We’re a little biased but…
having a swimming pool installed in your backyard is always a great idea. Whether it’s to cool down on a hot summers day, watch the kids play endlessly for hours or to get some exercise in, everybody loves going for a swim.
But if you’ve made it here, then you’re probably already convinced in getting a pool. The next question that arises is…
What’s better, a concrete or fibreglass pool?
After-all, they are the 2 most common materials to construct a swimming pool. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages so we’re not here to convince you on one or the other but simply to give you all the information available so you can make that decision for yourself.
One last thing –
We’re only discussing the shell/construction method. Almost all features (eg: heating, pumps, cleaning) are available to both types of pools so we’ll ignore those for the purpose of this article.
Price, Cost, Money
We’ll start with the biggest difference between the two and that is cost. Comparing apples to apples, fibreglass is generally 20 to 30% cheaper than concrete. As a fibreglass pool is a manufactured product, there are inherent cost savings that come with something that is mass produced. Because the shell is made in a factory and installed on site, a fibreglass pool can be installed in a matter of weeks.
Concrete on the other hand is more expensive because it is customised for each home. If you can think of the design, it can be made in concrete! It generally takes longer for a concrete pool to be installed with more reliance on trades so this is where the increase in cost generally comes from.
Winner: Fibreglass
Design
This is a quick one. Fibreglass pools come in set designs from a manufacturer whereas concrete pools are designed per project.
In other words, anything that can be built in fibreglass can be built in concrete but generally not the other way around.
Now that’s not necessarily a bad thing as there is a vast amount of fibreglass pool designs now that could be suitable for your home. But if you’re after something special and unique, then concrete is the only way to go.
Winner: Concrete
Durability
Fibreglass and concrete are both hard-wearing, long-lasting materials. Fibreglass is generally more resistant to long-term everyday wear than concrete, but it is more susceptible to damage and cracking due to soil and ground movement. Meanwhile, concrete may require repair work at some point during its lifespan to handle general wear and tear. Whatever material you finally decided on, however, you can expect to get decades of enjoyment from your new swimming pool.
Winner: Tie
—
That’s it! Buying a pool is a big consideration, research widely and spend what you feel comfortable spending – it will be there for a long time, both concrete and fibreglass. If you would like more information, give us a call on (03) 9449 3003. If you’d like to read a deeper comparison between the two types of pools, check out this article.