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Sara Oliver

Fiberglass Pools vs Concrete Pools: What's the Difference?


Fiberglass Pools vs Concrete Pools

It’s not easy to decide and choose between Fiberglass and Concrete Pool, especially if it is your first time installing one in your backyard or floor. Both of them have their own pros and cons (also it depends on personal preferences). 


Both Fiberglass and Concrete Pools have their own aesthetics, come with different costs, and require different types of maintenance. Now, before diving deep into the post, if you’re planning to install one in your home, consider choosing Fiberglass. 


On the other hand, if the pool is going to be installed in a chaotic place, consider going for the Concrete one. I’ll give you my detailed views and reasons behind these suggestions in the post. To know that, you need to delve into the post to find out which pool suits your place and preferences.


What Are Fiberglass Pools?


Whenever someone wants a 3-combo pool that is durable, is easily installed anywhere, and wants low maintenance, Fiberglass Pools come to mind. 


No doubt concrete pools have their own pros, but when it comes to easy installation, they can't overtake Fiberglass Pools, why? Because Fiberglass Pools are simple, include a single pre-made shell that can take no more than 4-5 working days to get installed in your space. 


  • One of the major reasons why people these days are so obsessed with these pools is that they come with their own protection which means require little maintenance and are ultra-durable. How so? As Fiberglass pools are made up of a strong woven fiberglass structure, they can withstand any weather and almost any harsh condition. For ultra durability, an additional layer of gel is coated on its surface that protects it from getting damaged easily. 


  • Algae don’t like smoother surfaces, but as a Fiberglass pool is ultra-smooth, algae hate to live in it. Even if algae starts growing on its surface, unlike other pools, you can easily remove it from the surface via normal cleaning or using some chemicals in rare-case scenarios. 


Also, if you're buying for long-term usage, you can't find any other better option than Fiberglass Pools. 


If you're looking for a budget-friendly Fiberglass Pool installation from the comfort of your home, consider choosing DreamPoolsSpas, as we ensure your satisfaction by installing perfectly the design you've chosen and required. 


What Are Concrete Pools?


Concrete Pools are for creative people. Those who want a pool that can be crafted into different shapes, depths, and styles are going to love Concrete Pools. 


The amount of customizability that Concrete Pools offer is indescribable. As it is made from the Rebar framework, it provides complete flexibility when it comes to design. 


Also, it is coated with sprayed concrete to elevate the look, feel, aesthetics, and strength of course. Additionally, a protective plaster layer is also coated on it to make it more strong and resistant to harsh weather conditions. 


A major con is that it takes a huge amount of time and labor to get it installed in your space. Also, you'll find the cost a little troubling or out of budget, but the strength these pools hold especially if combined with a steel layer can make anyone choose them. 


Key Differences Between Fiberglass and Concrete Pools


1. Installation Time


Fiberglass Pools


If you plan early and book a builder, installation time will be reduced to even 1 week. Usually, it takes more than 2 weeks to install a Fiberglass Pool. 


Especially during the peak season i.e. summer, it gets really tough to book a builder and no one gets ready to help you with landscaping, paving, or arranging the fence maybe. But we are ready to take that stress off your shoulders by installing your preferred Fiberpool design within a couple of days without going out of budget. 


Concrete Pools


For concrete pools, one needs to wait for more than 3 months, even it leads to 6 months when going for more depth and unique shapes. As everything is custom-based, so it requires more effort and time to get it installed. 


2. Customization and Design


Fiberglass Pools


Design flexibility won't be entertained when going for a Fiberglass Pool design. Of course, if someone wants to add a creative touch they can introduce customised tiles and mosaics to make it look more appealing or aesthetic. 


Patterns of tiles no matter glass or ceramic are different which increases the beauty of your outdoor space. 


Concrete Pools


No matter if you want a modern lap pool or go for a vintage design, Concrete pools won't leave you disappointed. 


Concrete Pools provides complete access to the designer to craft the shape, size, depth, and anything that comes under the customization category. 


If you want a concrete pool for sports purposes including swimming exercises, going for a long rectangle shape is suggested, otherwise for normal usage, the curved design is perfect. 


3. Maintenance Requirements


Fiberglass Pools


There's no other pool that requires more cost-effective maintenance than the Fiberglass pool. One can simply use a normal cleaning product to clean its surface as there'll be no concerns of algae, thanks to its slippery surface. 


