Vinyl Pools vs. Fiberglass Pools: Which Is Right for You?

The best type of inground swimming pool is the one that brings the most joy and fun to your backyard. As you plan for your dream pool, choosing the right pool materials is crucial. This decision will pave the way for a lifetime of laughter and cherished memories. If you’re considering a vinyl or fiberglass pool, keep reading. This blog will help you decide which option will bring the most enjoyment to your home.

Comparison Between Vinyl Pool and Fiberglass Pool

Here are some of the significant comparisons between vinyl pools and fiberglass pools.

Customization

Vinyl pools are mostly rectangular, but you can customize the pool’s depth, size, and shape. However, these customizations can add to the cost, potentially pushing the price to exceed or rival that of fiberglass pools. On the other hand, fiberglass pools come with limited predesigned molds, but you can still personalize your pool with various features. This means that while vinyl pools offer more design flexibility, they can come at a higher cost, whereas fiberglass pools offer less design flexibility at a lower price.

On the other hand, fiberglass pools typically run up to 8.5 feet deep, 40 feet long, and 16 feet wide. While these pools come with limited predesigned molds, you can personalize your pool with water features, therapy jets, tiles, and colorful lights, creating a unique aesthetic that matches your vision.

In addition, you will get many models that include popular features like benches, seats, and tanning ledges at no additional cost.

Installation Time

The whole vinyl pool installation in Missouri and Northern Arkansas occurs in your backyard. It may be ready to use within 6 to 8 weeks.

Manufacturers mostly create fiberglass pool shells offsite, allowing for a quick installation process. You can expect to have your pool within a week, with the decking and patio needing only a few extra weeks to complete. This means you could be enjoying your new pool in as little as 4 to 6 weeks from start to finish, making fiberglass pools a convenient choice for homeowners.

Durability

Generally, vinyl pools are 20 to 30 mils thick, less than a millimeter. A broken branch from a nearby tree or dog claws can tear that without much stretch.

A correctly applied and well-maintained gel coat ensures that a fiberglass pool will never need to be refinished. The layers of materials in a fiberglass pool shell offer a lot of flexibility and strength, ensuring the durability of your investment. This durability makes fiberglass pools a long-term and reliable choice for homeowners.

Hands-on Maintenance

Maintaining sanitizer levels and the water balance of a vinyl pool is straightforward. However, as the vinyl material is so pliable, you must be more diligent and careful to help prevent tears and punctures. Moreover, as time goes on, wrinkles will appear in vinyl pools. Though they won’t hurt anything, smoothing them out will take significant effort and time.

In the case of a fiberglass pool, the gel coat surface is inert, meaning it doesn’t affect the water’s pH. You still need to test your water chemistry regularly, but adjusting as needed to maintain sanitizer levels and water balance should be a breeze. This easy maintenance can give you peace of mind and more time to enjoy your pool.

Algae

The surface of a vinyl pool is relatively algae-resistant. However, algae have the ability to grow in submerged areas that do not circulate water, like the seams and around the pool steps.

Simultaneously, the gel coat of a fiberglass pool is smooth and algae-resistant.

Only you know the priorities when selecting the right one for you. However, our professionals can guide you to get the best per your requirements. We can offer different aspects to consider the best fit for you and your family. Get in touch with us to install a pool backyard today.