<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=304391163577334&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">
Skip to main content

«  View All Posts

What Are the Best and Worst Types of Swimming Pools and Why?

September 14th, 2012

2 min read

By Marcus Sheridan

colorful-levin-waterall-header

Well, you’re in the market for a swimming pool. Congratulations!

Yes, I know, you may be thinking a pool is going to be a lot of work. But these days, it clearly doesn’t have to be, especially if you choose a few options that will make pool ownership much, much easier.

In order to help you find the type of pool that will best suit your needs, here are some helpful tips.

 

Best Swimming Pool for Shape Customization

deep-end rectangular fiberglass pool (T40) with multicolored in-pool lights and water features

This would go to vinyl liner or concrete inground pools.

With the ability to get any shape or size you want, the possibilities are pretty endless if you have a flare for the dramatic.

Although fiberglass pools come in many shapes, complete shape/size customization is not possible.

This is because they're pre-fabricated from an existing mold. In every other aspect, fiberglass pools are just as customizable as concrete and vinyl liner pools.

 

rectangular fiberglass pool (G36) with pergold and elevated tanning ledge

Best Swimming Pool for Low Maintenance and Longevity

Fiberglass pools take the cake on this one.

Over the past 10 years, these pools have exploded around the country for good reason—they are extremely easy to take care of because of their surface.

In addition, they rarely require major work later in life (unlike concrete and vinyl liner).

Read More: How Much Is My Fiberglass Pool Really Going to Cost?

 

Best Swimming Pool for Play

Generally speaking, any pool that is in the 3’–5’ depth range is ideal for play.

For example, most above-ground pools are a uniform depth of 4’.

Some above grounds come in round shapes that are 18’, 21’, 24’, 27’, and 30’ in diameter. This can create a massive play area.

 

Worst Swimming Pool

If you’ve had your eyes open over the last 5 or so years there about a 100% chance you’ve seen these massive blue blobs in yards all over America.

Heck, you may have even owned one yourself.

 

ugly walmart pool

 

Sadly, these set-and-fill pools not only are an eyesore, but their filter systems are extremely under powered, and thus cannot deal with the bather load that comes with so much water.

This is why many people that buy this type of pool get so frustrated—they’re almost impossible to keep clean, vacuum, and prevent algae.

Furthermore, they generally only last one season before having to be replaced.

 

Questions about any of the above mentioned pools? Don’t hesitate to leave your thoughts below!

You can also browse our catalog of fiberglass pool models, try out our pool pricing calculator, check out our extensive video library, or download your free ebook to learn more about inground pools. 

FIBERGLASS vs. CONCRETE vs. VINYL LINERS... which type of pool is right for you? CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR EBOOK AND FIND OUT!

Up Next:

Above Ground Fiberglass Pools: Can and Should They Be Built?

What’s the Best Small Fiberglass Pool for Your Needs? Costs, Sizes, Features


Editor's note: This blog article was updated on March 2, 2020.

Marcus Sheridan

River Pools® manufactures fiberglass pool shells and does not install pools. Pools are installed by locally owned and operated dealers and franchisees. The relationship between the dealers and franchisees to River Pools® is that of an independent contractor. River Pools Franchising LLC (Franchising) provides independently owned and operated River Pool franchisees with the right to market the River Pools brand of pool shells as a franchisee. Franchising does not manufacture pool shells. Due to the unprecedented and historic growth of the River Pools brand, this website contains an abundance of information that has been created over the last decade. Some of the content on this site may reflect prices, perspectives, processes, entities, and names that were relevant at the time but may not be as relevant today.

Consumers should consult their local installer (independent dealer or franchisee) for the most accurate and updated information based on the unique conditions of their property. Consumers should verify specifications with the installing dealer rather than relying on the information on this website, which is not intended to be a final specification.