When you’re planning to install a pool, it can be difficult to decide which type is best. A swimming pool is a big investment and since you’ll have it for a long time, you need to make the right choice. The options are fiberglass, vinyl liner, and concrete. This article looks at the latter two options which both have advantages and disadvantages. Let’s look at some of them so you know exactly what to consider when you make your choice.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Vinyl Liner Pools
Vinyl liner pools are initially slightly less expensive than other types of in-ground pools. Many homeowners also like them because they can customize the configuration and depth of the pool to their liking. This is because the fixture is constructed on site. The surface of a vinyl liner pool also feels very smooth to the touch. Another drawing card is that liners require less maintenance than a concrete pool and two to three hours of work each week is usually enough. See sparkleanpools.com for more on this.
On the downside, a vinyl liner ends up costing more over its lifetime. It usually lasts around seven years and costs $2,500 to $3,500 to replace. What’s more, this is a labor-intensive process. In addition, liners are thin and can be easily damaged so if you have kids or pets who will be using the pool, they aren’t ideal. The seams of liners also tend to harbor algae. Older vinyl pools can also reduce the resale value of your home. If the pool is being marketing as a feature of your property and it is more than four years old, potential buyers will be aware that they could soon have to replace it.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Concrete Pools
Concrete pools are even more adaptable than vinyl liner pools since they can be customized to any shape and size. They can also be more aesthetically pleasing since homeowners have the option of incorporating various design features like vanishing edges. Concrete is also much more durable than vinyl and proper maintenance keeps algae at bay.
Unfortunately, concrete pools are costly and take a long time to set up and prepare for use. The construction process takes a long time and even curing the concrete takes a month. This results in a full three to six months before you can use the pool. In contrast, vinyl liner pools can be completed over several weeks. Concrete pools need to be resurfaced every five to seven years and this can cost $5, 000 to $15,000. They are also pretty high maintenance on a weekly basis, requiring four to five hours of work and more chemicals to eliminate algae.
As you can see, there are benefits and drawbacks to vinyl liner pools and concrete pools. At the end of the day, your choice depends on the look you’re going for, how much you want to spend, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do.
