In-Ground Swimming Pools

Advantages:

• Lowest initial cost: Vinyl liner pools have the lowest initial cost of the three types of inground pools.

• Customizable shape and size: There are very few limitations to the length, width, and depth of vinyl liner pools.

• Automatic covers: These pools can be built perfectly square for complete integration of an automatic cover.

• Vinyl liner pools are non-abrasive: The vinyl liner material is smooth to the touch.

• Easy to refinish surface: Liner replacement is relatively quick, clean, and can be completed in a day or two without any heavy equipment.

Disadvantages:

• Consider lifetime cost: The average life of a vinyl liner is around 5 years at a replacement cost of $4,000-$6,000 including labor and materials.

• Have to use care with the pool liner: While liners are fairly durable, sharp objects, pets, and patio furniture falling in the pool are all concerns.

• May not work on challenging sites: If the site has a major slope or groundwater present, a vinyl liner may not be the best choice. Liners can “float” and wrinkle from excessive rain water.

• Not a permanent structure: The structure consists of steel/polymer walls and a shotcrete floor under the liner. Done right, it is sturdy, but relies on the water inside the pool for stability. This structure won’t last forever and care must be taken when the pool is drained.

Advantages:

• Low maintenance: The gel coat surface of the fiberglass pool shell is nonporous.

• Consider lifetime cost: Most manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty against leakage.

• Non-abrasive surface: The gel coat surface of fiberglass pools is smooth to the touch.

• Built-in steps and benches: Most fiberglass pool designs have seating and steps incorporated into the shell of the pool.

• Quick installation: The shell is manufactured off-site and delivered on a trailer. Since a lot of the work is done off site, the installation time is short.

Disadvantages:

• Limited shapes and designs: Because fiberglass pools are built from a mold, the consumer is limited to the shapes and sizes offered by the fiberglass pool manufacturer.

• Limited width: Fiberglass pools are transported to the job site on roads and highways. Shipping restrictions limit the width of the fiberglass pool shell to 16′ to the outside of the pool. Most inside dimensions are about 14’ maximum.

• Repairs are challenging: Cosmetic repairs to the finish will not match the rest of the pool.

• Consider lifetime cost: The lifetime warranty usually does not cover fading or cracking of the surface. It also may not cover damage due to acts of God like groundwater from a heavy rain.

• Higher initial cost: Fiberglass pools cost more than vinyl liner pools to build.

• May not work for challenging sites: If the site has a major slope or groundwater present, it may not be the best choice.

• Automatic covers: These pools generally are not perfectly square, so complete integration of an automatic cover is more challenging and the cover may not run completely straight.

• Not a permanent structure: Installed right, it is sturdy, but relies on the water inside the pool for stability. This structure won’t last forever and extreme care must be taken when the pool is drained to prevent floating the shell or bowing the walls.