There are three primary types of swimming pools on the market: concrete (also known as gunite), fiberglass, and a vinyl liner. We've broken down the differences between these here, including varying cost factors.
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If comparing the same size, steps, depth, etc. the typical order of most expensive to least expensive for these 3 pool types are as follows:
- Concrete (most expensive)
- Fiberglass (sometimes can't compete due to size restrictions)
- Vinyl (least expensive)
While some people have an instinctive assumption that they wouldn't be happy with a less-expensive option, with the heavy impact of the pandemic and inflation on every industry including pools, many families are looking for a cost-effective way to get the home pool they really want, instead of being limited by the higher cost of supplies. This has led more people to look at their options and vinyl pool sales have soared as a result of what they are finding.
Today's vinyl pools are not what you may remember growing up with. These days, many experts can't tell the difference between a high-dollar concrete pool and a modestly priced vinyl liner pool from photos alone. Meaning, you can get the high-end look you've always dreamed about, with all the bells and whistles you've come to expect on concrete pools, in a way that fits your pocketbook, too. Here's what you need to know:
Pool Prices Increased Over the Pandemic
Due to Covid, prices for many supplies have increased substantially over the course of the last two years--including the supplies needed to build a swimming pool. Supply chain challenges have made it more difficult for businesses to bring in the materials they needed to even create the products not to mention keep them on the shelves.
Many pool companies--including ours--did not have enough supplies on hand initially to meet the steadily increasing demand as potential customers realized that they were going to be spending A LOT more time at home.
As a result, pool prices have skyrocketed over the past few years--and those are pricing changes that do not seem likely to come down any time soon. The timeline to put in new pools has also increased due to a higher demand for experienced builders, meaning installation prices have also gone up. Before you give up all hope for making your backyard dreams come true anytime soon, stick with us.
If you compare the price of a concrete pool to the price of a vinyl liner pool of the same shape, size, depth, etc., concrete pools have always been more costly. And unfortunately, thanks to the Covid-related cost increases, those prices are even higher now. Just the amount of concrete needed to complete the project alone can mean substantial increases, including a 3.6% increase in material costs during Covid. With concrete costs between $100.50 and $278 per sq. ft and the average residential swimming pool being 600 Sq. ft, you're talking upwards of $166,000 for just the concrete alone (not the pump, filter, other building materials, etc.). And that's before the pandemic inflation added another $6,000 for the same project (remember that 3.6% price increase we just mentioned).
And while vinyl liner pools were no exception to increased materials cost, you can get A LOT more bang for your buck just due to how much less concrete you'll need for the job. And the "bang" in vinyl liner swimming pools has come a long way!
Improvements in Vinyl Liners
Historically, vinyl liner pools were considered the "budget" option for an inground pool. While they are still less expensive than other pool options (when comparing apples to apples), they are also much more attractive than pools you may remember from the 70s. Now, instead of drop-in steps, you can opt for beautiful full-width steps and a variety of high-end options.
- Deck jets
- Waterfalls and fire bowls
- Tanning ledges with bubblers
- Liner patterns in an array of designs, colors, and textures, with or without a border
Basically, if you can imagine it, you can likely create it--allowing you to have your dream pool at a much lower overall cost.
Top 3 Cost-Saving Advantages of Vinyl Liner Pools Most People Don't Think About
If you're considering installing a pool within the next few years, there are several advantages to choosing a vinyl pool over concrete or fiberglass. We've listed some of the biggest cost-saving advantages below but you can find a full run-through of the pros and cons for each pool type here.
1. Replacing a Liner is Much Less Costly Then Resurfacing Concrete or Fiberglass
I know, you're thinking I haven't even got my pool yet! Are we really going to talk about this? Yes. Because all pools eventually need to be either resurfaced (concrete and fiberglass) or have a new liner installed (vinyl). And taking those costs into consideration now can save you THOUSANDS down the road.
In the past, vinyl liners might have been the less durable swimming pool option. Modern vinyl liners, on the other hand, are extremely durable and can last as much as 7-10 years with proper water care. In many cases, they will also need less overall maintenance than another type of pool.
Eventually, of course, even the most durable vinyl liner will likely need to be replaced. Just like every concrete pool will eventually need to be resurfaced. Refinishing a concrete pool, on average, costs about $7,000 for every 1,000 square feet of concrete that you need to resurface. This is assuming that the 3.6 concrete inflation rate has subsided. Now compare this to the average cost of replacing an inground vinyl liner: $1,400-$4,800 depending on your pool's size.
Part of this is the cost of the material. Another deals with the ease of removing an old liner and replacing it which typically only takes 1-2 days. Versus resurfacing the much more difficult task of resurfacing concrete, which can take a builder 5-7 days.
Many homeowners even skip paying someone else to install their liner and opt to do it themselves. That's not an option with concrete pools but definitely a big money saver.
Vinyl is also less vulnerable to freeze/thaw cycles in colder areas.
If you're in an area that sees cold winters, you will find that vinyl offers another advantage: unlike concrete, it expands and shrinks less during those freezing/thawing cycles that occur throughout the winter. As a result, you will not have to worry as much about repairs on your pool, which can help keep maintenance costs lower over time.
