Fiberglass Pools vs. Vinyl Pools – Which one is better?

Fiberglass Pools

Beautiful and cost-effective, a fiberglass pool is the easiest choice for your home.

Fiberglass pools offer custom designs at low costs.

Fiberglass is a lightweight but strong epoxy resin which has strands of glass interlaced within. This increases the strength of epoxy, making it perfectly suitable for a swimming pool as its flexibility prevents it from cracking under high-stress loads from water movement.

Fiberglass pools need an investment of about $30,000 and above.

The benefits of a fiberglass pool

  1. Easy to install. The pool can be installed in less than a week.
  2. A large number of choices in colour, finish, shape and design are available.
  3. Easy to maintain. Never needs repainting or resurfacing. The smooth surface cleans easily, is stain free and only asks for regular cleaning without the need for expensive chemicals.
  4. No sharp edges. Completely safe for children too.
  5. Compatible with saltwater. Saltwater pools offer you a healthy alternative to swimming, and fiberglass pools are totally compatible with saltwater.
  6. The low lifetime cost of ownership.

The disadvantages of a fiberglass pool

  1. Initial cost is higher than Vinyl Pools.
  2. Shapes and sizes are not customizable. So if you are very particular about the depth and length or are looking for some out-of-the-box shape, you might have to settle for another type.

Vinyl Pools

Durability, economy and customized shapes make Vinyl pools a preferred choice

If you are looking for a well-designed swimming pool at the lowest cost, a Vinyl pool ticks all the boxes.

Cheaper than a fiberglass pool, vinyl pools are flexible in their shape, size and colour, thus allowing you to dream a little more. You can choose to increase the thickness of the vinyl liner at a higher cost but that will also enhance the lifespan of the pool, virtually making it maintenance free for a long period.

You can expect to install an outstanding vinyl pool for $20,000 to $25,000+.

The advantages of a vinyl pool

  1. Lowest Initial Cost. Due to the low raw material cost and easily available labour, the cost of a vinyl pool remains the lowest among all types of pools.
  2. Large scale customization is possible. Unlike a fiberglass pool, you can ask for a random shape and it can be delivered without too much of a sweat.
  3. Easy to install. A week is all you will need to swim at your place.
  4. Smooth non-porous liners. Smoother than any other pool surface, vinyl liners also require less chemicals and save you a good amount of money over the years

The disadvantages of a vinyl pool

  1. Liner replacements. Typically, the pool structure can last 30-35 years; you will need to replace liners every 10 years on an average. The cost of a single replacement is around $3000-3500.
  2. Discolouration of liners. Chlorine can discolor your vinyl liners and they can start looking faded within a few years.
  3. Low resale value.

Vinyl pools can lose the initial cost advantage over a fiberglass pool within the first 10 years, but they provide you flexibility and savings in initial cost. Hence, take your decision carefully.

Do you still need more information? Check out our blog “How Durable Are Fiberglass Pools & Vinyl Pools?”

Impressed with the choices? Connect with us without any reservations- simply fill out our contact form, or call us today at 905.565.6588.