When designing your dream pool, many questions come to mind along the way. The size, shape and colour scheme are a few of the first essential considerations. However, what usually follows is the question of whether a swimming pool constructed from fibreglass or concrete is the better option.

While it’s a matter of ongoing contested opinion, many would agree that fibreglass pools are better than concrete. At least under general consideration, this holds true in most applications.

And, of course, there are exceptions to every rule, with fibreglass not being the best fit for everyone due to the shape and size limitations. However, this doesn’t take away from the fact that they’re exploding in popularity across South Africa. We’re here to give you our expert opinion to help you make the best possible choice for your dream pool.

Understanding The Difference

While it might be relatively self-explanatory by the respective names of the two types of swimming pools, understanding the difference between concrete pools and fibreglass pools can make all the difference in choosing the best swimming pool option for you.

Concrete Pools

Concrete swimming pools entail the construction of a custom-designed swimming pool that is made from concrete to be built in the desired shape of the pool.

It is a longer investment of time as it involves the digging up of the area in question, casting of the concrete for the pool itself, and then the various steps that follow in completing the concrete pool.

Fibreglass Pools

Fibreglass swimming pools are also called pre-moulded pools as they are designed and built beforehand and require no ‘construction’ in terms of digging that is needed with concrete pools.

This is a faster option for those looking to have their dream pool installed as rapidly as possible, with the added convenience of a variety of perks to be explored below.

Concrete vs Fibreglass Swimming Pools

The main question is why? Why are fibreglass pools experiencing such phenomenal growth across all provinces in South Africa? The answers may surprise you. We’ve listed our top reasons why fibreglass pools are better than concrete swimming pools.

Less Maintenance

Fibreglass pools have entirely eliminated the myth that “pools are a lot of work”. Many pool owners dedicate less than 30 minutes in total for maintenance each week, which speaks volumes.

Now you can enjoy more time enjoying your pool and less time cleaning and maintaining it.

Works Great with Salt

As any pool expert will tell you, salt-chlorinated water, for all its many incredible benefits and great appeal, is abrasive to concrete surfaces. So what does this mean for you? Simply put, it means that you’ll have to resurface your entire concrete pool much sooner than you expect to.

However, with a fibreglass pool, salt is not harmful to the surface, leading to a much longer lifespan for your pool.

Costs Less

While concrete and fibreglass pools may cost around the same initially, in the long term, fibreglass pools simply cost much less due to maintenance, resurfacing and chemical differences.

Much Easier on the Feet

Everyone who has ever had the displeasure of swimming in a pool with a rough concrete surface knows what we’re talking about here. Kids can play in the fibreglass pool for hours on end without getting their feet torn apart by the rough surface.

At SA Pools, we’ve had countless customers who owned a concrete pool in the past and have since invested in fibreglass specifically for this reason.

Quick Installation

With the time requirements of a concrete pool build, who wants to entertain a construction crew in their backyard for months? Fibreglass pools are proven to be completed in far less time than their concrete counterparts, including decking.

This is important to consider out of ease and convenience before committing to your pool build. The quicker installation of fibreglass pools leads to less stress for homeowners, pets and neighbours over the construction period.

Tougher for Algae To Get A Hold

Algae are undoubtedly the bane of any pool owner’s existence. Thanks to their non-porous surface, fibreglass has become well known for combating the “green monster”.

This makes fibreglass an excellent option for a cleaner, more presentable pool with less maintenance to keep it that way year-round.

Higher Resale Value: More Appealing to Potential Homeowners

Your fibreglass pool can add equity to your property as a great addition that just adds to the home’s overall atmosphere. As more and more people understand the longevity and low-maintenance benefits of these pools, the property sector has become attracted to these pools.

And one may ask what the main reason is for this. Among a few others, it is the fact that prospective homebuyers don’t view fibreglass pools as a lot of work to upkeep in future.

Invest in a Tailored, Unique Fibreglass Pool from SA Pools

When you approach us for any of our “standard” pools, you’ll receive the design, structural outline and equipment features needed to complete the installation of your dream swimming pool.

We have solidified our reputation in the marketplace by providing a superior product at the most competitive prices available today. We adhere to stringent building codes while leading the way in mandating stricter pool safety building standards throughout South Africa.

The SA Pools Level Of Distinction

With more than three decades in the swimming pool industry, we can confidently state and back up the fact that our pools are quite simply superb. Throughout the years, SA Pools has won various awards & accolades, being awarded the best swimming pool building company award in Gauteng from 1997 to 1999, as well as in South Africa in 2003, 2007 and 2011.

Bringing Your Dream Pool To Life

Choosing to design your ideal swimming pool is an exciting project that we love helping our clients with. At SA Pools, we are driven by quality, passion and renowned expertise in the industry that sets us apart from the rest. If you are ready to bring your dream pool to life, we can help you in getting started today. You can also discover some of our previous pool builds to understand what keeps clients coming back for more of the SA Pools experience.