The best swimming pool for your family can bring years of excitement, enjoyment, laughter, and cherished memories. Just imagine having a space where you can relax, have fun with friends, or host family gatherings. A swimming pool can truly transform your home and enhance your lifestyle.

However, to make the most of your investment, it’s important to be informed about the different types of pools available and understand which one will best suit your lifestyle—both today and in the future. Let’s dive in and explore: What is the best type of swimming pool for your home and your family?

The Four Main Types of Swimming Pools

In 2020, the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (the swimming pool industry’s leading trade group) estimated that over 300,000 new swimming pools were installed in the United States alone, representing over 20% growth in the industry. These pools fall into four main categories:

  • Above-ground pools
  • In-ground vinyl liner pools
  • Concrete (gunite) pools
  • Fiberglass pools

To help you determine which pool type is right for your family, let’s explore the pros and cons of each.

Option #1: Concrete (Gunite) Swimming Pools

Concrete, also known as gunite, pools are a popular choice for many homeowners. These pools are highly customizable and have been around for decades, making them a familiar option for most.

Advantages of Concrete (Gunite) Pools

Concrete pools are like blank canvases—they can be designed to fit any desired shape, size, or depth. Whether you want a complex shape, a deep diving end, or an integrated spa, concrete pools are fully customizable, making them perfect for those looking to create a truly unique design. Additionally, concrete pools add substantial value to your property, making them an asset if you plan to sell your home in the future.

Disadvantages of Concrete (Gunite) Pools

Despite their beauty, concrete pools are very high-maintenance. Their porous surface encourages algae growth, which means you’ll need to spend more time brushing and using more chemicals to keep the water clean. Resurfacing is also necessary every 8-15 years to maintain the pool’s integrity. The rough texture can be uncomfortable on feet, particularly for young children.

Building a concrete pool can also be lengthy, often taking three to six months. Additionally, concrete pools are not the best candidates for salt chlorination, as the salt can lead to faster surface deterioration.

Option #2: Fiberglass Swimming Pools

One our best swimming pool models

Thanks to advancements in design and manufacturing, fiberglass pools have become an increasingly popular choice. These pools offer a wide range of styles and features, making them attractive options for many families.

Advantages of Fiberglass Pools

The most significant advantage of fiberglass pools is their low maintenance. The smooth, non-porous surface helps prevent algae growth, so you’ll spend less time cleaning, and fewer chemicals are needed. Fiberglass pools are also ideal for salt chlorination systems, making maintenance even more effortless.

Fiberglass pools are fabricated off-site and delivered to your home as a single piece. This ensures quality control during production and eliminates delays due to bad weather. Once the pool is delivered, installation is quick—in many cases, the pool can be installed, leveled, and ready to fill within just five days.

The design and construction of fiberglass pools have improved greatly. Today, they come in various shapes, sizes, and depths, with many offering built-in features like tanning ledges and integrated spas. Imagine Pools, for example, offers a wide selection of colors and designs that cater to various preferences, including using SMART color technology for enhanced durability and aesthetics.

Fiberglass pools are also backed by warranties that can offer peace of mind. Imagine Pools, for instance, provides a Limited Structural Warranty and a warranty against osmosis, making fiberglass pools an appealing and reliable choice.

Disadvantages of Fiberglass Pools

While fiberglass pools have many advantages, they do have some limitations. The main drawback is the lack of customization. Unlike concrete pools, fiberglass pools come in pre-designed molds, so you can’t change the shape or add unique features like custom steps or seating. You may be better suited to choosing a concrete pool if you have very specific design requirements.

Additionally, transporting a fiberglass pool to your home can be expensive, especially if you live far from the manufacturer. Delivery costs can sometimes add thousands of dollars to the total project expense. It’s also important to ensure enough access to your backyard to deliver the pool safely.

Option #3: Vinyl Liner In-Ground Swimming Pools

Vinyl liner pools are another popular choice, particularly for those on a budget who want an in-ground pool without the high costs of concrete or fiberglass.

Advantages of Vinyl Liner Pools

Vinyl-liner pools are generally more affordable than concrete or fiberglass options, with the initial cost often being $5,000 to $10,000 less. Vinyl pools offer a range of shapes and sizes, and the liners themselves come in a variety of colors and patterns, allowing for a customized look that can fit your backyard aesthetic.

Disadvantages of Vinyl Liner Pools

The biggest drawback of vinyl liner pools is the liner itself. Vinyl liners are prone to damage, such as tears or punctures, and they will need to be replaced every 7-12 years. This replacement can be costly and adds to the lifetime expense of owning a vinyl liner pool.

Vinyl liner pools are not ideal for homes with pets, as dogs or other animals can easily tear the liner with their claws. Additionally, vinyl pools may not add as much resale value to your home as concrete or fiberglass options, as they are often perceived as less permanent or less luxurious.

Option #4: Above-Ground Swimming Pools

An above ground pool is not often the best swimming pool choice

Above-ground pools are often seen as the most budget-friendly option, making them a popular choice for families looking for a swimming pool without a significant financial commitment.

Advantages of Above-Ground Pools

The primary advantage of above-ground pools is their affordability. Compared to in-ground pools, they are a fraction of the cost, and installation is much faster and simpler. Above-ground pools also come in various shapes and sizes, providing a decent level of customization for families.

Disadvantages of Above-Ground Pools

Above-ground pools are not as visually appealing as in-ground pools and are often seen as a temporary solution. Many homeowners’ associations also restrict or prohibit above-ground pools due to aesthetic concerns. These pools have limited depth options, and their construction materials tend to degrade over time, requiring panel replacements or even complete pool replacement every 8-15 years.

Above-ground pools are also incompatible with saltwater systems, as the salt can corrode the metal components, leading to premature deterioration.

In Conclusion: What Is the Best Swimming Pool for You?

After exploring the different types of pools, it’s clear that each option has its unique benefits and drawbacks. For many homeowners, a fiberglass pool offers the best balance of low maintenance, quick installation, and modern design features. With the advancement in fiberglass technology, pools like those offered by Imagine Pools provide a wide range of customization options and colors, making them an excellent choice for 95% of families.

If you are working within a budget, you might consider a vinyl liner pool or even an above-ground pool as a temporary solution. However, if you are looking for a pool that will provide lasting value, require minimal maintenance, and offer a luxurious experience, a fiberglass pool is well worth the investment.

A Note on Costs

The cost of owning a pool has increased in recent years due to increased demand, shortages in materials, and labor challenges. However, many families find that the value of having a pool—from providing a place for exercise to creating a social hub for family and friends—is well worth the price. When deciding on a pool, it’s important to weigh not just the initial investment but also the long-term enjoyment and benefits it will bring.

Ready for the Next Step?

Now that you know about the different types of pools and the advantages of fiberglass options, the next question is: Which swimming pool design is right for you and your family? Gary Carroll Pools offers a variety of designs, and their team is ready to help you make your dream of owning the perfect pool a reality. Let your backyard become the oasis you and your family have always dreamed of.

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