Making a decision to buy a swimming pool is a lengthy process. With timing, money, physical space and different shapes all coming into consideration. But once you have made that decision to add a swimming pool to your yard, you will need to take some time to compare and decide which type is best for you.
The main two types of swimming pools are made from fibreglass or concrete. Australians are a nation of pool lovers- but the swimming pools of today are a lot different to those which were around in the 80s. Trends change because new technology has arrived. This has improved the structure and longevity of swimming pools. We’ve come up with some advantages and challenges of each type of pool (Fibreglass VS Concrete) to help you make your decision for the new addition to the family home.
An Overview Of Fibreglass VS Concrete Swimming Pools:
Advantages Of Fibreglass Pools
● Quick to install
● Look more modern
● Can come with in-built spas, tanning ledges
● Easier to maintain
● Retain warmth better (more energy efficient with solar)
● Smooth gel surface means you can’t scratch or hurt yourself while swimming
Challenges Of Fibreglass Pools
● They only come in standard sizes so they’re not unique
● There is a limited colour choice
Advantages Of Concrete Pools
● They are sturdy and solid so usually last a long time
● They can be custom made for your specific requirements
● There are a range of different finishes and colours available
Challenges Of Concrete Pools
● Long turnaround time to install
● More expensive
● Not suited to all soil types
● Not as economical to run and requires more maintenance
● Concrete surface more easily attracts bacteria and mould
● Surface finishes are rough
Let’s Take A Further Look At A Fibreglass Swimming Pool:
A lot of people like to swim in a fibreglass pool because of the smooth gelcoat finish. This means there is a lesser chance of hurting yourself on any edges which you may find are sharp in concrete pools. Also in a fibreglass pool, the water is often warmer because they retain the heat better.
Fibreglass pools can come with plenty of added extras, like an inbuilt spa, tanning ledges and steps. However, because they are mass produced, it means you’ll never own a unique ‘one-off’ designer pool, whereas concrete pools can be designed to suit your personal requirements.
Installing a fibreglass pool is a lot quicker than a concrete pool, because you are effectively buying something off the shelf, which will be manufactured off site and then they are lifted into place. Firstly, soil will need to be excavated and then once the pool has been installed, it will be filled with water and then the pool team will backfill the structure. After that has been done, all you need to do is install your pump and electrics- like any lighting features or filtration. Add some concreting and a bit of landscaping surrounding the area of your pool- and you are finished! And would you believe that the whole process can be achieved within a week?! This is a pretty swift turnaround compared to a concrete pool.
In terms of maintenance costs, a fibreglass pool with the hi-tech gelcoat technology means that the smooth and non-porous has less opportunity for mould and algae to grow. This means there will be minimal cleaning and you’ll need less chemicals to balance out your pool, which in turn will reduce your bills and the energy consumption. Saving money and the planet!
With the pricing factor, fibreglass pools win hands down when it comes to cost. Because the installation process is less labour intensive and also because the pools are prefabricated in bulk.
Let’s Take A Further Look At A Concrete Swimming Pool:
Are you impatient? Do you expect your online delivery the next day- and if it doesn’t arrive you are on the phone finding out where it is? If that is you, then a concrete pool may not be a good option for you, because it requires patience! A concrete inground pool needs to be built from scratch, so can take as long as three months to be installed.
Firstly excavators will have to dig the pool hole, and then pour the concrete. Once it is in it will need to be sprayed and left to cure. Then comes some laborious and hard graft work such as tiling, coping, paving, fencing and other finishing details. You would be surprised to know that a perfect concrete swimming pool could take several months from start to finish! And even though most of Australia benefits from an all-year-round warm climate, don’t forget those summer storms! Rain and wind can slow down and halt your concrete pool installation. Plus think of the further costs associated with waterlogged soil, and getting the water drained out!
Generally concrete pools are up to 30% more expensive because they are built from scratch specifically for an individual customer. They are very strong and sturdy, but are not compatible with all soil types. Be aware that if the soil isn’t compacted enough or is unstable, the pool itself may start to sink on one side.
A concrete pool also requires more chemicals and brushing. Especially over the summer months because algae is drawn to the concrete walls and floor. Also you need to keep in mind that every seven to twelve years the swimming pool will require an expensive resurface or acid wash. This is where strong acids are used to strip the outer layer of the pool. It can be a messy and time-consuming process.
Concrete pools however have more of a scope for variety with different colours and interior textures. It can be painted or tiled but with fibreglass pools you’re limited on colour options.
What Did You Choose?
While it looks as though fibreglass pools have the winning edge over concrete pools, it is ultimately your choice and you need to be comfortable with any decision you make. If you need further advice, speak to the team of experts at Fibreglass Pool Company. All of our pools are made in a state-of-the art facility. We’re the only fibreglass manufacturer nationally to achieve the prestigious Australian Standards 5 tick logo and certified product certification, which means you can be reassured you’re buying the best. Why not visit our display centre to find out more?
