Concrete Pools Versus Fibreglass Pools
BMNL
The experts at Landscape Architect Sydney told us that deciding whether or not to have a pool installed in the garden is often not a difficult decision to make. However, what does seem a more difficult choice is whether to have a concrete pool or a fibre glass pool installed. Both have their advantages and disadvantages but both options are going to be acceptable to most homeowners.
Ultimately your decision may come down to just one or two minor points, or it could be the budget available, or it might be whether or not the pool is seen as an investment in the property. To help you weigh all of these, and more, here is a quick comparison between concrete and fibre glass pools for each of the main considerations most people base their decision on.
Design Options
Of the two, concrete pools are going to offer far greater flexibility and options with regards to the size, shape, and design of your pool. Fiberglass pools are pre-cast in a factory and therefore there is no means for you to alter it once it has arrived for installation. There will also be a limit on the size given that it has to be transported to your property.
Aesthetics
It is generally accepted that concrete pools outdo fibre glass pools in terms of how pleasing they are on the eye. Not only is this due to the options in terms of tiles for the walls and floor, but for the greater number of options you will have for the surrounding areas with regards to furniture and facings which can match.
Walls And Floor Surfaces
The surface of a fibre glass pool is smooth and non-porous therefore it does not normally attract the likes of bacteria. More importantly, it does not suffer from the growth of algae which is an inherent problem for concrete pools given that they have porous walls and floors. The rougher surface also means they are more prone to cracks and scratches.
Cost
What might surprise you is that the difference in cost between installing a concrete and a fibre glass pool is not as large as many people think, with concrete pools costing a bit more due to the longer installation time, and thus greater manpower costs. Obviously, each pool installation company will have their own prices, but in most cases, the variation should be no more than about 10-15%.
Maintenance Required
Concrete pools do require a lot more maintenance and most certainly need to be cleaned at least once a week to prevent the growth of algae and bacteria. They will also need to be resurfaced after 10 -15 years. Fibre glass pools are easier to clean due to their smooth surface.
Lifespan
This is one feature where concrete pools have a huge advantage. Fibre glass pools can last up to 20 years, but it is likely that by that time they will have required a reapplication of their gel surface. Whilst a concrete pool will also need to be resurfaced every 10 -15 years, its lifespan can be 30, 40, or even more years due to the strength of the materials and the reinforcements which are put in place during its installation.
Value Added
There is some debate as to how much having a pool of any kind makes to the value of a property but if you ask most real estate agents they will tell you that a concrete pool has a greater perceived value and thus can add more to the asking price of a home.
