If you’re ready to add an inground pool to your backyard, there are many things to consider. Among one of the most important questions is what material it should be constructed of.
The following lists the three varieties of materials used in the construction of inground pools. Here’s how to decide on the type of inground pool you want.
Three Types of Inground Pool Materials
The three types of inground pool materials are as follows:
- Concrete, with various finishes
- Fiberglass
- Vinyl liner
Concrete Inground Pools
A concrete pool is custom-build to your specifications by the pool builder of your choice. This is the most common type of inground pool and generally costs less than a fiberglass pool. Concrete pools are constructed in stages as follows:
- Pool layout and excavation
- Steel installation
- Plumbing installation
- Equipment set
- Gunite or shotcrete application
- Tile and coping installation
- Interior finish installation
Concrete pools take longer to construct than fiberglass pools but are virtually unlimited as to the shape, size and design you can have. Concrete pools generally take from three to 12 weeks to construct.
Fiberglass Inground Pools
A fiberglass pool resembles a giant bathtub. It is made in a factory and installed in one piece in your backyard after the excavation is done. Construction time is generally about two weeks. Fiberglass pools are usually more expensive than concrete inground pools but can save you money in the long run because they typically need fewer chemicals than concrete pools. That’s because a fiberglass shell doesn’t change the chemistry of the water. Also, you won’t have to worry about future re-plastering or liner replacement costs.
Both fiberglass and concrete are very strong materials. Ask your pool builder about any effects your soil type and weather may have on these materials.
Vinyl Liner Inground Pools
Vinyl-liner pools are popular in areas that get cold weather because they can be easily winterized by draining them down and covering them up until spring. Vinyl liner pools are sent to the installer in kit form. After excavation, panel walls are bolted or fastened together and supported at the bottom by concrete footings. The vinyl liner is spread over the interior of the pool to cover the excavated floor and paneled walls and is connected to the top of the panel walls by a vinyl rib on the outside edge of the liner. Vinyl liner pools can usually be installed in one to three weeks.
You will need to ask your pool builder how often liners usually have to be replaced in your area. Because vinyl liners are smooth and nonporous, stain removal is easy if the stain is taken care of promptly.