Which Type of Swimming Pool is Best?
So you're considering getting a swimming pool for your backyard that will provide your family with years of enjoyment, laughter, and fun. Owning a swimming pool will undoubtedly have a positive and long-term impact on your life. Regardless, it's critical that you understand your options and which type of pool will best suit your needs in order to get the most out of this experience.
Despite the fact that Leisure Pools is one of the world's largest manufacturers of inground fiberglass swimming pools, we've decided to provide you with the honest and unbiased answers you need to answer this critical question. Let's get started...
Option #1: Above Ground Swimming Pools pros and cons
Advantages of above ground pools
An above-ground swimming pool has one undeniable advantage: cost. An above-ground pool will always be less expensive than any type of inground pool (assuming you don't build a large deck around it, in which case you could have just as easily purchased an inground pool).
Disadvantages of above ground pools
The most significant disadvantage of above-ground pools is their appearance. An above-ground pool may be considered an eyesore by some. Subdivisions frequently prohibit their construction due to covenants. An above ground pool, even if completely surrounded by a deck, will almost never improve the appearance of your home or yard. In fact, it will almost certainly act as a deterrent.
Another drawback of an above-ground pool is its limited depth and design options. Most above-ground pools are available in one of three shapes: circle, oval, or rectangle.
Above-ground pools are not designed to last for a long time. Their metal walls are easily oxidized and rusted, and the majority of structures will fail between the ages of 8 and 15. As a result, an above-ground pool is rarely considered an improvement when a home is valued, and it can be a turnoff when trying to sell a home.
Option #2: Vinyl Liner Inground Swimming Pools pros and cons
Advantages of vinyl liner pools
If you want an inground pool but don't have a lot of money, a vinyl liner might be the best option for you. Because of their low material costs, a vinyl liner pool will typically cost $5,000 to $10,000 less than a concrete or fiberglass pool at first.
When it comes to shape and size, a vinyl liner pool has very few limitations. You can make the pool as deep and as curvy/straight/large as you want it with today's technology.
Disadvantages of vinyl liner pools
The liner is the most significant disadvantage of a vinyl liner inground pool. The material is a polymer, and it will degrade and need to be replaced over time. In addition, the liner can easily tear or come undone from the sides, causing it to fall into the water slowly.
Depending on the size/shape of the pool, you can expect your inground vinyl liner to last 7-12 years on average (and regardless of what “warranties” say), with the average cost of replacement (labor, liner, and water) ranging from $3,000 to $7,000.
Another drawback of a liner pool is its appearance. A standard liner pool installation will, in general, appear to be much "cheaper" and "temporary" than a fiberglass or concrete pool. As a result, unlike a fiberglass or concrete pool of the same size, vinyl liner inground pools typically do not add value to your home.
Vinyl-lined pools are no longer sold in many countries, and fiberglass and concrete pools are the preferred swimming pools.
Option #3: Concrete (Gunite) Swimming Pools pros and cons
Advantages of concrete (gunite) pools
A concrete pool's main advantage is that it can be designed and customized to fit any size, shape, or depth you desire. Because of these customizable features, a concrete pool can look very nice from the outside.
Concrete pools increase the value of a home and are a selling point when the owner decides to sell.
Disadvantages of concrete (gunite) pools
The most significant disadvantage of a concrete pool is the extensive maintenance required to keep it looking nice, clear, and clean. A concrete pool not only requires more chemicals and brushing during the season, but it also requires an expensive resurface every 8-15 years on average.
The roughness of the surface of a concrete pool is another disadvantage. This roughness not only causes acid washing and easy algae growth, but it can also be very hard on children's feet, causing them to bleed after only a few hours in the pool.
Concrete pools are also notorious for taking a long time to construct. This can be aggravating for homeowners because their yard is a constant construction zone for an average of three months.
Salt chlorination is not recommended for concrete pools. Although salt chlorinators can be installed in concrete pools, they will require more maintenance and resurfacing sooner than a pool with traditional water sanitization. This is a disadvantage for concrete pools, given the many amazing benefits of salt chlorination.
Option #4 Fiberglass Swimming Pools pros and cons
Advantages of fiberglass pools
Fiberglass pools, in general, are now widely acknowledged as requiring the least amount of maintenance of any swimming pool on the market. It's difficult for algae to grow on fiberglass because of its smooth, non-porous surfaces, and when combined with a salt chlorinator, the low maintenance is astounding for many pool owners.
Swimming pools made of fiberglass can be set up in a short amount of time. The main reason for this is that the swimming pool structure is fabricated off site, which means that once the hole for the swimming pool is excavated, the finished swimming pool structure can be lowered into the hole, leaving only the decking and landscaping around the swimming pool to be completed. In as little as 5 days, a fiberglass swimming pool can be fully installed and operational.
Leisure Pools has made significant advancements in fiberglass swimming pool color technology. Each of Leisure Pools' swimming pool designs is available in the Leisure Pools SMART color palette. This new color range comes in seven different shades, each with a stunning sparkle finish. Because the pool's surface is smooth, it does not harm the skin of children or adults.
With the release of the Leisure Pools Composite ArmourTM swimming pool, Leisure Pools has made advancements in manufacturing technology. Because of the improved flexural and tensile strength of this swimming pool, Leisure Pools is able to provide a Lifetime Structural Warranty and a Lifetime Osmosis Warranty (see warranty for terms). A lifetime warranty is defined as a period of at least 35 years. These warranties are far superior to anything available from above ground, vinyl liners, or concrete.
The advantage of a fiberglass swimming pool being built from a mold is that the design schematic is exactly what the swimming pool will look like. We hear a lot of complaints from customers about concrete pools after they've been built because the design is formed on site, and in many cases, the design that the customer envisions isn't what the concrete pool builder actually builds. Because you know the exact design and size of a fiberglass swimming pool, you can plan your backyard landscaping around it.
One of the most appealing features of a fiberglass pool is the variety of designs available. Leisure Pools offers a diverse range of designs to complement a variety of home styles. Our designs are based on extensive market research to determine what features and benefits customers desire in a swimming pool.
Disadvantages of fiberglass pools
The first disadvantage of a fiberglass swimming pool is that it must be transported by road to the home site, limiting the size of the pool. Our largest fiberglass pool is 40 feet (12 meters) long and 16 feet wide (4.8 meters). A concrete swimming pool will be your best option if you want a pool that is larger than this size. In reality, 95 percent of swimming pools are under 40' (12 meters) in length.
The second disadvantage of fiberglass pools is that if you want a design that isn't in our catalog, you won't be able to find it. Fiberglass swimming pools are made from a mold, which is a costly item to construct. As a result, the number of mold designs available to us is limited. Leisure Pools conducts extensive market research to ensure that we can offer a variety of designs to meet 95 percent of customer needs. However, if you want something a little different, concrete swimming pools may be the way to go.
In conclusion: what is the best type of swimming pool?
For 95 percent of customer requirements, we believe the Leisure Pools composite fiberglass swimming pool is the best available swimming pool structure. Budget-conscious people should consider fiberglass over above-ground and vinyl-lined pools. Even if you have to wait a year to save up the difference in terms of maintenance and increased property value, it will be the best decision for you in the long run.
Once you decide on what type of swimming pool is best for you and need help with servicing the pool equipment, give us a call.
Smart Living Home Repair Services
244 Madison Avenue , #1019
New York, NY 10016
(888) 758-9103