Fiberglass, Concrete and Vinyl Liner Pools: An Honest Comparison

A well-built pool is a beautiful sight to behold. However when you decide to put one in your yard, first you have to choose what kind of pool you want. With a few helpful comparisons, you can select the pool that best suits you. At Orange County Pools & Spas, our pools are first class, stunning, and built with integrity. All of our pools are designed to last. Let’s take a look at the differences between fiberglass, concrete, and vinyl liner pools and make an honest comparison to find your best fit.

Fiberglass Pools

Let’s begin with fiberglass pools. These pool shells are pre-built from a mold. The materials they are made from are durable and will last 30 years and beyond, with proper care. Fiberglass pools are typically quite quick to install. In fact, as the shell arrives at the site already constructed, these pools take the least amount of time to put in place. 

The sleek fiberglass shell is flexible. This means that as the earth below shifts, the pool will not be susceptible to cracking. Even better, its gel coating helps the pool resist algae, mineral scaling, and stains. These pools also require the least amount of electricity and chemicals. For a closer look at some fiberglass pool options, check out our Narellan Pools page.

Concrete Pools

Concrete pools are highly customizable and incredibly strong. That said, install time for a concrete pool is considerably longer than the other pool types — the process can take several weeks to months. The concrete surface is somewhat porous and has a rougher feel than vinyl and fiberglass. Despite their strength, over time concrete pools get worn and need to be resurfaced. Resurfacing usually needs to be done every 10 to 15 years.

People who choose concrete tend to do so because they can make their pools completely unique. Basically, if you can dream it and have the funds, it can be done with concrete. 

Vinyl Liner Pools

When it comes to vinyl liner pools, there is a lot of room for customization. There is a wide variety of liners and styles to choose from. Click here to take a look at some options on our website. These pools are typically less expensive to install, but require some extra upkeep over the years. Installation time for vinyl liner pools isn’t as fast as a fiberglass pool, but much quicker than concrete. 

Liners usually need to be replaced every 7 to 10 years or whenever they get faded, cracked or start to shift. The exciting part about a vinyl liner replacement though, is that you have the chance to change your liner choice and give your pool a fresh new look just by switching to a different liner design. Proper cleaning and regular testing of your pool can help extend the life of your vinyl liner. While the cost is considerably lower, the professional pool look is not lost on the vinyl liner pool. 

Fiberglass, concrete, and vinyl liner pools: an honest comparison gives you, the pool seeker, a good look at all three options. Of course, the best way to make a final decision is just to reach out to the professionals at Orange County Pools & Spas. We are here to answer questions. Give us a call today to start the conversation!