0
0
Are you shopping around for a pool but confused about which type to get? For in-ground pools, you have three options: fibreglass, vinyl liner, and concrete (sometimes called shotcrete).
A pool is a lifetime investment. Apart from swimming, it’s a place for entertaining and enhancing your lifestyle. Although fibreglass pools are expensive to install, they offer more benefits in the long run. If you want to enjoy your pool for many years, here’s why fibreglass pools are the best choice.
- Little to no maintenance.
Everyone loves taking a dip in the pool, but no one is excited about maintaining it. Luckily, with fibreglass pools, you can expect durability. Although all are not created equal, most fibreglass pools are built using advanced patented fibre blends. Popular examples of this material are carbon filler, Composite ArmourTM, and DupontTM. This material is durable and tough. You can expect longevity even in extreme conditions. Fibreglass pools manufactured with these patented fibres will last for decades.
In addition, fibreglass pools are finished with a special gel coating. It is a non-porous and smooth material. With this type of coating, algae and dirt cannot accumulate in your pool. This is a major issue with concrete and vinyl pools. When algae is noticeable in a concrete pool, it needs vigorous scrubbing to eliminate the growth and prevent stains. This simply adds to your upkeep costs. Luckily you won’t face this issue with a fibreglass pool.
- Low ownership costs.
A swimming pool is a special, once-in-a-lifetime investment for most Australians. That’s why it’s important to examine the expenses associated with owning a pool to get the most value. When you compare fibreglass versus vinyl versus concrete, fibreglass pools offer the best value for money over time. How?
Depending on where you reside, a standard in-ground fibreglass pool in Australia costs between $30,000 to $60,000, and can increase with design and size. If you account for yearly maintenance over a ten-year period, fibreglass pools turn out to be the least expensive. Their initial high cost is offset as well.
Vinyl pools are slightly less expensive at $27,000 to $38,000 at the start. However, this minor cost difference quickly wanes when you factor in the cost of the vinyl liner, replacement of the pool salt, etc.
Concrete pools are by far the most expensive, ranging from $50,000 to $100,000. Maintenance costs are increased with concrete pools as well. For instance, they require an acid wash every few years to maintain their look. The acid also limits the appearance of stains. The cost for acid washing ranges between $70 to $100 per square foot.
- Quick installation.
You and your family are excited about getting a pool. You’ve probably contacted the pool builders melbourne in your neighbourhood. The anticipation of taking a dip in your pool is building. However, this excitement will quickly diminish once you learn how long it takes to build a pool.
Vinyl liner pools take up to eight weeks for installation, whereas a concrete pool may need up to four months. Luckily, a fibreglass pool has the shortest construction time at three weeks. In addition, they are the easiest material to install. You can start planning your pool party while the construction is going on!
- Compatible with salt systems
More pool owners are opting for saltwater pools. They are gentle on your skin, leaving it smooth and soft. Saltwater pools require safe chlorine levels, which adds to their growing popularity. A fibreglass is an excellent option for a saltwater pool. This material is impervious to corrosion that occurs with salt.
A vinyl-lined pool is constructed using steel walls. The salt may leak out of the liner and corrode the steel panels. This damage will remain undetected for a long time. Eventually, you will have to replace the entire wall, adding to your costs.
With concrete pools, saltwater raises the water’s alkalinity. This harms the plaster and reduces its longevity. High alkalinity leads to erosion and staining. You may need to re-plaster or resurface the pool sooner than you expected.
- Better pool warranty.
Fibreglass pools are equipped with the best warranties in the industry. Some manufacturers even provide a lifetime warranty. This is because fibreglass pools are manufactured using cutting-edge craftsmanship and technology. This results in an exceptional product. Concrete and vinyl pool warranties offer coverage for specific components. The period is short. Fibreglass pool warranties are comprehensive.
Vinyl liner pools
The biggest drawback of installing a vinyl liner pool is the cost of replacing the liner. The lifespan of a liner is ten years. This can be less if the pool is not maintained properly. The pool’s chemistry level will also affect its longevity. For instance, if the chlorine levels are too high, the liner loses its colour and gets bleached. It will wrinkle and become brittle.
Another disadvantage to owning a vinyl-lined pool is its warranty. The clauses are often ambiguous. The ‘full warranty’ period is usually three years. After this, the manufacturer may offer a limited warranty on certain aspects of your vinyl pool. There’s a lot of fine print involved. This protects the manufacturer and does not benefit you. The limited warranty does not address the floor or side walls which are the costliest parts of the pool.
Concrete pools
These are the most expensive to build and maintain. They also require a lot of upkeep. Concrete pools are vulnerable to staining on the sides and the bottom of the pool. Resurfacing and acid washing fees are exceptionally high.
Once you start using your concrete pool, you have to adhere to a strict maintenance schedule. Since concrete is porous, it can deteriorate very quickly. The lengthy installation time is another drawback with this pool.
Getting an in-ground swimming pool is exciting. It increases your home’s value and provides hours of entertainment for the whole family. When you look at variables like cost of ownership, maintenance, durability, installation, and compatibility with saltwater, fibreglass pools are the winning choice.
