A swimming pool in your backyard can greatly enhance your home and your lifestyle. It can be used for exercise, entertainment, and relaxation, and quickly becomes a central feature of your home, especially during the hot summer months.
When it comes to choosing a pool, you have two main options: fibreglass and concrete. Each type has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to understand the differences and choose the option that is best for your home and lifestyle. Some factors to consider when comparing the two types of pools include installation time, cost, maintenance requirements, and design options.
- Fibreglass
Fibreglass pools are pre-manufactured shells made of fibreglass that can be installed in a variety of locations, including in-ground, above-ground, on ground floors, or on terraces and rooftops. They come in a range of colours and styles, allowing you to choose the shape and appearance that best suits your backyard and preferences.
The pros of having a fibreglass swimming pool include:
- Easy install and easy to maintain
- The finish requires little ongoing care
- Constructed of highly durable and long-lasting materials
- They retain heat a bit better
- Costs
One of the main differences between fibreglass and concrete pools is cost. On average, fibreglass pools cost around 30% less to install and maintain than concrete pools. In addition, they tend to have lower ongoing costs due to their low maintenance requirements, reduced chemical usage, and lower energy consumption.
- Installation
Installing a fibreglass pool involves several steps, including excavating the area, inserting the prefabricated pool shell, and connecting the necessary systems such as filtration, heating, and lighting. The pool shell is typically delivered on a truck and may require a crane to lift it into place. Although the process may seem complex, fibreglass pool installations are typically relatively quick.
- Appearance and Design
Fibreglass pools have smooth surfaces that are non-abrasive and softer on the feet compared to concrete pools. They also retain heat longer due to their natural insulating properties. The gel coating on fibreglass pools is smooth and non-porous, which helps prevent the growth of mould and algae, reducing the need for cleaning and chemicals and resulting in a smaller carbon footprint. Fibreglass pools come in a range of colours and designs, although they may not be as customizable as concrete pools, which can be moulded to fit any shape or size.
- Durability
Both fibreglass and concrete are durable, long-lasting materials that can withstand everyday wear and tear. Fibreglass is especially tough and resistant to damage, and some companies offer a structural warranty for their products to protect against structural defects. It is important to choose a reliable, high-quality pool product to ensure it lasts for many years.
- Concrete
A concrete pool is a swimming pool made of concrete, which is a popular choice due to its flexibility in terms of design options. It can be customized in a variety of ways, including size, shape, and finishes.
The benefits of having a concrete swimming pool include:
- The look and feel. You will have many options in terms of decking and finishing..
- The flexibility. A concrete pool can be as big as you want and can be moulded to any shape.
- The customisation of colour. You have the ability to choose whichever colors, types of tiles for your pool
- The way it is constructed makes it fully customizable. You can add infinity edges, steps, underwater benches, etc.
The cons of having a concrete pool include:
- A longer installation and messier process
- Usually they are much more expensive to install compared to fibreglass swimming pools
- The ongoing maintenance is more than fibreglass and they will need resurfacing every 15 years or so
- Concrete pools does not retain heat, requiring an external machine to regulate the temperature
- Since they are brittle; they cannot withstand earth movements and prone to leakages. This is the biggest drawback of concrete pools
- Costs
Constructing a concrete pool is typically more expensive and time-consuming compared to installing a fibreglass pool. This is because the construction process involves building the pool from scratch on-site, which requires more labor and time. Additionally, concrete pools tend to have higher long-term maintenance costs due to their increased susceptibility to algae growth and their need for more frequent cleaning and chemical treatment. They may also require more regular repair work due to their tendency to wear faster than fibreglass pools.
- Installation
Concrete pools are built on-site from the ground up, starting with the construction of a metal lattice framework. Layers of concrete are then sprayed onto the framework and left to set. Finally, a finishing coating of tiles or plaster is applied. This more involved process means that concrete pool construction takes longer than installing a pre-manufactured fibreglass pool
- Appearance and Design
Concrete pools offer a high level of customization, as they can be made in any size or shape and finished with a variety of textures and colours. The only limitation is your imagination when it comes to designing a concrete pool.
- Durability
Both concrete and fibreglass pools are durable and can last for many years. However, concrete pools may require repair work over time due to leakages, natural wear and tear, and they need to be resurfaced every 8 to 10 years or so.
Considering getting your swimming pool? Contact our team of swimming pool specialists today to get your hand on our uniquely designed Arena Series® fibre pools, powered by our award winning PowerLAP® counter-current swim systems, whether you want to get an indoor or outdoor swimming pool, or even have your own hydrotherapy pool. SmartPools® is the leading swimming pool contractor in Malaysia and the region with solutions to fit every need and budget. Contact us via email at info@www.smartpools.com.my or via WhatsApp on wa.link/5zyld4