When shopping for a swimming pool, the best thing you can do is homework. You have a lot of options. They all come with pros and cons, and there is a ton of marketing spin out there that, either intentionally or not, can be misleading and inaccurate. There are 3 main types of swimming pools.
Swimming Pools fall into three general categories: fiberglass, vinyl and concrete, and you should do some research on each.
- Fiberglass pools last essentially forever and they’re fast and easy to install. They are non-porous, smooth to the touch and incredibly durable. They require significantly less lifetime maintenance and repair than the other two types, but they are very limited when it comes to design, shape and size.
- Vinyl liner pools have a lower upfront cost, but require more maintenance down the line. Liners eventually need to be replaced, and are far more prone to damage from debris, falling branches and even things like dog claws. The feel of a vinyl liner is sleek and smooth, but they require fairly significant weekly maintenance.
- Concrete pools are by far the most customizable — they can be formed and molded into any size and shape. That aside, concrete pools come with a whole bunch of drawbacks. They’re much more expensive, they require significant upkeep and maintenance, they require more chemicals and they take the longest to build.
Next, consider the appropriate size. No pool is worse than too little or too much pool. You are obviously constrained by the size of your yard, but you should consider how much yard you’re willing to part with. Do you plan to entertain in the back yard? Do you want patio furniture? A deck? Who will use the pool the most? Adult lap swimmers require far more pool than kids.
It’s up to you to educate yourself and avoid mistakes when building a pool. Don’t focus solely on price, don’t put too much of a premium on warranties and don’t take the manufacturer’s word for granted. It’s your pool, your family, your yard — do your homework!