VWB Blog Did you know that swimming can help you live longer, increase your brain power, and boost your mood? These are just a few reasons to have a swimming pool, and of course, you can simply lie back and relax in the water if you’re just hoping for some relaxation time.
But what are the differences between vinyl vs. fiberglass pool types and which one is right for you? You’ll be making a significant investment, and it’s vital to ensure you spend your money wisely and get the swimming pool of your dreams.
There’s a lot to consider, and we’re going to examine the key pros and cons of each pool type so you can make an informed decision.
Sit back and relax as we learn more about vinyl and fiberglass pools.
Ease of Installation
With either option, it’s possible to complete the swimming pool installation process yourself, although in most cases you’ll probably want to hire professionals unless you have prior experience.
When installing a fiberglass pool, you’ll need to take into account that making mistakes can lead to cracks appearing due to uneven pressure on certain parts of the material. While a professional contractor will know how to avoid this problem, it may not be apparent to a layman until it’s too late.
A vinyl pool may wrinkle if improperly installed, which could result in a rip occurring. Again, this is easily avoided, but you need to have the knowledge and skills to ensure you put the liner in correctly.
Range of Colors
The appearance of your pool will be a key factor, and this is an area where both fiberglass and vinyl pools provide a virtually unlimited range of options. The trick is to take a long-term view, as you won’t want to have to update the color too often as this could cost you a significant amount of time and money.
A darker-colored swimming pool such as deep red or navy may decline more quickly, and you may find it fades unevenly. This is because of the effects of sunlight and chemicals such as chlorine that can cause damage over time.
While a lighter-colored pool will also be prone to these effects, the color may diminish more slowly, allowing you to enjoy the brighter colors for longer. There isn’t a right or wrong choice as you can refresh your swimming pool’s color at any time, so this really comes down to the colors you prefer and how much effort you’re willing to put into keeping your pool looking as good as new.
How the Swimming Pool Material Feels
The most critical part of a swimming pool’s surface is that it is non-slip, and this is the case when it comes to both fiberglass and vinyl pools. You’ll also want a surface that feels comfortable and doesn’t cause injury to your toes or the soles of your feet upon contact.
Fiberglass pools are smooth, and you won’t feel any roughness that could damage your skin. However, you may sometimes notice that the gel coating on the surface has cracked. In this case, you’ll need to have it professionally repaired in case it hurts your feet.
Vinyl pool liners bring an added layer of luxury. The surface is soft and you can enjoy the experience of walking across the material without worrying about scraping your feet. This makes vinyl a superb choice when comfort is a priority.
Vinyl Vs. Fiberglass Pool Maintenance
It may not be a favorite topic for most people, but swimming pool maintenance is critical. If you don’t know how to clean your pool effectively, it can become unsightly, unhygienic, and suffer unnecessary harm.
No matter which type of pool you have, you can protect it by balancing the water as soon as possible. This means adjusting factors such as the pH and total alkalinity levels, as well as the amount of chlorine in the water. If these levels are correct, the surface of your pool is less likely to be damaged by chemicals.
In terms of cleaning, a fiberglass pool requires little attention, although you should try to clean it at least once each week. The same timeframe applies to cleaning a vinyl pool.
Should you notice any damage in a fiberglass swimming pool, you shouldn’t wait for it to get worse, as repairs can be expensive. With a vinyl pool, you may be able to replace just the weakened piece, which can be very affordable.
Cost
Fiberglass pools tend to come at a much higher cost than vinyl pools, which can put many people off buying them. It’s often a more attractive option to purchase a high-quality vinyl pool liner that looks fantastic and will last a long time.
This can make your budget go much further, leaving you with money left over even after installing a stunning swimming pool that you can use every day.
Enjoy Spending Time in Your Beautiful Swimming Pool
Now you know how to decide between a vinyl vs. fiberglass pool. It’s a good idea to think about the range of style options offered by each material and to consider how comfortable the surface of the pool will feel beneath your feet. If cost is important to you then it’s impossible to look past a vinyl pool, while you may also find that this material type is easier to install.
When your pool is ready, you can then look forward to exercising and relaxing in crystal-clear water.
Before you go for a swim, be sure to read more great posts in our Home Decor section.