However, checking the water chemistry is recommended for a safe swimming experience. Also pool filter is a must, regardless of what kind of pool you've, you need to make sure the water is clean and healthy for the skin. 


Concrete Pools


Scrubbing, scrubbing, scrubbing. Thanks to the porous surface of Concrete pools, they require often scrubbing and high-end cleaning to prevent algae or any bacterial build-up. A Skimmer is a must for all kinds of pools, but for concrete pools, there should be no alternative. 


Because effective filtration is all we need, also manual cleaning should be the top priority. If your pool is more than the normal size, you can invest in a Robotic cleaner too. Chlorine and pH levels should be checked frequently for a safe experience. 


4. Cost and Investment


Fiberglass Pools


Usually, Fiberglass Pools cost no more than $85,000, and the price range is somewhere in between $20,000-$85,000


As compared to other pools, a Fiberglass Pool is a more practical and budget-friendly choice for everyone; be it for homeowners or for those of you who are going to install it for commercial purposes. 


Some people might find this price out of their budget or maybe a bit expensive, but a pool that is going to last for more than 25 years deserves this price range at least, no?


You can get it installed at the minimum price range by choosing our service. So, what are you waiting for? Just choose the pool from the catalog and click on Get Started now


Concrete Pools


The minimum cost of a concrete pool is somewhere around $50,000. The more customized and better option you go for the higher its price will be. Usually, the concrete pools range between $50,000-$100,000


Concrete Pools last way longer than 25 years depending on the maintenance and their quality. After every couple of years, you have to resurface it to ensure it lasts longer. 


Pros and Cons of Fiberglass Pools


Pros


  1. It will take a maximum of 3 weeks and a minimum of 3 days to get it installed, which is nothing but an ultra Pro point. 


  1. Maintenance costs are way less than expected as due to the non-porous and slippery surface, you won't get any trouble with algae or bacterial growth easily. 


  1. Slippery doesn't mean it is unsafe for people, else gel-coating makes it stable enough for people to safely experience swimming instead of slipping and hurting themselves. 


  1. As Fiberglass pools are ultra-durable, you won't experience any cases of cracking or damage be it winter or summer. Also, high water temperatures won't affect its surface negatively. 


Cons


  1. Your choice in terms of design won't be entertained much as the customization options for Fiberglass pools are very limited. 


  1. As for the maintenance, when you'll look around for an alternative gel coat, the color won't match easily resulting in the pool looking visibly repaired and old. 


  1. As compared to vinyl pools, Fiberglass Pools are expensive at the initial stage, but later on, you'll find no trouble in terms of cost. 


Pros and Cons of Concrete Pools


Pros


  1. Whether you want a curved design, a round one, or maybe a rectangular one, your choice will be respected. 


  1. No need to worry about wear and tear when it comes to Concrete Pools. You'll find them very strong and potent to harsh weather conditions. 


  1. You're creative and want to decorate your pool with waterfalls, spas, and whatnot. Concrete pools won't leave you disappointed.


Cons


  1. It will take months not days to get it installed at your preferred location. 


  1. Regular acid/chemical washing is a must leaving you out of budget sometimes because of the expensive maintenance costs. 


  1. As the surface will be rough due to concrete, you'll get your hands injured, if not, your cleaning equipment will get damaged for sure. 


Bottom Line


Fiberglass Pools vs Concrete Pools: What's the difference? 


Well, there's a huge difference between both options. You can already see which one is winning in terms of Pros and Cons, but when it comes to personal preferences you should always listen to your heart. 


If it says Concrete Pool, no matter how many cons it has, you should go for it. On the other hand, if Fiberglass pools appeal to you, then there's no space for one more word and you should definitely go for the Fiberglass option. 


For those of you living in Paducah, KY, and its nearby areas, DreamPoolsSpas offer pool installation at minimum rates. Especially if you're affirmed at your decision of choosing Fiberglass Pools, you should go nowhere else than letting us install one at your chosen place. 


Not just Fiberglass Pools & S

pas, our product catalog includes Custom Gunite Pools & Spas and Freestanding Spas too.


Now, instead of overthinking, contact us and click on Get Started Now to initiate the process.

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