Adding an inground pool to your property is a big deal! Not only do you have an array of custom pool design options at Brothers Grimm – but you’ll need to consider which type of pool best fits your budget, space and lifestyle.
The best place to start is by considering the differences between concrete, vinyl liner and fiberglass pool constructions. We break down each option in terms of installation, cost, maintenance and customization to make your choice easier.
Let’s dive right into these three inground pool designs to see which rises to the surface as a winner!
Fiberglass Shell
What is a fiberglass pool shell? It’s a prefabricated, one-piece hard shell made of millions of interwoven glass threads that are covered by polyester resin. Many bathtubs, marine craft and high-end automobiles are made of this lightweight, nonporous and sturdy material.
Installation
Fiberglass pools are manufactured at a factory, and then delivered in one piece to the installation site. They can be installed in just a few days, but it may take a couple of weeks for them to be swim-ready.
Cost
The cost of a fiberglass pool typically starts at around $70,000, making it one of the most affordable choices for inground pools. However, it’s important to exercise caution with this seemingly low price point, as with many budget options, quality and longevity may be compromised.
Maintenance
The non-porous nature of a fiberglass pool means algae has a hard time taking hold. That means getting your pool ready for summer involves only the usual water-quality testing, treating and cleaning. However, if the resin coating cracks or needs other repairs, it can be difficult to match the original color.
Customization
The prefab nature of a fiberglass pool means you will not have a custom pool design. You’ll need to choose from a set selection of colors and shapes available from the manufacturer, like rectangles, ovals and kidney shapes. You’ll also be limited on the overall size of a fiberglass pool. The one-piece construction must be able to fit on a standard truck bed for delivery, so the maximum dimensions are typically 16 by 40 feet.
Because of these limitations on custom pool designs for a fiberglass shell, Brothers Grimm does not install them. But we can elevate your backyard with pool landscaping if you already have a fiberglass pool!
Vinyl Liner
A vinyl pool liner is a thin yet sturdy sheet of flexible vinyl that comes in a wide variety of color selections. It creates a waterproof seal inside your pool, which keeps water from seeping out into your yard. When choosing your pool options, it’s important to consider how the liner color can affect your pool’s aesthetic as it blends with the blueish color of the water. Vinyl liners have a smooth, slick surface, making them very comfortable on your family’s feet!
Installation
A vinyl pool liner takes a bit longer to install than a fiberglass pool – more like a couple of weeks than a few days. This is because the liner is molded into a steel shell with a vermiculite bottom, which takes time to get seamlessly right. What is vermiculite? It’s a naturally occurring mineral that is similar to concrete but more lightweight, with excellent sound-absorbing and fire-resistant qualities.
Cost
Custom pool designs featuring a vinyl liner from Brothers Grimm start at around $75,000. They’re not the cheapest nor most expensive option, but they have many benefits that make them extremely popular for homeowners in Northeast Ohio.
Maintenance
Vinyl pool liners are nonporous – which means algae has a hard time taking hold, so they require very little in the way of regular maintenance. That nonporous surface also resists absorbing chemicals from your pool water, making vinyl pool liners less expensive to maintain in the long run.
Customization
Here’s where the choice between a vinyl liner or fiberglass shell gets really interesting! Because these liners are NOT prefabricated shells, you can get creative with whatever custom pool design you desire. When you contact Brothers Grimm for your free consultation, we’ll come to your property and listen to your vision for the ideal backyard oasis. You get to decide the shape and dimensions of your pool, liner colors that complement your home’s aesthetic and more.
Concrete Pool
Concrete is the most traditional material for inground pool designs. It’s been used since the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans to create durable baths and swimming pools. Modern concrete is typically made of Portland cement, water and aggregates. Wet concrete is poured into a hole that’s been reinforced with rebar, molded to shape solid walls and flooring, and then allowed to set or cure.
Installation
The entire installation of a concrete inground pool occurs on your property. Nothing is prefabricated. Because the concrete has to cure before the pool can be filled and used, concrete pools take the longest to install – typically three to six months – depending on the size and scope of your design. Keep in mind that the best things in life are often worth the wait!
Cost
Brothers Grimm concrete inground pool design and installations start at around $120,000. This is often the most expensive choice, but the solid, durable construction and nearly endless custom pool design options make it highly attractive to many Northeast Ohio homeowners looking at the long game.
Maintenance
Unlike a vinyl liner or fiberglass pool shell, concrete is a porous material. That means a concrete pool will require more regular maintenance to keep algae at bay and more diligence in maintaining clean and balanced water quality. For these reasons, many homeowners choose to cover their concrete pool interiors with porcelain or glass tile for easier care and a luxuriously high-end look.
Customization
When you choose concrete for your custom pool design with Brothers Grimm, you are limited only by the size of your property and the inground pool building codes in your county. These vary widely, but the pros at Brothers Grimm can help you navigate them while bringing your vision of a backyard oasis to life.
Want a freeform concrete pool that blends into natural-looking custom landscaping? We can do that. Dreaming of an L-shaped pool bordered by hardscapes for lounging and dining? We can do that. The possibilities for custom pool design truly are endless when you choose concrete over a vinyl liner or fiberglass pool shell!
Choose What’s Best For You
Brothers Grimm Landscape and Design Co. has been helping homeowners in Northeast Ohio make the most of their properties since 1995. We pride ourselves on tailoring every project to the needs and visions of our clients. Whether you want a vinyl pool liner that’s entertaining-ready in weeks or you’re willing to wait for the supreme customization options of a concrete pool – we can make your dream pool a reality! Reach out today to start bringing your backyard oasis to life!
