FIBERGLASS POOLS VERSUS CONCRETE POOLS

Fiberglass Pools are superior to Concrete pools in all areas except one (large or custom size pools). Fiberglass Pools offer less maintenance saving you time, better warranty, smooth ouchless surface that doesn’t cut up your feet, lower initial cost, lower maintenance cost, doesn’t leach chemicals into your pool water like concrete, lower heating costs, and the perfect vessel to hold salt water if you want a salt water system. 

Vinyl Liner Pool companies quote that liners are usually replaced every 7-10 years and average $2,500 to $5,000 depending on size of pool. 

Concrete Pools need acid washing every 3-5 years, and resurfacing every 10-15 years which can be $5,000 to $10,000. Salt systems are also not recommended for Gunite pools as the chemicals in salt will cause you to resurface the pool earlier than you’d expect. 

Now, we love Fiberglass pools and think they are far superior to other pool types, but don’t get me wrong, Fiberglass Pools aren’t perfect. They are limited in size, so those who want an Olympic sized swimming pool must select Concrete. 

We do have customers ask us if they will have to spray a new Gelcoat after 15-20 years, and my usual response is first no, not if they keep their water balanced. But if they do want some change to how their backyard looks, don’t go with a darker pool color which will increase water evaporation (one reason why commercial pools in Florida can’t use dark colors as it wastes water), and instead consider waterline tile instead. Adding Waterline tile instead of resurfacing a Fiberglass or Concrete pool is a great low cost way to make your pool look even better than it did when new. 

You can also drain (if properly done) a concrete or fiberglass pool and resurface them. In the case of Fiberglass, this is done with a Gelcoat spray gun once the old gelcoat surface has been properly sanded and prepared.