Ahhhh…So the debate rages on. Which is better? Are concrete pools the best choice? Or has fiberglass taken over as the pool of the 21st century?
I’m sure you’ve heard arguments for both. And what you’ve likely heard has been biased.
You see, most installers only install one type of pool. If they install fiberglass, then they say fiberglass is the ONLY way to go.
If they install concrete, then they say such statements as, “A pool is not a pool unless it’s concrete” or “Why would you ever even consider fiberglass?” or “All of your friends have gotten concrete. You’re not going to get something different, are you?” or “You’ll never find a fiberglass shape you want.” Etc., etc., etc.
And if you talk to a friend that owns a concrete pool, they’ll likely tell you to choose concrete. Likewise for the friend that owns a fiberglass pool.
1. Fiberglass may or may not be the right pool for you. It is NOT for everybody.
2. Concrete (gunite) may or may not be the right pool for you. It is NOT for everybody.
And now for your TRUE guide to picking the right pool for you.
1. You are looking for a VERY customized shape or size not offered in the fiberglass line. An example of this would be an “L” shaped pool or a pool wider than 16′.
2. You are looking for a pool DEEPER than 8′. This would be because you’ve decided on a very springy diving board and you want to be able to do many tricks and unique dives off said board.
3. You are not concerned with expensive repairs down the road.
4. You are not concerned with the maintenance time you spend with the pool on a weekly basis.
5. You are trying to create a complete naturescape. In other words, you want the pool to have many natural rock features, grottos, possibly a ‘pond’ appearance, etc. (Although one may argue fiberglass pools can look very natural, I still have yet to see a natural masterpiece as I have seen many times with some very high-end gunite projects.)
6. You are looking for a beach entry. (There are a few fiberglass pools with something similar to a beach entry, but it’s still not quite the same design you’ll find in a concrete pool.)
7. You are NOT concerned with concrete’s roughness on your feet. (I’ve had second-time pool owners choose fiberglass simply because their concrete pool tore up their children’s feet too much. This is pretty standard with most concrete/gunite pools.)
1. You are looking for the LEAST amount of swimming pool maintenance possible on a daily/weekly basis.
2. You are looking for a swimming pool that will likely have no major repairs/expenses (structurally speaking) down the road.
3. You are looking for a quick pool installation.
4. You are looking for a pool on the smaller end of large. In other words, you are looking for a size that is roughly 16’x40′ or less.
5. You are looking for a pool that will have ‘flex’ strength if need be. (For example, if you live next to a rock quarry, there is constant ground vibration.)
