The choice of getting a brand new pool for your home can be quite the adventure for homeowners. All sorts of choices, designs and features can now be achieved thanks to all the developments in pool industry. However, choosing the right swimming pool material for your backyard can be quite a challenge.
Luckily, you have this guide to help you figure out the difference between fiberglass pools and concrete pools. In this article, we’ll go through what you need to know about pre-fabricated pools and the material they are made from. Along with that, we’ll show you the pros and cons between Fiberglass (GRP/GFRP) Pools and Concrete Pools!
What are Pre-fabricated Composite Pools?
When you get a pre-fabricated pool, you’re usually getting an above-ground pool that’s easier to install and takes less time compared to concrete pools that need to be built up from from scratch. These premade pools could also be used for in-ground or partially in-ground swimming pool. Pre-fabricated pools come in all shapes and sizes, able to be created around the design the client is looking for.
These pools can be made from a wide range of materials but we’ll be categorizing them between two distinct ones:
Composite Pools – Composite pools are typically made with a set of GRP Matrix and polyster resins that offer both durability, water temperature control and water resistance. As a prime choice for those looking for a low-maintenance pool that’s quick to set up, Composite Pools can provide homeowners with years of relaxation.
Concrete Pools – On the other hand, concrete pools could be a good choice when picking out readymade pools offering good levels of durability. Although they come in fewer varieties, and not so popular in the region, they too, take a relatively short amount of time compared to traditional pools.
Of course, there are other materials that manufacturers can use when making their pre-fabricated pools. Compared to concrete pools, GRP (or GFRP) Pools (known more commonly as fiberglass pools) offer different sets of benefits that make them more desirable to the savvy homeowner and their discerning eye.
Benefits of a GRP/GRFP Composite Pool
Specifically, the term ‘GRP/GRFP’ means glass-reinforced plastic or glass-fiber-reinforced plastic. There are whole lists dedicated to the different benefits of fiberglass pools compared to more traditional concrete and vinyl pools. Here are some of the main benefits you can expect from a composite pool through years of use:
Lower Maintenance Costs
Pool maintenance requires both the time and capital to ensure your pool is in top shape for most of the year. This means that you’ll be putting down a sum of money for pool upkeep but it all depends on what materials your pool is made from. Some sources place the maintenance costs for concrete pools at around $40,000 within 10 years of usage! A fiberglass pool only requires an upkeep fee of around $14,500 range as you’ll only be spending on chemicals. Composite pools are a great choice for homeowners looking for a low-maintenance and low-cost pool option!
Maintenance and Durability
Another aspect that you’ll have to look into is how easy it is to maintain the pool. Pool maintenance usually involves checking whether water acidity is at the right levels. The composition of the water also matters because the alkalinity of the water and the amount of chlorine present can alter the safety and comfortability of your pool.
Fiberglass pools require less surface cleaner compared to concrete pools. This is because concrete needs to be cleaned thoroughly to remove algae that sneak into the cavities of the material. You’ll also have to keep track of the water’s acidity and adjust pH levels constantly.
Some sources even go as far as to state that fiberglass pre-fabricated pools last upwards of 30 years with proper maintenance! Compare this to a concrete pool that would’ve experienced its fair share of cracks during this time. Of course, it is still vulnerable to extreme ground shifting or other incidents that can occur beneath the structure.
Relocation of the Pool
While the homeowners may not consider it, it is actually a big thing for homerenters. Tenants who want to spend their leisure time in their own backyard pools often fall into the dilemma of constructing a pool in a rented house and leaving it when they vacate the house. Pre-fabricated Composite Pools provide a flexibilty that concrete pools can never offer – the ability to be relocated.
Composite pools tend to be the replacement for older concrete pools due to all the reasons we’ve gone through. Within a month, you’ll be able to enjoy your pool with less of the maintenance hassle clogging up your schedule.
Need help installing a pre-fabricated pool in your home? Want help with your choice for a composite pool? Compass offers complete pool solutions that are personalized and available 24/7! Visit our official website to check out our showroom and see what other services we can do for you.
