Discover the Best Swimming Pool for your Family

Swimming pools can be constructed with various materials. Which type is the best for you and your family? This guide will explain the pros and cons of each, to help you make the most out of your investment.

There are many swimming pool materials to choose from. They come in concrete, vinyl, fiberglass or inflatable plastic. Your choice depends on the look you want, the price you are willing to pay and the annual cost of maintenance.

Concrete pools are the most popular type of pool, due mainly to its durability. It can withstand the toughest climate and can be built just about anywhere, including difficult sites with awkward terrain. The shape and size of the pool can be left to your imagination. There are many possible finishes to choose from, including plaster, mosaic, paint, or aggregate.

Plaster is the most common finish for concrete pools. It is less expensive than most, but is relatively maintenance-intensive. Tile is rather costly, but there are so many choices for texture and color that it can boggle one's mind. Paint is very inexpensive, but has high maintenance cost in the long run due to annual repainting and the difficulty of maintaining a chemical and water balance. Aggregate is more expensive than plaster, but is becoming very popular due to its durability. It is also easy to maintain and very attractive.

Vinyl-lined pools are significantly inexpensive in comparison. They are kid-friendly because of the smooth surface, causing fewer scraps and scratches. They can be installed in a relatively short period of time, and they are portable to some degree. Vinyl pools are easier to maintain, but they generally need to be replaced every 10 years. One drawback is that they do not give you a lot of design choices, and some do not work well under certain climates.

Fiberglass pools offer the benefit of long-term durability with a smooth, non-abrasive finish. They are very low-maintenance, and they are resistant to erosion and algae. These pools can save you a lot of money in chemicals, electrical, and maintenance costs. The fiberglass pool only takes days to install and never needs to be resurfaced. These pools generally work well in any climate.

Inflatable plastic pools have become hugely popular due to the ease of assembly and next-to-nothing cost. It is a low maintenance, temporary pool that can be easily transported without installation or maintenance costs. The number one and most terrifying disadvantage of these pools is the danger posed to small children. Never leave your children unattended at or near a swimming pool of any shape or size.


Cass Richards loves to swim and splash in her backyard pool with family and friends. She is a wife, and a mother of three young children. In her spare time, she writes for swimmingpools101.com – a wonderful source of information about pool designs, chemical safety, toys and accessories.