Once you’ve made the decision to install a pool, you’ll be faced with a host of questions and concerns sure to leave you perplexed. Of these, one of the most important will be which material to choose for your pool’s construction. Sole competitors in the in-ground industry, your options will be limited to either fiberglass or concrete (gunnite) – but which will it be?!
Fiberglass
Only a hair cheaper than gunnite in the short term, fiberglass’ cost efficacy comes into play over time. With little to no maintenance required, less upkeep means less money in the long run. That being said, fiberglass must be manufactured off-site, and is thus only available in pre-set casts. While a wide variety of styles exist, those who ardently seek a fully customized design will shy from the stock feel of a fiberglass pool. Installation is hardly more than a breeze, and the feel of your pool once completed will be smooth to the touch. (Warning: this can mean susceptibility to slips and falls!)
Gunnite
With a tendency to incite the growth of algae, your concrete pool will begin to incur maintenance costs not long after installation. Of course, the full range of customization in a concrete pool means that it will likely be a centrepiece of your yard, and chances are slim that you won’t want it looking its best. Though often finished with plaster, your budget is the ultimate determiner of your pool’s look and feel, with everything from drop-off edges to tile mosaics setting the mood for your backyard paradise. Unfortunately, installation is apt to take weeks or even months, turning your property into a veritable construction site.
At the end of the day (and with all the versatility available on the market), your decision to choose fiberglass or gunnite ultimately comes down to taste and budget. Consider the lifetime cost of your pool, and remember that it is an investment, not a purchase. If your heart is set on a design that outpaces your wallet, consider settling for a smaller pool (this means you, gunniters!). If you aren’t entirely partial to appearance, splurge on a simpler design in a larger size (attn: fiberglassers!). Above all else, be confident in and happy with your decision. This is your home, your money, and your future. Just keep swimming!