Making a decision to buy a swimming pool is a lengthy process. With timing, money, physical space and different shapes all coming into consideration. But once you have made that decision to add a swimming pool to your yard, you will need to take some time to compare and decide which type is best for you.
The main two types of swimming pools are made from fibreglass or concrete. Australians are a nation of pool lovers- but the swimming pools of today are a lot different to those which were around in the 80s. Trends change because new technology has arrived. This has improved the structure and longevity of swimming pools. We’ve come up with some advantages and challenges of each type of pool (Fibreglass VS Concrete) to help you make your decision for the new addition to the family home.
An Overview Of Fibreglass VS Concrete Swimming Pools:
Advantages Of Fibreglass Pools
● Quick to install
● Look more modern
● Can come with in-built spas, tanning ledges
● Easier to maintain
● Retain warmth better (more energy efficient with solar)
● Smooth gel surface means you can’t scratch or hurt yourself while swimming
Challenges Of Fibreglass Pools
● They only come in standard sizes so they’re not unique
● There is a limited colour choice
Advantages Of Concrete Pools
● They are sturdy and solid so usually last a long time
● They can be custom made for your specific requirements
● There are a range of different finishes and colours available
Challenges Of Concrete Pools
● Long turnaround time to install
● More expensive
● Not suited to all soil types
● Not as economical to run and requires more maintenance
● Concrete surface more easily attracts bacteria and mould
● Surface finishes are rough
Let’s Take A Further Look At A Fibreglass Swimming Pool:
A lot of people like to swim in a fibreglass pool because of the smooth gelcoat finish. This means there is a lesser chance of hurting yourself on any edges which you may find are sharp in concrete pools. Also in a fibreglass pool, the water is often warmer because they retain the heat better.
Fibreglass pools can come with plenty of added extras, like an inbuilt spa, tanning ledges and steps. However, because they are mass produced, it means you’ll never own a unique ‘one-off’ designer pool, whereas concrete pools can be designed to suit your personal requirements.
Installing a fibreglass pool is a lot quicker than a concrete pool, because you are effectively buying something off the shelf, which will be manufactured off site and then they are lifted into place. Firstly, soil will need to be excavated and then once the pool has been installed, it will be filled with water and then the pool team will backfill the structure. After that has been done, all you need to do is install your pump and electrics- like any lighting features or filtration. Add some concreting and a bit of landscaping surrounding the area of your pool- and you are finished! And would you believe that the whole process can be achieved within a week?! This is a pretty swift turnaround compared to a concrete pool.
In terms of maintenance costs, a fibreglass pool with the hi-tech gelcoat technology means that the smooth and non-porous has less opportunity for mould and algae to grow. This means there will be minimal cleaning and you’ll need less chemicals to balance out your pool, which in turn will reduce your bills and the energy consumption. Saving money and the planet!
With the pricing factor, fibreglass pools win hands down when it comes to cost. Because the installation process is less labour intensive and also because the pools are prefabricated in bulk.
Let’s Take A Further Look At A Concrete Swimming Pool:
Are you impatient? Do you expect your online delivery the next day- and if it doesn’t arrive you are on the phone finding out where it is? If that is you, then a concrete pool may not be a good option for you, because it requires patience! A concrete inground pool needs to be built from scratch, so can take as long as three months to be installed.
Firstly excavators will have to dig the pool hole, and then pour the concrete. Once it is in it will need to be sprayed and left to cure. Then comes some laborious and hard graft work such as tiling, coping, paving, fencing and other finishing details. You would be surprised to know that a perfect concrete swimming pool could take several months from start to finish! And even though most of Australia benefits from an all-year-round warm climate, don’t forget those summer storms! Rain and wind can slow down and halt your concrete pool installation. Plus think of the further costs associated with waterlogged soil, and getting the water drained out!
Generally concrete pools are up to 30% more expensive because they are built from scratch specifically for an individual customer. They are very strong and sturdy, but are not compatible with all soil types. Be aware that if the soil isn’t compacted enough or is unstable, the pool itself may start to sink on one side.
A concrete pool also requires more chemicals and brushing. Especially over the summer months because algae is drawn to the concrete walls and floor. Also you need to keep in mind that every seven to twelve years the swimming pool will require an expensive resurface or acid wash. This is where strong acids are used to strip the outer layer of the pool. It can be a messy and time-consuming process.
Concrete pools however have more of a scope for variety with different colours and interior textures. It can be painted or tiled but with fibreglass pools you’re limited on colour options.
What Did You Choose?
While it looks as though fibreglass pools have the winning edge over concrete pools, it is ultimately your choice and you need to be comfortable with any decision you make. If you need further advice, speak to the team of experts at Fibreglass Pool Company. All of our pools are made in a state-of-the art facility. We’re the only fibreglass manufacturer nationally to achieve the prestigious Australian Standards 5 tick logo and certified product certification, which means you can be reassured you’re buying the best. Why not visit our display centre to find out more?
