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Building a pool comes with a lot of decisions and choices, one of which is what kind of material to use for your new backyard addition. Currently, the three most popular options are concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl. What’s ultimately “best” for you depends on factors such as your available budget and personal preferences for appearance and upkeep. To give you a better idea of what could be the best or most suitable material for your pool, we take a closer look at the top three options below.
Concrete has been used to build pools and similar structures for centuries, and it remains a popular choice for backyard pools today. The concrete used to build a swimming pool is called gunite because a hose and gun are used to pump wet cement onto the pool’s steel reinforcements.
Durability is one of the top selling points for using concrete to build a pool. However, there’s typically more maintenance involved. Still, there are some impressive aesthetic options available, including specialized techniques that give you a surface appearance mimicking the look of more luxurious materials. With cost, though, a gunite pool in San Diego tends to be more of an initial investment.
• Impressively customizable
• Durable as far as value for your investment goes
• Attractive if applied well and maintained
• A more involved building process
• A rougher surface
• A need for resurfacing from time to time
Some pool owners contend fiberglass is the best material for a pool. It does give you a nice finish, and it’s not as rough as concrete. An argument can be made that fiberglass is one of the top materials for pools today if you prefer an attractive, smooth finish. Additionally, fiberglass swimming pools can be conveniently manufactured off-site, but that does present some limitations with customization. As far as costs go, fiberglass is typically in the middle range. However, total cost can vary based on size, shape, and other preferences.
• Appealing design options, such as molded steps
• No need for liner replacements or resurfacing
• Resistant to algae growth and corrosion
• Some possible logistics issues if you’re having a larger fiberglass pool built off-site
• Limited pool bottom options or configurations
• Damage potential during the installation process, but this can be minimized by working with an experienced builder
If cost is your top concern, vinyl may be the best choice for a pool material for you. Vinyl is also reasonably durable, although it’s susceptible to scratches and tears. This can be problematic if you have dogs with sharp nails that regularly enjoy your pool. That said, it’s possible to maintain a vinyl pool well enough to keep it in generally good shape for many years.
• A nonporous surface that makes it easier to maintain water chemical balance
• A fairly quick and easy installation process
• Many design options
• Possibility for algae growth
• A need for more frequent cleaning
• Liner replacement required every 10 years or so
A good rule of thumb when choosing your primary pool material is to consider how you’ll use your pool, how often you’ll use it, and what works for you as far as maintenance and upkeep go. With aesthetics, an experienced builder should be able to come up with options you find visually pleasing. Working with a knowledgeable builder also makes it easier to choose a pool material that fits into your budget while still giving you the preferred results.
If you’re getting ready to build a pool of your own, make sure to work with the finest professionals in the pool-building industry. The expert team from San Diego Pools specializes in every aspect of pool and spa construction, from slides and waterfalls to in-ground spas and custom pool design. San Diego homeowners should call us today at 888-707-7786. We offer complimentary consultations and professional pool conceptual designs with all of our estimates.