Vinyl Liner Pools vs. Fiberglass Pools: Pros and Cons
You may think the decision to put in an inground pool will be the hardest one to make; actually, the hardest decision is which material you want for your pool. Vinyl liner pools and fiberglass pools are two common choices when it comes to inground pools for homeowners in New Jersey. Let’s go over the pros and cons of each.
VINYL LINER POOLS
This type of pool is just like it sounds: it features a custom made sheet of vinyl between the water and the structure of the pool.
Pros
Cost: The biggest reason people choose vinyl liner pools is their affordable cost over other types. The cost of installation is low because the cost for the materials is low as well as the cost of labor. Plan on spending between $20,000 and $40,000 for a vinyl liner pool and patio.
Feel: Vinyl liners are soft, smooth and easy on the feet, which means you won’t scratch your toes, legs, knees or arms on them.
Sanitary: Because they are non-porous, vinyl liners won’t harbor algae or other growth like porous surfaces will. You don’t need to use as many chemicals with a non-porous liner, saving you money and time.
Customization: You can customize your vinyl liner to fit just about any configuration for a pool that you want, from L shapes to Roman to Grecian. You can also choose any color or pattern combination you want. There are endless style options to choose from.
Cons
Replacement: Because vinyl liners are soft, they can tear easily. Dog claws, human feet, pool toys and more can cause rips and tears in the liner. This can require replacement, or leaks can occur. While the structure itself can last up to 35 years and longer, you’ll likely have to replace the liner every decade or so. The cost of a new liner, with materials and labor, is about $4,000.
Fading: If your pool uses chlorine, your vinyl liner will fade over the years thanks to the harsh UV rays of the sun.
No Resale Value: Vinyl liner pools don’t carry with them a good resale value like, say, fiberglass pools, which are considered long-term structures that add to the value of the home.
FIBERGLASS POOLS
Fiberglass pools are made of a fiberglass material that is pre-formed when it arrives at your home.
Pros
Low Maintenance: From chemicals to repairs, fiberglass pools are sought after for their low maintenance requirements over the lifetime of the pool.
Aesthetics: While white was the only choice in years past, now there are many colored finishes to choose from.
Long-Term Cost: This is lower than a vinyl pool because there are no liners to replace over the lifetime.
Re-Sale Value: They have a better re-sale value than vinyl, appealing to more home buyers.
Cons
Size Limitations: Fiberglass pools don’t go deeper than 8′ or wider than 16′, so customization is limited.
Price: The initial price of fiberglass pools is more than a vinyl pool – usually about $4,000 to $9,000 more.
Here at Central Jersey Pool, we install and service both vinyl liner and fiberglass pools. Come see our showroom for samples at Route 9 North in Freehold, NJ. We can be reached at 732-462-5005.