Compare the three styles of inground swimming pools before making your decision.
Three primary styles of inground pools are fiberglass, vinyl liner, and gunite or concrete. If you are considering installing a new inground pool for your home, it can be challenging to decide which style is best for both its appearance and its price. Below we help you compare these pools side by side by outlining the primary factors to know about each of the styles of inground pools from which you can choose.
Fiberglass Pools
Low Maintenance
Because the surface of fiberglass pools is nonporous, algae have a difficult time growing on it.
Speedy Installation
Fiberglass pools are manufactured off-site and then quickly installed in your yard. This is one of the most efficiently-made styles of inground pools.
Higher Initial Cost
The initial cost of a fiberglass swimming pool can be more than, for example, a vinyl liner swimming pool. However, because a fiberglass swimming pool is so durable, you will spend fewer on repairs in the future.
Not Ultra-Customizable
Fiberglass pools are not extremely customizable the way other pools might be. However, most people find that they can find a style that suits them well.
Gunite Pools
Highly Customizable
Compared to the other styles of inground pools, gunite swimming pools are the most customizable. This is great for people who want a pool with specific custom features.
Highly Durable
Due to the materials used, gunite pools are highly durable. Pets or sharp objects cannot harm the concrete pool surface.
Hands-On Maintenance
Due to its nature, concrete is very porous, which makes it susceptible to algae growth. This can mean that the owner will have to remove algae and apply chemicals frequently.
Rough Surface
The interior surface of a gunite concrete pool can be quite rough. If you have young kids, you may have to protect their sensitive feet with water shoes.
Installation Time
Due to their materials and the customization involved with concrete pools, installation can take a couple of months as opposed to a couple of weeks. If you plan on having a concrete gunite pool installed, you will have to be prepared for extended construction time.
Vinyl Liner Pools
Low Initial Cost
Vinyl liner pools are the least expensive of the three styles of inground pools, at least initially.
Customizable Shapes
Although most vinyl liner pools are rectangular, you can customize the size, shape, and depth of your vinyl liner pool. Custom shapes will cost more, but will likely be more affordable than fiberglass or gunite pool varieties.
Liner Replacements
Vinyl liner pools will require their liner to be replaced sometime after five to nine years. This may mean that the lifetime cost of vinyl liner pools is high.
Potential Algae Growth
The surface of a vinyl liner pool is mostly nonporous. However, small parts of the pool have submerged areas where water does not circulate. This means that algae could grow in these areas and spawn algae growth.
Admiral Pools is Your Complete Swimming Pool Resource
Admiral Pools LLC is a multi-faceted company involved in the construction and renovation of all types of in-ground swimming pools, serving Baltimore, Harford, and Cecil Counties of Maryland and Southern Pennsylvania. Admiral Pools does the vast majority of our work with in-house personnel, and we pride ourselves on being a turnkey operation that provides retaining walls, hardscaping, fencing, and outdoor lighting. Customers can visit our retail location and showroom in Abingdon, MD, to purchase pool chemicals, as well as above-ground pools, spas, parts, maintenance equipment, pool games, and toys. Admiral Pools of Maryland is dedicated to providing our customers with the highest quality swimming pools, the best service, and a complete selection of parts and chemicals the retail industry has to offer. Contact Admiral Pool’s representative through our website today to receive your free quote, or call us at 1-866-297-POOL (7665). Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Pinterest for all of the latest updates and news in the recreational water industry.
