This article is written by Limitless Custom Pools to provide you with professional advice for your pool
When comparing pool options for your home, vinyl liner and fiberglass swimming pools are undoubtedly the most cost-effective. Both vinyl and fiberglass pools have advantages and disadvantages. However, it can be hard to find unbiased information with so much out there about these types of pools. Let’s take a look at vinyl liner versus fiberglass pools and which is the better choice for your backyard oasis.
The pros of vinyl liner pools
The biggest advantage of vinyl liner swimming pools for many homeowners is the price, as they have the cheapest upfront cost. The vinyl is relatively algae-resistant and easy to maintain due to the fact that it’s a non-porous material. It’s also incredibly smooth to the touch, and with regular maintenance, the liner can last for many years. Vinyl-lined pools are much more customizable than fiberglass pools and don’t come in predesigned shapes.
The cons of vinyl liner pools
While vinyl liners can last quite some time, they don’t last forever. One of the main downsides to vinyl liner pools is that you have to replace the liner once a decade. This means the long-term cost to maintain your pool is much higher than other types of pools. The liner can also tear relatively easily—a tree branch can rip the material, or bugs could burrow right through.
While vinyl liner pools are smooth, they have rough seams that are more noticeable with some designs than others.
The pros of fiberglass pools
Both fiberglass and vinyl liner pools are easy to install, with vinyl liner pools taking about two months. However, fiberglass pools take the least amount of time to install—about three to five weeks! While fiberglass pools are more expensive than vinyl liner pools, they can last up to 30 years, and you don’t have to replace any kind of liner in that time. Plus, fiberglass pools require the least maintenance. While the upfront cost is higher, they cost much less to maintain than vinyl-lined pools.
The cons of fiberglass pools
The biggest issue that homeowners have with fiberglass pools is the limited customization. While you can choose from plenty of design options, you don’t get to modify the size and depth of your pool as you would with a vinyl liner pool. This can be incredibly difficult for families looking to design a family-friendly swimming pool or for those looking to make their pool a backyard centerpiece. Without the ability to customize, you can’t add the same safety features, water features, lighting, and other fun additions that you could with other pools.
Which one is better for your backyard?
You know the advantages and disadvantages of vinyl liner versus fiberglass pools, so now you must determine which one is better for your backyard. There’s no right or wrong answer because it depends entirely upon what you want to get out of your pool. If you want to customize a safe pool for your family or want the luxury of a customizable, affordable pool with easy installation, vinyl liner pools are the better option. If you’re looking for an easy-to-maintain pool that will last a lifetime, you might want to fork out the extra cash for a fiberglass pool. Regardless of which you choose, you’re saving more than you would on a concrete pool, and that makes it all worth it!