In general, you should plan to have a concrete pool resurfaced every ten years. However, depending on climate and chemical use, you may need to resurface your pool as often as every 7 to 10 years.
It's important to keep in mind that every 7-10 years, either concrete or vinyl pools will most likely require a facelift. This assumes that there's no excessive wear or tear, hard weather conditions, or poor chemical balance affecting the lifespan of either pool type. If you're concerned not just with the savings you get upfront but for the long haul, vinyl is a clear winner here.
2. Shorter Installation Time Means Big Savings
Not only can you save on the up-front cost of your pool kit, but when you choose vinyl over concrete or fiberglass you also save big bucks on the installation. Installing a fiberglass pool, for example, requires major equipment to lower the pool shell into the dug-out hole. This is can be the excavator used on the dig, but some have had to use a helicopter to get the job done.
Installing a concrete pool means substantial material costs and roughly two months working with (and paying for) a construction crew. With vinyl, on the other hand, you can complete much of the installation process yourself--or even go entirely the DIY route if you want. But even if you go the more traditional route of hiring an amazing builder in your area, vinyl liner pools cost much less to install for a couple of reasons but mainly based on the time it takes to complete the project.
BUILD YOUR OWN SWIMMING POOL & SAVE MONEY
We mentioned in the last section that replacing an old liner takes much less time than resurfacing concrete or fiberglass. The same is true with the installation. And the less time a builder has to spend on the job site, the less it's going to end up costing you.
On average, concrete pools take 7-10 weeks to install, cure and finish.
Whereas, a fiberglass pool takes 2-4 weeks to install.
And vinyl swimming pools only take 1-2 weeks, start to finish.
Outside of potentially waiting much longer than anticipated before you and your family can cannonball into your new pool, those extra weeks being billed for your installation team's time really add up fast.
While you may still find yourself waiting for critical materials thanks to Covid supply issues or dealing with possible construction delays like weather (no one can reschedule rain), vinyl pools go up faster and more efficiently than any other inground pool type. This means you'll be able to enjoy it sooner and not have to pay for several more weeks of man-hours invested in the process. This equals significant cost savings.
3. Vinyl Pools Don't Absorb Your Chemicals Like Concrete Pools
Ultimately, vinyl requires less maintenance--and less expensive maintenance--than the average concrete pool. Which sounds odd, right? But it's because concrete pools are porous, so they need a higher amount of the chemicals you use to keep the pool clean. That means:
- Regular chlorine addition (an estimated 2 tablets for every 10,000 gallons, per week)
- Pool shock (an estimated 1 bag for every 10,000 gallons, which you may have to apply weekly or monthly)
- Algaecide
- Specialty PH balancers and cleaning chemicals
You can avoid many of these expensive chemicals by utilizing a mineral system such as Pool Frog with E-Z Pool water treatment. Which is another great money-saving advantage for any type of pool. But vinyl tends to grow less algae in general, due to its non-porous nature.
Vinyl also tends to remain more balanced than a concrete pool since the chemicals will be less likely to leech into the surface of the pool. If you want to avoid excessive chemicals, which can be ideal for families with sensitive skin and sensitive wallets, you will find that a vinyl pool is a more logical choice for your needs.
The showroom and design center at Pioneer Valley Fiberglass Pools and Spas in Westfield, Mass., covers 5 acres and displays six fully functional, inground Leisure fiberglass pools surrounded by a variety of hardscape products, all with Integra automatic pool covers.
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You gotta show 'em to sell 'em, right? That old adage
applies to swim spas and
saunas, casual furniture and
fire pits, but does the direct experience
of a fiberglass pool help customers
decide to buy?
Yes, of course it does, and that
obvious truth is the driving concept
behind the new Pioneer Valley fiberglass
superstore in Westfield, Mass. With an
immaculate array of six different models
set in comfy vignettes, it provides
customers the chance to immerse
themselves in the pool they are about to
purchase.
They can feel the water with their
fingers and touch the decking with
their bare toes. They can see the crystal
clear reflections shimmering in the
sun, and hear the soft whirr of the
VSP that comes with the package. And
there is precise product pricing posted
clearly on a poolside placard — all of
which inspires a sense of solidity to the
transaction and commitment from the
builder.
The idea for a fiberglass pool park
idea came to Pioneer Valley Owner
Clancy Kaye 15 years ago. In his vision,
customers were strolling around in
the sunshine, dipping their fingers
and toes into fiberglass pools, settling
into Adirondack chairs, catching the
scent of barbecue on the breeze, and
contemplating what could be their own lifestyle with a few payments of mere
money.
"I was thinking of something similar
to an automobile dealership, right?
Where you walk into a showroom, and
there's maybe a Corvette and a couple
other shiny cars, and people are milling
around, getting brochures, talking to
salespeople."
Kaye had some drawings done and
ruminated for a while. Years went by.
