How Fiberglass Pools Compare to Above Ground Swimming Pools

Overview
If you’re thinking about getting an above ground swimming pool, it would be a good idea to know about the other kinds of pools that are available as a comparison. This article will focus on fiberglass pools and how they compare to above ground pools.

Inground fiberglass pools are one type of inground pool that is currently available in the market. They have a number of attractive features, but are substantially more expensive than above ground swimming pools.

How Fiberglass pools are manufactured
Fiberglass pools are typically manufactured for a specific customer, especially if the particular shape that is ordered is not a stock shape, but rather a custom shape. Most brands of fiberglass swimming pools have a variety of predetermined shapes to choose from. Once the particular shape has been selected, the order is sent to the manufacturing facility of the company. The pool is then built to order and shipped to the customer.

Costs of Fiberglass Pools
There are several things to consider about fiberglass pool prices vs. the price of above-ground swimming pools. First and foremost is the up-front cost of the pool itself. Typical fiberglass pools cost from $20-30K for a small pool up to $40-50K for a large one. The variation in costs come from several factors including the types of pool accessories that are added on at the time of the order, ordering a custom shape vs. a standard shape, and the shipping distance.

While this is a substantial expense in the beginning, one of the things that fiberglass pools have an advantage over other pool types is that the ongoing cost of ownership is lower than other pool types. Typically, they require less time to maintain during the swimming season, require less cleaning and fewer chemicals due to the nature of fiberglass as a material. They don’t require replacement of the vinyl liner, since they don’t have one, and they don’t require remarciting as do cement inground pools. Most fiberglass pool manufacturers say that over a period of ten years, the cost of maintaining other pool types makes fiberglass pools prices more competitive.

Installation times
While still requiring more time to install than an above ground swimming pool, fiberglass pools can be installed much more quickly than other inground pools. This is because the excavation of the pool site can be timed with the delivery of the fiberglass pool to the site so that there is very little waiting in between.

Conclusion
So the biggest factors to take into consideration when comparing these two types of pools are upfront costs vs. cost of ownership over time, creating a permanent fixture vs. having a pool that can be disassembled and taken with to a new location, time of installation.

Once you know what your answer is to these issues, you’ll be able to make your decision about whether to go with a fiberglass swimming pool or an above ground swimming pool.

photo credit: Lostinawave

Pros and Cons of Above Ground Swimming Pools vs. Inground Pools

Have you thought that you might like to have a swimming pool to beat the summer heat or to relax in after a hard day’s work? Have you thought that it’s great to dream about having a swimming pool, but the cost or the maintenance or a multitude of other factors keeps you from really looking into getting a pool?

It’s easy to come up with a list of why you might want to have a pool. You might like to be able to come home after a long hot day at work, slip on your bathing suit and start relaxing in the pool. It’s a stress reliever. It can also be a great way to get some regular exercise. And it can be a great way to have a social event such as a kid’s birthday party, or after work get-together.

Here is a list of some reasons to choose to get an above-ground swimming pool.

• Cost – Generally speaking, the cost of above ground swimming pools is much less than that of inground pools. And this cost difference can often apply  to the cost of pool accessories as well such as automatic pool cleaners and pool heaters. Sometimes if you watch sales you can even find a discount above ground swimming pool.

• Less maintenance – Maintenance is a fairly easy process at the end of the season. Simply drain the pool and cover it. You also don’t have to worry as much about your pool cracking and leaking.

• Space –  If space is an issues, and it often is in urban and suburban areas, one of the nice features about above-ground swimming pools is that that they can take up much less space than an in ground pool.

• Quick installation – Installation doesn’t require the work of a lengthy excavation. You’re up and running quickly, and with the lower costs it’s easier to think about getting a larger variety of swimming pool accessories like above ground pool decks and pool slides.

Here are some drawbacks of above ground swimming pools to consider that might make you lean towards an inground pool:

• Depth of pool – These pools generally are not as deep and are always the same depth.  There won’t be a deep end to jump into.

• Size issues – Part of what keeps the costs of an above-ground swimming pool down is that the size is generally smaller. This means that there won’t be as many people in the pool at the same time. If you’re planning on entertaining a lot with your pool, then this would be something to take into consideration.If you’re hoping to have a lap pool, definitely remember that this is a limitation for these pools.

• Easier to damage – Since they are above ground, you’ll want to make sure to minimize the likelihood of running into the outside of the pool. You’ll want to consider pool designs that include swimming pool decks that wrap around and guard the outside of your pool.

Whichever way you go, just remember to brainstorm your list of likely uses, and I hope that this list helps to get you started!