If you’re thinking of installing a pool, you’ve likely seen there are three main types: concrete, vinyl liner, or fiberglass. At this point, you may only be comparing the costs of installing the pool. However, to truly get the most bang for your buck, you’ll need to consider the long-term costs associated with each of the pools.
While they may have a higher sticker price, fiberglass pools end up saving homeowners thousands of dollars over the life of their pool. Let’s break down exactly how fiberglass pools offer the greatest value.
The Difference Between Fiberglass, Concrete, and Vinyl Liner Pools
Before explaining how fiberglass pools will save you money over time, let’s compare the different kinds of pools.
Fiberglass pool: consists of a single piece of fiberglass material shaped into a shell.
Concrete pool: a frame of steel bars act as the foundation, and concrete is sprayed over it.
Vinyl liner pool: a vinyl liner is sealed over plastic or metal wall panels.
The Financial Benefits of a Fiberglass Pool
So how do fiberglass pools save money in the long run? It comes down to the pool’s structure, resilience, and make-up.
Lower chemical costs
Concrete pools need a considerable amount of chemicals to keep the water clear, bacteria-free, and safe. This is because algae can easily latch on to the pool’s textured surface, which results in murky water or unsettling green patches on the walls.
While fiberglass pools do need some chemicals, you don’t have to add in nearly as much. This is because fiberglass pools are smooth to the touch and don’t have any rough edges or large pores for the algae to attach to. Less algae also means less scrubbing and more time doing swan dives.
Less electricity usage
Those smooth walls benefit the fiberglass pool in another way: using less energy. The non-porous surface also minimizes friction, which means less energy is required to maintain the temperature and keep the water clean.
The fiberglass material is also naturally a better insulator than concrete or vinyl liner. This also helps minimize any major temperature fluctuations.
No regular replacements
Concrete and vinyl liner pools both need fairly major replacements a few years after being installed. Concrete pools need to be replastered or retiled every 10 to 15 years, while vinyl liner pools need their liners replaced every 5 to 9 years. These projects cost thousands of dollars and will need to be completed for the lifetime of the pool.
Fiberglass pools, on the other hand, don’t need any major renovations and are designed to last many decades. In fact, at FiberLux, we’re so confident in the longevity of our pools that we offer a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.
Less maintenance
In addition to the major replacements, vinyl liner and concrete pools also require more constant maintenance throughout the year. Concrete pools need acid washes every few years, and vinyl and concrete pools require more deep cleaning than fiberglass pools do.
See How a Fiberglass Pool Could Save You Money
Still have questions about how fiberglass pools save money in the long-term? Give us a call at FiberLux Pools. We’re happy to lay out all the pros and cons so you can make an informed, confident decision about your backyard oasis.