the much obvious fact that natatoriums are quite safer than external bodies of water like rivers, lakes, ponds etc.
But when it comes to building one from scratch, it’s not an easy job. There are many variables to consider, like the type of pool, its finishing, filtration system, etc. Starting off with the type of pool you want, it can be either concrete or Fibreglass. This is solely based on your terrain and choice. Since both these types have their own benefits and drawbacks, leaning towards one alone would be irrational. Hence, it is necessary that you understand what each type can offer before deciding which the better option is. Checklist through the following list of criteria for each pool type:
Budget
Discussing the entire budget of the project beforehand will ensure that the construction is convenient later on. When we talk about concrete pool structures, they generally cost more than compared to Fibreglass. This is because usually, concrete pools are in-ground based and soil excavation with removal is an expensive affair. Then again, concrete pools tend to have more varied designs and shapes, which are costly to implement. Certain other cost affecting factors are the finishing, filtration system, pool landscaping, decking, etc. This can depend on your choice and budget-friendliness.
On the other hand, Fibreglass pools are usually above-ground based and cost much lesser than concrete pools. These can range from $25,000 to $35,000. This is because Fibreglass structures don’t have much room for shape or design and are not built on the site. So the only added cost is delivery of the structure to the house. Other expenses would depend on your choice over the filtration system, landscaping around the pool, safety equipment, etc.
Construction time
In concrete pools, the construction time typically lasts up to three to four weeks. The starting few weeks cover areas such as soil excavation and removal, implementing the specific design of the pool and finally applying the concrete to set the structure. No work is done unless the concrete has completely cured. This would take another week or so. Only after which finishing works such as tiling, fencing, paving, etc. are done. Filtration systems and landscaping are also covered within this time duration. So all in all, minimally speaking, it can take up to one-two months before you can finally swim in your new pool. Again this is tentative depending on your location, terrain, shape and size. For some concrete pools, installation time can go up to three to six months.
In the case of Fibreglass pools, there isn’t much construction time per se for you, the customer. This is because molds in factories are fabricated to construct the pool. Due to this, the shape and design options are also highly limited. Fibreglass pools are transported from the factories directly to houses. Unusual shapes can cause a major hindrance in the transportation process, which is why they are less promoted. It takes up to a total of four-six weeks for the complete installation, which covers filtration systems, safety kits, landscaping, patio works, etc. In reality, you can start swimming the next day itself.
Maintenance
Maintenance is the most important part of owning a pool. This is where most of your cash can shell out. Maintenance works are moderately average for both these pool types, but concrete structures can have borderline high maintenance. Since they are more prone to algae and sticky concrete dirt, extra care needs to be taken. Maintaining the chemical pH of water is another important area under concrete pools maintenance. Cleaning up the concrete tiles and walls with a long bristle toothed brush can avoid any diseases and stickiness to amass on the surface.
Fibreglass pools have lesser maintenance when compared to concrete. Since they have a smooth surface, algae and other bacteria can hardly ever procreate in the edges or floor ends of the pool. Ensuring the pool water balance should be of utmost importance as this is the only major maintenance under Fibreglass pools. Climatic conditions like earthquakes or soil terrain shifting are the only external factors that can lead to cracks or tiny crevices in Fibreglass structures.
The pools may also need to be acid washed every three-four years. Depending on maintenance and climate conditions, they may require re-plastering or resurfacing every 10-15 years. But as long as the water filtration systems work well, there is no need to hassle. Both these pool types can easily offer up to 25-30 years of guaranteed life.
Design and aesthetics
This is a criterion where you can freelance a bit for the size and design of your pool is solely decided by you. As obvious, concrete can give you better options in both shape and size. Since the construction works of concrete pools happen right at the location, the size and depth of the pool can be small or large, depending on your choice. Concrete can also give you varied and distinct shapes that suit the aesthetics of your house. Depth is another factor to be considered. With concrete, the depth of your pool can be as deep/small as you want.
In Fibreglass pools, shape and size options are minimal because they are not constructed on site. Fibreglass is prepared from molds in factories and so needs to be transported once done. Since huge voluminous structures are hard to transport, Fibreglass has lesser depth, surface area selections, etc. This is when compared to concrete.
Durability
This is a criterion where you can freelance a bit for the size and design of your pool is solely decided by you. As obvious, concrete can give you better options in both shape and size. Since the construction works of concrete pools happen right at the location, the size and depth of the pool can be small or large, depending on your choice. Concrete can also give you varied and distinct shapes that suit the aesthetics of your house. Depth is another factor to be considered. With concrete, the depth of your pool can be as deep/small as you want.
In Fibreglass pools, shape and size options are minimal because they are not constructed on site. Fibreglass is prepared from molds in factories and so needs to be transported once done. Since huge voluminous structures are hard to transport, Fibreglass has lesser depth, surface area selections, etc. This is when compared to concrete.
Safety
Lastly, make sure to keep in mind the added safety benefits of both these pool types. Concrete flooring is hard because of which they give a better grip to our feet. Fibreglass, on the other hand, is smooth and easy to glide on and so would require safety nets, partitions, etc. Generally, Fibreglass pools have lesser depth than concrete, which makes them safer for kids.
However, that being said, Fibreglass and concrete are both solid options and based on the above criteria, you can make an informed decision on which is a more suitable option for you. Ultimately you are bound to have a fine experience because who doesn’t like poolside relaxing and parties. Other popular leisure activities are reading and meditating beside the pool. Happy swimming! Contact our experts here to find out more!
