Vinyl Liner vs Fiberglass Inground Swimming Pools

Building an inground swimming pool is a significant investment, so exploring the benefits and drawbacks of vinyl liner vs. fiberglass for inground swimming pools is essential.

As your trusted Kansas City pool builder, we offer vinyl liner and fiberglass inground pools. But how do you know which one is right for you? Both types have pros and cons, so let’s break them down.

What Are The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Vinyl Liners?

Out of the gate, vinyl liner pools will come at a lower price point than their fiberglass counterpart. Vinyl liner pools have been immensely popular in the Kansas City area for decades. So it's better if you're working on a tight budget and want to keep your costs low. Some small vinyl liner pool packages can start around mid-$40,000.

Additional benefits of vinyl liner inground swimming pools

• Most vinyl pools are customizable, and there are many designs, so you can almost design your own layout with the help of your builder

• Vinyl liners have a smooth surface that will feel comfortable under your feet

• Several varieties of patterns and textures with vinyl liners are available to customize the color of your pool

Drawbacks to vinyl liner inground swimming pools

• The vinyl liner will most likely need to be replaced every 5 to 9 years, depending on how well it’s maintained

• Vinyl liner inground swimming pools are slower to build than fiberglass pools

• Vinyl liners are not safe to use with pets

What Are The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Fiberglass Pools?

The number one benefit of fiberglass inground pools is the fact that they offer the fastest installation time! Fiberglass pools are prefabricated and arrive onsite as one piece—no need for multiple steps in the build process. Tiger Pool & Patio will dig, set, and start filling your pool the same day as delivery.

Additional benefits of fiberglass inground swimming pools

• There are several shapes and styles to choose from

• Although fiberglass pools are usually built off-site, they can still be installed within a few weeks

• They have several custom features already built-in such as steps, benches, and sun decks

• There is very little lifetime upkeep for these inground swimming pools, as no liner needs replacing

• They are not corroded by salt

• The gelcoat surface is smooth and will feel comfortable under your feet

• They are easy to maintain

• There is less risk of the fiberglass being pierced by a sharp item than with a vinyl

Drawbacks to fiberglass inground swimming pools

• Fiberglass is notably more expensive than vinyl, with most fiberglass packages starting around the mid-$60,000

• The shapes are more limited than in vinyl pools, and you generally have to choose a specific pool shape

• Fiberglass pools are shipped by road and are often restricted to 16 feet wide as a result

So which one is right for you?

Here are some questions to consider when narrowing down your choice:

1. What's your overall budget? When considering your total budget, consider the possible upgrades you're also interested in, such as pool heaters, water features, etc.

2. Would you rather pay more upfront with less cost over the pool's lifetime? Or pay less upfront knowing you'll have some heftier maintenance costs down the road?

3. Do you have pets that will use the pool?

4. How necessary is customization?

5. What’s your goal for the pool? Relaxation? Lounging? Sporty fun?

6. How long do you plan to stay at your current home where you’ll be installing the pool?

Let’s find out EXACTLY which type is best for you!