Deciding what type of inground pool you want for your backyard can be very exciting. No matter what you choose, you’ll be enhancing your home for your and your family’s enjoyment.
However, it’s the choosing that can be a bit overwhelming.
Centuries ago, the Vikings had it easy. Everything was made from wood, from their houses to their boats. They even had their hot tubs made from wood as well.
The selections in our building materials have widened quite a bit since then. That includes our hot tubs, and by extension, our pools.
The three main types of pools currently in the industry are vinyl, concrete, and fiberglass. Each one has its own qualities when it comes to looks, maintenance, and installation times. Essentially, there is no wrong choice.
For the homeowner, it all boils down to preference and what location the type of pool is best suited for (ex: it’s probably not a good idea to build a fiberglass pool near a fault line).
Do you want a pool that is easy to clean and maintain? Do you want a pool that is more customizable? You have to ask yourself these questions as you are searching for a type of pool to build and discovering what kind of pool person you are.
At J Designs Pool and Spa, we have 20+ years of experience only building concrete inground pools. However, we know about all three different types of pools: fiberglass, vinyl, and concrete.
By the end of this article, you will know the differences between the three types of pools in terms of qualities, installation, durability, cost, and maintenance.
Let’s get started.
As the name suggests, vinyl pools are excavated inground pools with a vinyl sheet stretched over a structure made from concrete and a steel panel frame.
Vinyl pools are well-liked among homeowners for their quick installation time and affordable pricing.
When it comes to customized shapes and sizes, vinyl pools have a history of not having a wide range of shapes available. This is due to the high possibility of tearing when molded to sharp corners.
Image Courtesy of Southern Pools and Spas
IMPORTANT NOTE* All three types of inground pools require excavation, whichever one you choose.
As far as vinyl pools are concerned, they do have the quickest installation time of just a few weeks, if everything runs smoothly. Starting with ground excavation in the area of the pool, the panel structure of the pool is secured with either sand or gravel. This is what gives the pool its shape.
A thick vinyl sheet is then stretched over the inground structure and the top of the liner is smoothed and vacuumed to remove any air bubbles. Then the whole thing is filled with water, and you’re ready for a swim. Easy peasy!
Unfortunately, vinyl pools have the least amount of durability. This is because vinyl pool liners are more susceptible to damage and can be easily torn. They are also subject to more water chemical damage over time.
Vinyl is not a porous material, however, it is still susceptible to algae growth. They are also easier to tear with sharp objects or claws. Not good news if you have a dog who likes to take the occasional dip.
The great thing about vinyl material is that it stretches, so it could better flex with the ground’s freeze/thaw cycles, making it more popular with homeowners in the Midwest who deal with colder climates. Perfect for those who don’t swim throughout the year.
Vinyl pools are the least expensive out of the three types: $35,000–$65,000
IMPORTANT NOTE* These are the initial prices for the types of pools, which do not include any added amenities or features. Your pool contractor will give you a more accurate estimate depending on what you want to add to your pool.
Composed of a pre-made fiberglass shell that is inserted into the dug-out hole for your backyard oasis, this type of pool might seem a bit complicated for a lot of homeowners. Especially when it comes to installation.
Fiberglass pools are limited to certain shapes and models. There might be some modifications that they do in the off-site manufacturing process if requested, but standard model shapes are typically used.
What makes this pool type stand out among the others is that the shell is made off-site.
After the ground is excavated, the pool shell is transported by a low trailer to the property and craned in to fit the hole.
Photo Courtesy of Aqua Spas and Pools
Homeowners can run into a bit of trouble if their property doesn’t have proper access to the trailer and crane. However, your installer will typically visit the site beforehand and make sure that there is a planned path for installation.
When it comes to locations, fiberglass pools are better installed on flat areas, not really much for hillsides
Fiberglass material is pretty strong and durable, so daily use is not much of an issue. They are coated with gel, which adds to a longer lifeline.
