Cheap Swimming Pools - Are They Really Worth It?
Often, people choose a swimming pool based on the initial upfront costs, instead of considering the ongoing costs and safety factors. Obviously, budget is an important factor when summarising your options. However, it is more important that the desire to buy a cheap pool shouldn’t come at the cost of your pool’s functionality. You might think you have purchased a cheap pool, only to spend endless cash on the ongoing maintenance and upkeep. Have a look at all the aspects which can affect the price of your pool.
The Price Of A Swimming Pool Depends On The Following Factors:
Pool Size
Firstly, it will depend on the size of the pool you are envisioning. A bigger one will cost more than a smaller one. Not only are the larger pools more expensive to construct and transport, they generally will require more work for the installation as well. Larger pools also have higher running costs as you will require more chemicals. You could even opt for a seasonal small pool that you inflate each summer. However most people wanting to invest in a pool are looking for a permanent option.
Material Of The Pool
The 3 options when it comes to a permanent pool, are vinyl liner, concrete and fibreglass.
Vinyl liner pools are the cheapest option available. However, they require more maintenance and cleaning, so this will be a higher cost in chemicals. Also you need to keep in mind the liner will need to be replaced often. It may just work out that you are spending more money on having a vinyl liner pool throughout their lifetime.
Whilst concrete swimming pools are the most expensive option, they can be custom designed. So, if you have an odd-shaped block or have a specific vision, this would be your best choice. However, because we are focused on budget, a concrete pool would not be a great option as they involve high labour costs and also need to be built from scratch at the site – plus they take a long time to install and the maintenance costs are higher as well. This is due to the high porous surface which tends to attract algae and bacteria and will need more chemicals to balance the levels. Concrete will also be subject to resurfacing to extend the longevity, and this is a very costly process.
Fibreglass swimming pools might not be the cheapest option initially. However, the money you’ll save on the running costs in the future is well worth the up front investment. Being pre-fabricated in a factory means that it can be quickly transported to the site for installation and can be completed much sooner than other options. Fibreglass pools also have a gel-coated surface, and this means that they don’t accumulate algae or other contaminants easily. So the ongoing cleaning and chemicals costs are reduced, making it an easy to maintain swimming pool.
Accessibility
The access to your backyard will determine installation costs. Can the pool be transported and installed with ease? If so, it’s going to work out less expensive for you. If your backyard has many obstacles and cannot be easily accessed, this will make it more expensive for you, as you may need to get cranes or other costly equipment in.
Design Of The Pool
The most cost-effective swimming pool option is a basic rectangular shape. If you want a fancy design or extra features like pool jets, steps or water features, the cost will increase. You will also have different costs if you decide to go for an in-ground or above ground pool. Above ground pools are the cheaper option as it just requires a level concrete slab and add a deck. If you compare this to in-ground pools, there is a lot of labour required to excavate the block and can be more costly.
Above Ground Swimming Pools
Above ground pools can be a great option when you don’t have a flat backyard. A concrete slab is used to level the ground. This will ensure the pool doesn’t shift or buckle due to soil movements. Vinyl liner, inflatable pools, and fibreglass pools are all options you could install above ground. A vinyl liner pool installed above ground is a cheap option, with an easy set up process. They can be easily transported, however their running costs are high, and they are easily damaged. Along with frequent repairs, you’ll also have to budget for replacing the liner every 5 or 7 years.
Inflatable swimming pools are by far the cheapest above ground pool options available. They are basically plastic pools that can be blown up and filled with water. While these are easy to use, they lack durability, can get easily damaged and are not a long term pool solution.
The option of installing a fibreglass swimming pool above ground is cost effective and timely if you have an uneven backyard. These prefabricated options come in many sizes and shapes. They are much easier to maintain than other options, plus they are durable, and require fewer chemicals to keep clean. This means they are a more affordable option over time.
In-Ground Swimming Pools
The excavation costs can drive people from installing in-ground swimming pools to choosing above ground. If you have flat terrain an in-ground pool is a good option, as the excavation will be minimal. Vinyl liner, concrete, and fibreglass can all be installed in-ground, and the landscaping and overall finalised look can be more inviting as opposed to the above ground option as you can blend in an in-ground swimming pool more effectively.
After explaining the pros and cons and options you can choose from, you can see that the vinyl liner pools are the cheapest and concrete pools are the most expensive. However, when you take maintenance and ongoing running costs into consideration, fibreglass pools really do appear to be the most affordable pool option, hands-down.
Conclusion
If budget is your main issue when making a decision around investing in a pool, please remember that you can choose different options from a reputable fibreglass pool company to help reduce and manage costs. This will be the smarter option compared to choosing a cheaper company with poorer quality which could be more costly in the future and even impact the safety of your family. For instance, a plunge pool is a more cost effective option to be installed. It is much smaller than a full length pool and can be used for relaxation in your backyard. Reach out to the friendly team at Fibreglass Pools Melbourne for more advice specific to your situation.
