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Vinyl vs Concrete Swimming Pools
Installing a pool is a big decision. A pool can quickly become the centerpiece of your home - especially in the summer - and can add great value. What's the best kind? You want to make sure you do it right. When it comes to swimming pool construction. Atlanta has dozens of contractors specializing in vinyl and concrete pools. But, which one is the best for you? Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect swimming pool.
Customizing Your Pool
One of the first things to consider with a pool is the shape it'll take, and what attractive additions you're considering. Concrete is perfect if you'd like a particularly large or deep pool. Anything else you're considering - such as tanning ledges, or unusual shapes - are also perfectly suited to concrete. Vinyl pools are generally rectangular, but they can be altered into different shapes at an additional cost.
Time Required for Installation
When it comes to pool construction, some types of pools will take longer than others. Due to the nature of concrete, it can take between three to six months to construct a pool. Also, the weather has to be good, so don't expect work to even begin until spring. Vinyl, on the other hand, can be completed within four to eight weeks. In this instance, even a spring starting time means you'll be swimming by summer.
Expenses
Needless to say, both concrete and vinyl pools have some significant upfront costs. On average, however, vinyl tends to be at least $10,000 less than concrete pools of a similar size. While both types of liners need to be replaced every few years, concrete tends to be more expensive to replace and maintain.
Durability
When it comes to durability, it's hard to beat concrete (just ask the Romans). Concrete is unlikely to suffer much damage over its lifetime and its finish isn't vulnerable to scratching from dogs or children (or any other wild animals). Vinyl, on the other hand, can be damaged by claws and tree branches, so that's something to look at when considering what kind of use you expect to get out of your pool.
Maintenance
Algae is anathema to concrete. A relatively porous material, concrete should be scrubbed with a steel brush weekly to prevent algae from settling in. Vinyl can acquire dents and bubbles over time. While these aren't necessarily damaging, they can be unattractive, and smoothing them out can be time-consuming and costly.
Determining what kind of liner is best for your pool is largely a personal choice. When consulting your contractor, take a look at the options available - and what's required - to determine the best choice for you.
We have had the privilege of being awarded more than 60 Design Awards in every award category, including custom residential concrete pools, commercial concrete pools, in-ground vinyl liner pools, and major renovations. Hilltop was named one of the “Top 50 Pool Builders in the USA” by Pool and Spa News in 2013-2017. Pool builders across the United States were evaluated in several areas, including the total number of pools built, customer service, certifications, industry involvement, employee retention, as well as advertising and social media presence. Our company was also nationally recognized for customer service and social media. We were the only Georgia company on the list in 2016 and 2017!
We would consider it a privilege to design and construct your project and have you as a member of our “Hilltop Family.”
Hilltop Pools and Spas, Inc
