In-Ground Pools: Vinyl or Fiberglass?

Feeling overwhelmed while trying to decide which pool liner for in-ground pools is the best? Don’t worry: WCI Pools & Spas is here to help. 

Our team has created this easy guide to the advantages and disadvantages of vinyl and fiberglass linings for in-ground pools. We hope it helps to make the selection process a bit simpler for you, and we hope you enjoy your brand-new beautiful pool regardless of the type of liner you choose.

Fiberglass In-Ground Pool Liners

A fiberglass liner is a piece of fiberglass material that makes up the body of your pool. While other liners for in-ground pools are supported by various different structures, fiberglass liners are one single unit, which, as you’ll see, can be either advantageous or disadvantageous to a prospective pool owner.

Pros

One of the best things about fiberglass liners for in-ground pools is just how quickly they can be installed. 

We previously mentioned how other types of liners require many different parts to have the proper support. Well, those extra parts require extra time for installation. A fiberglass-lined pool can be ready to go in less than half the time it takes to build a vinyl pool. 

Another great thing about fiberglass is the low amount of maintenance it requires. Trust us; there are still plenty of things to stay on top of when it comes to pool care regardless of which liner you choose, but with fiberglass, you won’t be clearing dirt, grime, and algae off regularly just so you can comfortably take a dip.

Cons

A big con of fiberglass liners for in-ground pools is the initial cost they require compared to vinyl. You’ll be paying thousands more upfront to get a fiberglass pool, which may be prohibitive for some. However, fiberglass will prove to be cheaper in the long run due to vinyl needing to be replaced every ten years.

Fiberglass liners also offer less room for customization than vinyl, which can be prohibitive if the shapes and sizes available don’t quite match your dream pool or if you need to be creative with the available space in your yard.

Vinyl In-Ground Pool Liners

Vinyl liners are the most popular choice among pool owners, and they’re commonly used in both above-ground and in-ground pools. Below are some of the biggest pros and cons of opting to line your new pool with this material.

Pros

Easily the biggest pro of vinyl liners for in-ground pools is the lower price tag that they come with. There isn’t an in-ground pool on planet earth (at least that we’ve seen) that didn’t require a fairly significant financial investment, so if budget is one of your primary concerns, then opting for vinyl may be your best bet. 

Another advantage of opting for a vinyl liner over a fiberglass one is that vinyl liners come in a fairly wide range of shapes and sizes. This consideration is relevant for aesthetic purposes, but it can also be relevant if you’re working with a limited amount of space in which your pool can be installed.

Cons

The biggest con of vinyl liners for in-ground pools is that they must be replaced every ten years, meaning they will eventually cost you more money than a fiberglass liner will. 

This requirement can also result in a bit of stress about caring for the liner before it needs to be replaced. Damage could potentially result in that 10-year grace period being cut short. 

Another con of vinyl is that it requires more maintenance than fiberglass. The vinyl material is a lot more adept at gathering dirt and grime and hosting algae growth, which means your liner will be keeping you on your toes more often than a fiberglass one would.

How Do I Choose?

So there you have it: the pros and cons of both vinyl and fiberglass liners for in-ground pools. There’s really no right or wrong choice when it comes to these liner options, as both have a similar number of advantages and disadvantages. 

The best option for your pool is going to be based on your specific needs and wants, so create a checklist and see which one ticks off the most boxes. Happy swimming! 

When you’re ready to install the pool of your dreams, stop by a nearby WCI Pools & Spas location or call (515) 232-8923 for more information.