Cheap Swimming Pools - Are They Really Worth It?
Often, people choose a swimming pool based on the initial upfront costs, instead of considering the ongoing costs and safety factors. Obviously, budget is an important factor when summarising your options. However, it is more important that the desire to buy a cheap pool shouldn’t come at the cost of your pool’s functionality. You might think you have purchased a cheap pool, only to spend endless cash on the ongoing maintenance and upkeep. Have a look at all the aspects which can affect the price of your pool.
The Price Of A Swimming Pool Depends On The Following Factors:
Pool Size
Firstly, it will depend on the size of the pool you are envisioning. A bigger one will cost more than a smaller one. Not only are the larger pools more expensive to construct and transport, they generally will require more work for the installation as well. Larger pools also have higher running costs as you will require more chemicals. You could even opt for a seasonal small pool that you inflate each summer. However most people wanting to invest in a pool are looking for a permanent option.
Material Of The Pool
The 3 options when it comes to a permanent pool, are vinyl liner, concrete and fibreglass.
Vinyl liner pools are the cheapest option available. However, they require more maintenance and cleaning, so this will be a higher cost in chemicals. Also you need to keep in mind the liner will need to be replaced often. It may just work out that you are spending more money on having a vinyl liner pool throughout their lifetime.
Whilst concrete swimming pools are the most expensive option, they can be custom designed. So, if you have an odd-shaped block or have a specific vision, this would be your best choice. However, because we are focused on budget, a concrete pool would not be a great option as they involve high labour costs and also need to be built from scratch at the site – plus they take a long time to install and the maintenance costs are higher as well. This is due to the high porous surface which tends to attract algae and bacteria and will need more chemicals to balance the levels. Concrete will also be subject to resurfacing to extend the longevity, and this is a very costly process.
Fibreglass swimming pools might not be the cheapest option initially. However, the money you’ll save on the running costs in the future is well worth the up front investment. Being pre-fabricated in a factory means that it can be quickly transported to the site for installation and can be completed much sooner than other options. Fibreglass pools also have a gel-coated surface, and this means that they don’t accumulate algae or other contaminants easily. So the ongoing cleaning and chemicals costs are reduced, making it an easy to maintain swimming pool.
Accessibility
The access to your backyard will determine installation costs. Can the pool be transported and installed with ease? If so, it’s going to work out less expensive for you. If your backyard has many obstacles and cannot be easily accessed, this will make it more expensive for you, as you may need to get cranes or other costly equipment in.
Design Of The Pool
The most cost-effective swimming pool option is a basic rectangular shape. If you want a fancy design or extra features like pool jets, steps or water features, the cost will increase. You will also have different costs if you decide to go for an in-ground or above ground pool. Above ground pools are the cheaper option as it just requires a level concrete slab and add a deck. If you compare this to in-ground pools, there is a lot of labour required to excavate the block and can be more costly.
Above Ground Swimming Pools
Above ground pools can be a great option when you don’t have a flat backyard. A concrete slab is used to level the ground. This will ensure the pool doesn’t shift or buckle due to soil movements. Vinyl liner, inflatable pools, and fibreglass pools are all options you could install above ground. A vinyl liner pool installed above ground is a cheap option, with an easy set up process. They can be easily transported, however their running costs are high, and they are easily damaged. Along with frequent repairs, you’ll also have to budget for replacing the liner every 5 or 7 years.
Inflatable swimming pools are by far the cheapest above ground pool options available. They are basically plastic pools that can be blown up and filled with water. While these are easy to use, they lack durability, can get easily damaged and are not a long term pool solution.
The option of installing a fibreglass swimming pool above ground is cost effective and timely if you have an uneven backyard. These prefabricated options come in many sizes and shapes. They are much easier to maintain than other options, plus they are durable, and require fewer chemicals to keep clean. This means they are a more affordable option over time.
In-Ground Swimming Pools
The excavation costs can drive people from installing in-ground swimming pools to choosing above ground. If you have flat terrain an in-ground pool is a good option, as the excavation will be minimal. Vinyl liner, concrete, and fibreglass can all be installed in-ground, and the landscaping and overall finalised look can be more inviting as opposed to the above ground option as you can blend in an in-ground swimming pool more effectively.
After explaining the pros and cons and options you can choose from, you can see that the vinyl liner pools are the cheapest and concrete pools are the most expensive. However, when you take maintenance and ongoing running costs into consideration, fibreglass pools really do appear to be the most affordable pool option, hands-down.
Conclusion
If budget is your main issue when making a decision around investing in a pool, please remember that you can choose different options from a reputable fibreglass pool company to help reduce and manage costs. This will be the smarter option compared to choosing a cheaper company with poorer quality which could be more costly in the future and even impact the safety of your family. For instance, a plunge pool is a more cost effective option to be installed. It is much smaller than a full length pool and can be used for relaxation in your backyard. Reach out to the friendly team at Fibreglass Pools Melbourne for more advice specific to your situation.
