With spring now at our doorstep, our minds are turning to the urge of wanting to be outdoors and the thought of summer being just around the corner. Naturally, everyone wants pool water to cool off when the heat sets in. But when it's time to design your ideal pool with a Charlotte, NC Pool Contractor, how do you choose between fiberglass and concrete materials? Well, let's weigh up the differences.

Is it better for your Charlotte, NC Pool Contractor to work with Fiberglass Or Concrete?

When sorting a pool installation this summer, let our Charlotte, NC swimming pool contractor take on the load for you. Concrete installation takes a significant amount of time and is complex to install since an excavation is needed for the build, and we're well-equipped for the job.

For this process, the concrete is dry-mixed and pressurized to blow into place. The result is less porous and higher quality material, which increases durability and extends longevity.

With fiberglass, installers have a prefabricated shell. The "shell" comes precast from the company, with this single piece placed on top of a base inside the excavated hole. It's relatively fast and can only take a few weeks to complete.

One thing to consider with either material is the potential need for a retaining wall if the yard slopes. Sometimes, these walls need to sit beneath the pool to provide structural integrity. In this case, concrete is ideal.

Concrete is unique from fiberglass in that the material enables builders to install a wall below the surface connected directly to the concrete. This exceeds the expectations of the pool owners and gives them a more stable, secure, and desired outcome.

The surfaces

Due to the porosity of the surface, a concrete pool will have chemical sealants applied to avoid moisture absorption. Bacteria can get trapped in the rough material, leading to algae growth, and the sealants completely offset that threat.

A fiberglass surface is comparable to a smooth, nonporous bathtub, as there's no place for bacteria to attach. However, the downside of this surface is its tendency to become slippery when navigating stairs or other features.

The durability

Concrete pools boast an extended lifespan based on the overall build technique and the materials used. This lifespan can extend for decades with proper cleaning, adequate care and upkeep, and resurfacing. Also, a high-quality finishing solution to seal the material will improve longevity.

Fiberglass will endure roughly 25 years, but it's recommended that you reapply the gel finish on the interior every 10 years. The fiberglass material is not reinforced with its construction like concrete, so it's less durable.

Also, the shell sits on top of a platform of either sand or concrete, which can cause damage as the ground shifts and settles.

The maintenance

Concrete pools require a considerable amount of upkeep compared to fiberglass pools. Chemicals must be routinely rebalanced. Also, resurfacing is recommended roughly every 10 years to prevent moisture and maintain the surface. The better the care and maintenance, the longer its life will be, giving you a greater return on your investment.

Fiberglass pools require less frequent maintenance, and cleaning is relatively simple. The smooth surface helps protect against bacteria and algae, which means fewer chemicals are in the water.

We are your go-to Charlotte, NC Pool Contractor

We hope that gives you enough of a picture of the pros and cons of both materials. Regardless of which one you choose, Pool Drs will diligently build it with the most efficient materials to ensure an extended lifespan. Contact us today for more details.