5 Differences Between Fiberglass and Concrete Inground Pools
Having an inground pool can transform your backyard into a relaxation haven, the perfect place to entertain family and friends during summer. As you embark on having an inground pool in your home, you should know the different materials you can use for construction, with fiberglass and concrete being the most common ones.
Differences between fiberglass and concrete inground pools
1. Installation time and cost
One of the key differences between a fiberglass and concrete pool is the installation time. Most fiberglass pools are pre-assembled, and all you need to do is transport it to your yard, place it in the ground, and it will be up and running in less than two days.
For a concrete pool, however, it can take from three to six months of work to have the pool constructed. The contractor has to know how to properly pour a concrete pool in Arkansas so it will last.
2. Customization
This is where concrete is the clear winner. This material lets you customize the pool to your desired shape, size, and design. You can choose a long, deep pool, or customize the deck for a nice, dramatic look. You can even choose a rectangular or irregular shape depending on your preference.
However, for fiberglass pools, they are usually designed from precast molds, which limit your design and shape options. You have to stick to the manufacturer’s size, which is often 40 by 16 feet. The most you can do to customize a fiberglass pool is how you choose to landscape the area around it.
3. Lifespan and maintenance
The day-to-day maintenance of fiberglass pools is pretty low compared to concrete. All you need to keep a fiberglass pool functioning is add the proper chemicals and electricity, which will not cost you much.
For fiberglass, the maintenance cost is very low, since you will not need to do any major renovations. Maintaining a concrete inground pool tends to be higher, because you might need to do resurfacing and renovations about twice every ten years.
4. Texture
One thing that stands out about a fiberglass pool is its smooth interior texture that has been expertly crafted. The pool and steps are smooth and made in such a way that you do not slip when entering the pool.
For a concrete pool, a smooth surface is also doable, but you will have to pay more to ensure that the interior is to your preferred texture. The inside is often made of plaster, which requires you to use polished aggregate to get rid of any pebbles or exposed aggregate. To make your concrete pool smooth, you can also consider tiling, which can be a bit expensive to do.
On the outside — whether you have a fiberglass or a concrete inground pool — you can pave the deck as you wish with different materials. However, most concrete materials will match perfectly with an inground pool made from the same material.
5. Durability
You may think that fiberglass pools are quite flimsy and will not last long. Well, you could be wrong. The material is quite strong even when exposed to salt water. For a concrete pool, the structure is incredibly durable and outmatches fiberglass. If properly maintained, concrete inground pool can last ages. The interior is rarely damaged by objects such as tree branches or other hard objects. However, in places with salty water, you will need to refinish the pool to prevent it from weakening due to corrosion.
Making a decision
The choice between a concrete and fiberglass is a matter of personal preference depending on your needs, taste, and budget. Depending on the amount of funds you have available and the time you can spare for the pool maintenance, you can look at the pros and cons of each before making a decision.
For more information
A concrete pool is what you need to transform your backyard and summer parties. For more information, contact Razorback Concrete at (870) 455-0700 today.
