Low initial cost: Acrylic Pools can have the lowest initial cost of any in- ground pools.
Heat retention: Acrylic with a fibreglass backing results in better heat retention than other pool types
No lifetime cost: There is no vinyl liner to replace or resurfacing needed, so money on repairs is nil.
Non-abrasive: The acrylic surface is smooth to the touch. No cut feet or bather snags
Built-in Seats and Steps: Hand sculptured seats for comfort. Easy enrty steps
Manufactured in controlled environment: Acrylic pools are built in the controlled climate of a factory.
Quick installation: Because the shells of acrylic pools are built off site, the installation occurs more rapidly, 1week on average (not landscaped).
Limited shapes and designs: Acrylic pools are built by vacuum forming acrylic sheets. The shapes and sizes to what’s offered by the manufacturer depends on the size of the sheeting and the size of the machine
Installation: Models can installed above and in – ground
Small Volumes/ Depths : Easier and cheaper to heat
Disadvantages:
Limited shapes and designs: Acrylic pools are built by vacuum forming acrylic sheets. The shapes and sizes to what’s offered by the manufacturer depends on the size of the sheeting and the size of the machine
No wider than 2.3m. Transported overseas in containers and by road using standard trailers
Fibreglass Pools: Pros and Cons
Advantages:
Low maintenance: The gel coat surface of the fibreglass pool shell is non-porous, preventing algae growth and reducing the chemicals required to maintain the pool.
No lifetime cost: There is no vinyl liner to replace or resurfacing needed, so money on repairs is nil.
Non-abrasive: The gel coat surface of fibreglass pools is smooth to the touch. No cut feet or bather snags
Built-in Seats and Steps: Most fibreglass pool designs have seating and all have steps incorporated into the shell of the pool.
Manufactured in controlled environment: Fibreglass pools are built in the controlled climate of a factory.
Quick installation: Because the shells of fibreglass pools are built off site, the installation occurs more rapidly, 1-2 weeks on average (not landscaped).
Disadvantages:
Limited shapes and designs: Fibreglass pools are built from a mold, limiting the shapes and sizes to what’s offered by the fibreglass pool manufacturer.
Installation restrictions: Some models cannot be installed above ground
No wider than 4.88 m. Fibreglass Pools are transported by road. Shipping restrictions limit the width of the fibreglass pool shell to 4.88 metres (16′).
Vinyl Liner Pools: Pros and Cons
Advantages:
Low initial cost: Vinyl Liner Pools can have the lowest initial cost of any in- ground pools.
Customisable shape and size: No limitations on length, width, and depth.
Non-abrasive: The vinyl liner material is smooth to the touch.
Doesn’t foster algae: The material used in vinyl liner pools is non-porous so it inhibits algae growth.
Quick Installation: both above and in ground
Disadvantages:
Higher lifetime cost: The liner will need to be replaced , so the will require emptying then re- filling
Liner warranties pro-rated: Many vinyl liner may have long warranties , but they are pro-rated .
Have to use pool with care: Foreign items thrown in the pool may cause some concerns with the liners.
Lower resale value: When selling a home with a vinyl liner pool, the purchaser may ask for the liner to be replaced before the sale of the house, or the value of the pool / house may be depreciated.
Concrete Pools: Pros and Cons
Advantages:
As big as your heart desires: Concrete pools can be any size, shape, or depth.
More design flexibility: Vanishing edges, beach entries, tanning ledges, etc. are all a reality with concrete pools.
Works of art: Concrete Pools can blende perfectly into the landscape.
Disadvantages:
High lifetime cost: Concrete pools need to be renovated, if the surface was not upgraded at the time of construction. Renovations may involve resurfacing and or re-tiling the pool.
More chemical use: The surface of this pool is porous, so more chemicals and filtration are required to prevent algae. The alkaline pH of the shell also raises the pH of the water, requiring acid additions to counteract the effect.
More maintenance: These pools need to be frequently broomed or swept with a pool brush to remove algae from the plaster or aggregate surface.
Longer install time: Concrete pools usually take 2-4 months to install.