The Pros and Cons of a Concrete Pool

Now that it’s March in Maryland, the signs of spring are all around us. And naturally, when we think spring, we think pool season. Springtime is prime time for any inground pool contractor, and we’re no exception. If you’ve been thinking about installing an inground pool, your first major decision is what type of pool to get. Last month, we talked about fiberglass pools. Today we’ll discuss the pros and cons of a concrete pool.

Pros of a Concrete Pool

• Can be as big as you want
• Many more custom pool design features
• Extremely durable

When Size Matters
Unlike fiberglass pools, concrete pools can be any custom size. They can be any shape, length, width, or depth that you want. If you would like to have an Olympic size pool, go for concrete.

Custom Features
Other pools come in a set number of features. A concrete swimming pool can be customized in any way you want. A concrete pool is perfect as a vanishing edge or infinity pool. You can customize with stairs or a beach entry, as well as add tanning ledges of any shape and size. The full pool design is in your hands.

Durable
You don’t have to worry about scratches or punctures to the pool shell. Want to let your dog go for a swim? No problem. A concrete pool will last for decades if you take care of it properly.

Cons of a Concrete Pool

• Higher initial cost
• Takes longer to install
• Uses more chemicals

Higher Initial Cost
Because of all of the added labor and materials involved in designing and installing a concrete pool, you will have a higher initial cost than you would with a fiberglass pool. You are getting a handcrafted inground pool, rather than one made in a manufacturing plant.

Installation Time is Longer
With some inground pools, installation is complete in a week. With a concrete pool, the process can take 16-20 weeks. That’s because of the extra time it takes for design and planning, excavation, placement of the steel grid, the application of the concrete, time to cure, and more.

Uses More Chemicals
A concrete pool requires more chemicals than other pools. This is because concrete is porous, and algae can take hold. In addition, the alkalinity of the pool shell can raise the pH of the water, which requires you to add acid to counteract a rising pH.

Is a Concrete Pool Right for You?
If the custom size and features you can get with a concrete pool are important to you, and cost is not a big factor, then a concrete swimming pool may be right for you. You’ll get the beauty and prestige that only a concrete pool can bring. And you can always hire a pool care company to take care of the dirty work.

Scheduling a Consultation
If you decide that a concrete pool is for you, you will want to get estimates from at least 3 inground pool contractors. Ask friends, neighbors and coworkers for recommendations. Research the companies online, and then schedule the onsite consultations. Ask every pool builder the same questions, and then when you have your estimates, compare apples to apples. If one contractor has a bid that is far lower than the other two, beware. Make sure they didn’t leave something out.

And congratulations! You and your family are going to enjoy your pool for years to come!