But it’s still plastic, and plastic can be scratched and cracked over time. Again, keep those dogs away from the pool!
The initial cost for fiberglass pools is generally between $45,000–$85,000
A pool that is constructed with a sand and concrete mixture over a rebar framework, concrete pools have been a popular choice among California residents for years.
Concrete pools are the most durable and most customizable of the three pool types. They can be made to fit any design and size.
With the large variety of plaster and aggregate finishes, concrete pools offer more aesthetic choices and can even mimic bodies of water found in nature.
Concrete pools have a lot to offer in terms of beauty, but you have to be watchful of the types of materials that you will be using for your pool because they can impact its look and performance.
Out of all the pool types, concrete pools can have the longest installation time, depending on the size and shape of your pool.
After the ground has been excavated, rebars (or steel bars) are then bent and shaped to frame the sides of the pool. Next, there is a layer of shotcrete or gunite sprayed, encapsulating the rebar, and forming the pool’s shell.
.jpg?width=579&height=434&name=shotcrete%20overflow%20perimeter%20spa%20(1).jpg)
After the shell has had time to cure, then a top layer of plaster or plaster aggregate mix is rendered and smoothed on the surface. This is what gives the pool water its color.
With the concrete base of the pool, this type of pool has the longest durability. However, the plaster, aggregate, or tile finishes, while pretty sturdy, are still subject to wear and tear and might need replacing sooner depending on how the pool was cared for.
There are pools around the world that are made from concrete which have lasted for hundreds and thousands of years. So, if properly cared for, your concrete pool can be an enjoyment for you and your family for generations to come.
The initial cost for concrete pools is between $60,000 - $90,000
Whether or not you decide to get a vinyl pool, fiberglass pool, or concrete pool, proper pool maintenance will increase or decrease the health and lifeline of all these pools.
With all types of inground pools, maintenance requires good water chemistry and a certain level of knowledge to maintain the water so it’s healthy for bathers and inviting. Pool owners should also regularly check their equipment to make sure that it’s working correctly.
The type of materials that you use to build your pool also is a factor in what kind of maintenance will be required. All of which can be communicated with your pool contractor.
Small factors such as leaves, branches, and fallen debris can impact the health and look of your pool. So the location of your pool should be taken into consideration.
By addressing these elements with regular maintenance you are ensuring that your pool not only looks beautiful but also has a long healthy life.
Now you know the three main types of pools, including their qualities, installation, durability, cost, and maintenance.
We hope this article has made it a little easier to help you decide what kind of pool is right for you.
Do you like something quick to install and low on cost? Then you might be a vinyl pool person. Do you like having a pool that can be customized to look like a dark blue lagoon with pebbles on the bottom? Then you might be a concrete pool person.
At J Designs Pool and Spa, while having 20 + years of experience building only concrete pools, we know that building an inground pool is an exciting time. We also know each pool type to conclude that they all have their benefits and whichever you choose, will add beauty and luxury to your home.
If you would like to know more about the different inground pool types and would like to speak to one of our contractors, please feel free to contact us and schedule an appointment.
If you're not yet ready to talk to a pool contractor, you may also be interested in these articles:
Inground Concrete Pool Construction Process: 8 Steps and What You Need To Know
What Type of Plaster Is Right For Your Pool: Pros, Cons, and Comparisons
Shotcrete vs. Gunite: A Concrete Pool Comparison
Daniela Escudero: Apr 1, 2024
As we mark Autism Awareness Month, our focus turns to a topic of critical importance for families and communities: pool safety for children with...
Daniela Escudero: Mar 28, 2024
Imagine transforming your backyard into a luxurious oasis, a personal retreat where every detail reflects your unique style and enhances your home's...
Daniela Escudero: Mar 25, 2024
For many homeowners, whether to drain a pool is daunting, especially in the aftermath of heavy rainfall or when faced with the challenge of...
.png?width=310&height=103&name=JD%20Logos%20(1).png "JD Logos (1)")
Leviticus Jelks