Toronto summers have pool owners reveling in joy while others watch enviously. This article examines a variety of pool styles and covers maintenance, benefits, and drawbacks to assist you in selecting the ideal kind for your demands! M.E. Contracting has been creating amazing outdoor spaces for over 15 years, and we have transformed many backyards. Because we are passionate about what we do and pay close attention to detail, we can guarantee an inviting and practical outdoor environment with every Toronto landscaping project. Come learn how a well-chosen pool can completely transform your house and way of life.
Overview of Pool Types
Inground Pools
- Fiberglass Known for low upkeep and durability, fiberglass pools feature pre-made shells. They install swiftly, offering sleek designs and smooth surfaces resisting algae growth.
- Vinyl Liner Budget-friendly and customizable, vinyl liner pools need periodic liner replacements, making them less durable long-term compared to fiberglass or concrete options.
- Concrete (Gunite) With endless design possibilities, concrete pools demand more maintenance due to porous surfaces. Their customizability and robustness attract many homeowners.
Above Ground Pools
The least expensive alternative, above-ground pools, are simple to build but can lack aesthetic appeal. Their shorter lifespans and restricted design options render them more of a stopgap measure than a wise long-term investment.
Fiberglass Pools
Advantages
One of fiberglass pools‘ biggest perks involves lower maintenance needs. Because the gelcoat surface is non-porous, algae development is efficiently inhibited, cutting down on cleaning time and labor. You’ll swim more and scrape less with this option.
The speed of installation adds another huge benefit. Because the pool shell comes pre-manufactured, installation happens in about two days. This means less disruption in your backyard and a quicker path to poolside relaxation.
Durability stands out with fiberglass pools too. With no liner to puncture, the structure remains robust and resilient over time. You don’t worry about damage from pets, falling branches, or other everyday hazards.
The aesthetic appeal is also a feature you can’t overlook. Modern fiberglass pools come in various designs, colours, and features. Choose a look that complements your outdoor space, adding elegance and style.
These pools are also highly compatible with salt systems. Unlike concrete, fiberglass handles salt chlorinators without damage, providing a low-maintenance option for water quality.
Resale value gets a significant boost with fiberglass pools. Potential homebuyers appreciate low maintenance and long-lasting beauty, making your property more attractive.
Disadvantages
However, fiberglass pools come with some drawbacks. The higher initial cost can challenge some homeowners. More expensive upfront compared to vinyl liners, they may strain tight budgets.
Limited customization is another downside. The pre-determined shapes and sizes offer less flexibility for unique designs. If you seek something very specific or unusually shaped, this might not be the best option.
Overall, fiberglass pools offer a fantastic blend of low maintenance, durability, and aesthetic appeal, making them a worthy consideration for many homeowners.
Vinyl Liner Pools
Advantages
Vinyl liner pools’ low starting cost is one of its main advantages. Families on a tight budget will find them more tempting because they are less expensive to build than concrete or fiberglass pools. Since inground pools are so affordable, more people may enjoy them without having to make a large investment.
Another strong point involves customizable shapes. With vinyl liner pools, you may pick from a variety of sizes, styles, and depths, giving you creative versatility. This customization makes the pool suit your backyard design and tastes, making swimming in it genuinely one-of-a-kind.
Disadvantages
However, vinyl liner pools come with notable disadvantages. Frequent and costly liner replacements are a major drawback. These liners typically need replacing every 5-9 years, adding to long-term costs.
Liner warranty limitations also pose challenges. Warranties often provide limited coverage and are pro-rated, decreasing in value over time. Homeowners might find that warranties don’t cover all replacement costs, leading to unexpected expenses.
Algae growth is another issue. Areas like steps and light niches can harbor algae, requiring more frequent cleaning and maintenance. This detracts from the pool’s appeal and increases upkeep time.
In summary, vinyl liner pools offer affordability and customization but require frequent maintenance and liner replacements, making them a mixed bag of benefits and drawbacks.
Concrete (Gunite) Pools
Advantages
One primary benefit of concrete pools involves their customizable size and shape. With unlimited design possibilities, these pools fit any backyard, regardless of size or complexity. Whether you desire intricate shapes, deep diving areas, or special features like tanning ledges, concrete pools accommodate your vision.
Durable structure marks another key advantage. Concrete pools are strong and long-lasting, ideal for large or deep installations. This robustness ensures the pool withstands significant use and environmental factors.
Disadvantages
However, flexibility and durability bring drawbacks. High maintenance stands out as a significant issue. Concrete pools need more frequent brushing and chemical use to prevent algae growth due to porous surfaces. This means more time and money spent on upkeep.
Incompatibility with salt systems poses another concern. Salt can damage concrete pool interiors, shortening their lifespan and requiring frequent refinishing. This limits sanitation options.
High ownership costs mark another disadvantage. Concrete pools are more expensive upfront and over time due to regular maintenance, refinishing, and higher chemical use. These costs add up, making concrete pools a substantial long-term investment.
The rough surface of concrete pools can be harsh on feet and skin, especially for children. This texture harbors algae and causes discomfort or injuries.
Finally, slow installation stands as a notable downside. Concrete pool construction can take up to several weeks or months, disrupting your backyard. This prolonged timeline can be inconvenient for homeowners eager to enjoy their new pool.
Above Ground Pools
Advantages
Cost-effectiveness is the most significant advantage. Above-ground pools have a lower initial cost compared to inground pools, making them accessible to a broader range of families. This affordability allows the enjoyment of pool benefits without substantial financial commitments.
Disadvantages
However, above-ground pools come with disadvantages. Aesthetic limitations are a primary concern. These pools often appear less visually appealing and can seem like eyesores in the backyard. Their appearance may not blend with surrounding landscapes, affecting the outdoor space’s overall look.
Design and durability are also limited. Comparatively speaking to inground choices, aboveground pools provide less design versatility due to their limited range of shapes and sizes. Their constructions may require more frequent repairs or replacements because of their shorter lifespans, which raises the overall cost.
Conclusion
Selecting the ideal form of the pool is essential, taking into account your spending limit, upkeep requirements, and style preferences. This choice affects your long-term worth and happiness in addition to your immediate delight. Knowing about each option can help you make the best decision, whether you’re drawn to the low-maintenance durability of fiberglass, the customized luxury of concrete, or the cost and flexibility of vinyl liners.
We warmly welcome you to come by our showroom, the only one of its type in Ontario, to look over our vast project portfolio and get some inspiration. Be it a new deck, outdoor kitchen, or pool, Our professionals are prepared to give you customized guidance and a quote based on your unique requirements.
M.E. Contracting has been crafting stunning, long-lasting outdoor areas for more than 15 years. Your new pool will be a treasured addition to your house for many years to come thanks to our dedication to quality and meticulous attention to detail. Reach out for a free estimate today!
Author Profile
'M.E. Contracting is one of Toronto’s premier outdoor solutions company. Founded by owners Keren and Eitan Abu, with a desire to change the face of Toronto through the revitalization of outdoor living space, M.E. Contracting was established. The “M” and “E” stand for Keren and Eitan’s daughters, Mika and Emma; from the start these two girls have inspired the vision of innovation and creativity that M.E. embodies today. Want to see for yourself? Our 7,000 square foot landscaping showroom is the only showroom in Ontario dedicated to landscaping and outdoor transformations'
