Difference between Above Ground Pool, Fiberglass Pool and Concrete Pool
Swimming pools are used by sun lovers for fun and leisure. Popular especially during summer to beat the heat at home or on vacation when a dip in the pool is romanticized or accepted as a full force kid’s sport. Swimming is glorified in the Olympic Games and people everywhere become inspired to learn to swim for fitness or fun – young and old alike. Backyard pools are very popular. Choosing a pool is important as a major home investment. Aside from the sizes of the swimming pools, there are also several makes and models. Let’s look at the above ground pool, the fiberglass pool and the concrete pool.
Composition
Above ground pools, as the name suggests, is a swimming pool constructed above the ground. This may seem to be unusual since most of us are used to seeing swimming pools that are installed below the ground. A reason for installing an above ground pool is that in some areas where the ground freezes in the winter and it is difficult to excavate. Also ground freezing can damage the pool structure as the ice expands and retreats. On the other hand, fiberglass pools are made of a very strong material which comes from fine glass fibers which are used as a reinforcing agent. Fiberglass pools can be constructed above ground or below the ground. Concrete pools on the other hand are made of rock compounds below the ground. This is the most common type of swimming pool.
Durability
Above ground swimming pools are the least durable when it comes to its resistance from natural phenomena. But because it is above the ground, you do not have to worry about ground freezing affecting your pool. Fiberglass pools are considered the most durable pools out there. Because they are made of durable glass, they can withstand any nature caused event like an earthquake or even ground freezing, whether the pool is installed underground or above the ground. Concrete swimming pools are not so good in ground frozen areas for they might get damaged. Also, earthquakes could literally destroy a concrete pool.
Maintenance
When it comes to maintaining your pool, the hardest one to maintain is the above ground pool. Why? Because above ground pools do not only need cleaning from inside the pool itself but also from the outside of the structure in order for them to be maintained and presentable. Fiberglass pools are very easy to clean and cheaper to maintain. All you have to do is to vacuum the dirt from below the pool and you’re done. The second most difficult to clean is the concrete pool for you have to scrub the molds that stick to it in order to maintain it.
Summary
- Above ground pools are best for areas where the ground freezes and in places where it would be a real challenge to dig up the ground and place a pool inside.
- Fiberglass pools are made from the most durable material, are easy to install and easy to clean. Drawbacks includes issues with the sand shifting below the pool, the pools must be filled with water at all times, and emptying the pool has to be done in properly.
- Concrete pools are the most popular type of pool and the hardest to maintain due to their structure and materials.
