See how it stacks up against concrete & vinyl pools
Learn why fiberglass pools are a superior choice compared to traditional gunite (concrete) or vinyl-lined pools. Discover the benefits of fiberglass pools, including their ease of installation, resistance to algae and cracking, and attractive designs. Dive into the world of fiberglass pools and upgrade your backyard oasis today.
| FEATURE | FIBERGLASS POOLS | GUNITE (CONCRETE) POOLS | VINYL-LINED POOLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation Time | 3-5 days Ready for decking | 8-12 weeks, using many subcontractors | 2-3 weeks, using several subcontractors |
| Estimated Chemical Usage | Fiberglass doesn't alter water's chemical balance; substantially fewer chemicals used | Plaster reacts with water to raise pH levels. Gunite pools are substantially more acidic & require more chlorine to counter-balance this chemical reaction | Vinyl liners affect water chemistry and are easily damaged if chemistry is slightly incorrect. Chlorine bleaches vinyl liners. |
| Entry & Exit | Slip-resistant stair and floor surfaces | Stairs with ladder in deep end | ladder or bolt-on stair units |
| Surface Texture | Smooth, non-abrasive to skin or swimsuits. Walking/seating area is textured for slip resistance. | Rough, causes skin abrasions to feet, hands, and swimwear. | Slippery, easily punctured or torn by toys, pets, or surfacing rocks. |
| Algae Penetration | Algae sweeps off with wall brush | Algae grows and is harbored in pores of gunite. Acid baths and scrubbing required to remove algae. | Seams of liner harbor algae. |
| Estimated Maintenance | Half-hour per week | 6-8 hours per week | 4-6 hours per week |
| Major Renovation | None | Re-marcite or re-plaster at 5-7 years | Vinyl liner replacement at 5-9 years |
| Stairs & Seating | Built into pool shell. Many models with entry & exits at both ends. | Optional & additional cost | Stuck on end of pool |
| Quality Control | Manufactured in environmentally controlled factory under stringent quality control standards | 100% built on-site. No environment control. | Kit manufactured by factory. Quality of assembly varies by installer. |
| Type of Coping (pool edging) | Any material desired | Concrete | Aluminum (which easily corrodes) |
| Loan Acceptance | Excellent | Good | Fair |
