With warm weather coming, you may be thinking about making good on that promise you made to your family for an in-ground pool this summer. If so, now you need to decide on what type of pool to construct. When comparing a vinyl liner pool with a fiberglass pool, you should consider the pros and cons of each. As you look at the two types, you will find there are many benefits of a vinyl liner pool. To help you in making this important decision, Prestige Pools would like to share the main benefits of constructing a vinyl-lined pool and compare features to a fiberglass pool.
What is an In-Ground Vinyl Liner Pool?
An in-ground vinyl liner pool is a pool that has a vinyl surface, or membrane, that covers the walls and floor of the pool. The vinyl is hung in the “bead track,” which is located at the top of the pool’s walls. After the liner is in the correct position, it is vacuumed against the walls and floor. Then, the pool is filled with water.
What is an In-Ground Fiberglass Pool?
An in-ground fiberglass pool is one piece that is constructed upside down in a mold. It is made of multiple layers consisting of a gel coat layer, a vinyl ester layer, and many layers of fiberglass that provide the pool with strength.
Comparing a Vinyl-Lined Pool with a Fiberglass Pool
Customizing
A vinyl-lined pool gives you lots of options and flexibility regarding sizes and shapes so you are able to customize your pool exactly as you want it. A fiberglass pool restricts you because it is essentially a prefab item with set sizes and shapes of the molds used in creating the fiberglass. With a fiberglass pool, you aren’t able to move the benches and ledges in any way.
Cost
A vinyl-lined pool is less expensive initially than a fiberglass pool. Typically, the fiberglass pool is approximately 15% more expensive than the vinyl liners to create and install. With vinyl liners, you will need to replace them after a period of time, usually 5 to 9 years.
Ongoing Costs
There are ongoing costs with any pool’s maintenance such as cleaning and keeping the water safe using chemicals. Both a vinyl liner and a fiberglass pool are nonporous, which means they don’t absorb chemicals, making them both equal in chemical costs. Furthermore, they are both pretty equal in terms of the time you will need to spend brushing and cleaning the pool walls.
Benefits of the Vinyl Liner Swimming Pool
Lower Upfront Installation Costs
The initial purchase cost of installing the vinyl liner pool is lower than the fiberglass pool.
Less Expensive to Maintain
Because the vinyl liner is nonporous and does not absorb chemicals, it is not expensive to maintain. It requires less time and maintenance in brushing the walls due to the nonporous nature of the vinyl.
Ability to Customize
You have unlimited options for sizes and shapes in customizing your vinyl-lined pool.
Contact Us for More Information on Vinyl Liner Pools
Our team of professionals at Prestige Pools is experienced in helping you decide between vinyl liner and fiberglass pools. Give us a call at 919-779-1033 or complete our easy-to-use form below.