The business thrived, but the idea would
not go away. And then one day, with
the fiberglass category enjoying steady
growth and the pandemic surge in full
swing, he decided what the heck.
"I said, 'Let's build this. Let's put
six fully functional pools in the ground,
with a variety of hardscapes, all with
automatic retractable pool covers,
so when people come here, they can
have most of their questions answered
immediately in terms of pool style, color,
and things of that nature."
WHAT IF YOU COME OUT?
The underlying genius of the idea is that
by forcing customers to come to the
store, it 1) automatically qualifies leads,
and 2) simplifies and shortens the sales
process.
It qualifies leads because by taking
the time and effort to travel to the
destination superstore, customers
already have a little skin in the game.
They've already put in their ante, so to
speak. They've spent at least an hour of
precious time, maybe more, and burned
some gas.
"Over the years," Kaye says, "often people would call and say, 'We'd love to have you come out.' And I'd think, 'Well, I'd love to have you come out.' Because we cover a lot of territory, and driving can take hours, so why don't you come here where we can sit down and talk about our beautiful pools? I always feel like if there's a little bit of pushback on that, then maybe he's not motivated enough.
"If somebody says, 'Geez, that's just too far.' Well, sorry, (laughs) then it's
probably too far for us, too. You can't be
crisscrossing the state, running yourself
ragged for people that really don't care
about it."
SIMPLE SALES
The park further streamlines the sales
process because it answers so many
questions without words. With the pool
configurations on display, customers
gather information with their eyes, ears,
nose and fingertips. And with a price
tag on each pool, the money dance is
shortened as well.
"We believe that the sooner the
customer can get a price, the better,"
Kaye says. "And I think the customers
really appreciate that. I mean, I know if
I'm shopping for a car, I want to go to a
lot where the price is on the car. I don't
wanna have to mess around and have
the guy say, 'Well, let me go check with
my manager.' (laughs)
"I think that's very powerful. When it
comes to price, let's just rip the bandaid
right off. Let's not screw around, just tell
them the price."
YOU GOTTA SEE IT TO SELL IT
Every salesperson knows that while
catalogs, videos and advertisements are
helpful, there's something very powerful
in seeing the product. The primacy of
physical presence is hardwired into the
human brain. And the more products
you have on hand, physically present,
the more powerful the effect. That's why
dealerships with full lots, and grocery
stores with full shelves, and spa stores
full of spas, all sell more.
That phenomena is in play at the
Pioneer Valley superstore, coaxing
customers to buy. Live product
demonstrations help, Kaye says,
especially with expensive add-ons like
automatic pool covers. Massachusetts
is one of the states where an automatic
pool cover can replace a fence in local
building codes, making it far more
financially attractive, and the demo unit
gets the conversation going.
"When people are out there next to
the pool, and Tyson [director of sales
Tyson Chamberlin] hits the switch, in
35 seconds the pool is uncovered. It's
crystal clear, pristine, and they're like,
'Oh, yeah, I gotta have that.'
"That automatically starts the
discussion: 'The automatic pool cover
is 18 grand, but look, you'd probably
spend $10,000 on a fence, right?' So
that $10,000 is now a deposit on the 18
grand for the cover.
"Having it right in front of them
makes it easier to sell those things,
water features and anything else that
we have out there that people can
get inspiration from. It's a natural discussion. And it helps them make a
decision."
Automation and equipment work
the same. All the purchase details that
normally have to be verbally described or
computer visualized are self explanatory
in the pool park.
"People often want to know how big
the equipment pad is, and how loud the
pump is, for instance. Here we can show
them:
'Hey, can you hear that? That's the
variable-speed pump.'
'Geez, I can't even hear it.'
'That's right. That's the idea.'
"Automation is the same: 'Let me pull
my phone out and show you how we
can start these water features from
right here.'"
THE NATURE OF FIBERGLASS
In a way, the Pioneer Valley superstore
is a natural progression in the growth of
the fiberglass category, which has been
vigorous for decades. At the turn of the
century, the volume wasn't there, nor was the widespread installer expertise to
put in zero-defect pools on a meticulous
schedule, on a steady basis. But builders
have perfected the process of delivering
a reliable, attractive fiberglass pool.
"The guys really make this all
happen," says Chamberlin. "Without
a great team of installers and support
people in place, you know, we couldn't
possibly do this the way we do it. They
take a lot of pride in their work. They
work very long days, and they work
hard."
"Fiberglass has come such a long
way when you look at the shapes and
sizes, features and benefits available
today that weren't there when I started,"
Kaye adds. "They have dramatically
changed, and that's changed how
people look at fiberglass pools today. We
can build a fiberglass pool as good as
anything else out there."
The rapid market share growth
of the fiberglass category is due to
its unique characteristics. Fiberglass
pools go in fast, and they are more
standardized and affordable than other
inground options. Fiberglass lends itself
to the superstore approach because
of its manufacturable, standardizable
characteristics, and that ultimately
makes it a powerful value proposition for
consumers. They can have a beautiful,
affordable pool, fast. And when the sales
and specification process is streamlined
by a pool park, that strong attractive
feature is magnified.
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