Fiberglass vs. Vinyl Liner Pools: Which is better?

At Woodfield Landscaping, we have been helping  buyers compare and contrast the different types of Maryland pools available.  Some of our customers prefer a fiber glass pool, while others prefer vinyl liners. Just as decisions in your daily life have pros and cons, there are many pros and cons in deciding on a pool type and it is important to be informed during the purchasing process.

Vinyl Liner Pools

A vinyl liner pool refers only to the interior surface of the pool.  The vinyl liner is the thermoplastic used to waterproof the interior of the in-ground pool, normally having an attractive pattern to serve as the décor of the pool.  Because the liner is not a part of the pool itself, it needs to be replaced when they reach the end of their design life, normally 20-25 years, but varies depending on usage.

Advantages of Vinyl Liner Pools

• Price:Initially there is a lower price due to low material costs and low labor costs.
• Customization:Vinyl Liner pools can be built to any shape or depth.

Disadvantages of Vinyl Liner Pools

• Liner Replacements: Although liner warranties usually last 20-25 years, the warranty loses its value each year.  The warranty also does not cover labor and water costs, and more often than not, you will need to replace your liner more than once in that 20 year span.
• Bleaching of Liner: Although the liner may stay intact, chlorine tends to fade the color of the liner.

Fiberglass Pools

A fiberglass pool is exactly what it declares to be.  It is a pool, built upon layers of fiberglass, with a surface layer of high quality gel coat that nowadays, is fade resistant.

Advantages of Fiber Glass Pools

• Lower Maintenance: Fiberglass pools use 1/3 the amount of chemicals that vinyl liner pools use and there are no liner replacements necessary.
• Aesthetics: With new mold innovations, colored finishes, and fade resistant surfaces, the fiberglass pool is and stays aesthetically pleasing.
• Long Term Cost: Because of the longevity and low maintenance, the cost over a lifetime is significantly less than that of a vinyl liner pool.

Disadvantages of Fiberglass Pools

• Shape/Depth Limitations: Fiberglass pools are pre-manufactured to exact conditions.  There is no customization of size, shape, and color.
• Initial Price: The initial price of a fiberglass pool will be high and is usually a drawback for many customers who can’t fathom spending the money up front.

 

Making a decision regarding a Maryland pool can be a big one.  You may need to take into account your current budget, future budget, and the intended use of the pool. It is sure to be a tough decision, as are most decisions involving money.  But with summer upon us, these are some things to consider when purchasing an in-ground pool for your first home, new home, or home of twenty years. Happy swimming!

Installing an In-ground Pool in Winter: risks and benefits

Can an in-ground pool be installed in winter? Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to this question. The answer will be different for every homeowner and will depend on many factors.

Before you say “yes” or “no” to this decision, Woodfield Landscaping recommends you consider the following factors.

Why you might want to have your pool installed in winter

The pool is cheaper. Because it’s an off-season, you can find some great deals on pools, pool components and accessories.

The labor is cheaper. For the same reason, it is easier to find a Maryland pool installation contractor who would do the job for much less than what you would have paid in summer. You will also have quite a selection of skilled craftsmen to choose from, since winter is typically a slow season for them.

Both you and the workers can take the time to do a quality job. You will have several months until you can actually use the pool, and the contractors will have plenty of time to dedicate to your project.

You can have a pool ready for the season. The installation will be completed well before the hot summer days, so you’ll be able to use your pool as soon as the season starts.

Why you might want to wait until it’s warmer out

The ground tends to freeze. Depending on where you live, the ground freezes in winter up to a certain distance. When the ground is frozen, the excavation becomes difficult, if not impossible. Even if the excavation poses no problems, the compacting might, because frozen ground can’t be properly compacted and may cause uneven settlement later on.

It’s labor-intensive. Even though the labor is cheaper, a winter pool installation might require more labor than a similar project completed in summer.

Unexpected delays. Winter weather is often unpredictable, and if the temperature drops too low or a sudden snow storm leaves the worksite completely covered, you will have to “freeze” the project (no pun intended.)

Can’t test it. The installation might go fine, but it’s not recommended to run the pool equipment in cold weather when the water may freeze inside the pipes.  You will have to wait until the pool season to open your pool and test everything, so you need to make sure you have at least 6-months warranty on all of the pool components.

As you see, you will need to asses all the risks and benefits in your particular situation to determine whether installing an in-ground pool in winter is worth it. And if decide in favor of winter pool installation in Maryland, be sure to let us know and we’ll take a good care of you!