Considering a pool in a place like Savannah, GA? Here’s how to choose the right pool type for salty air, humid summers, and seasonal storms.
If you live in a coastal city, you know the drill: sunshine, salty breezes, and humidity that practically hugs you. It’s beautiful, but it’s also a unique environment that can affect everything from your landscaping to your home’s exterior... and yes, even your pool.
So how do you choose a pool that meets your needs and holds up in this kind of climate?
Let’s break down your options with a healthy dose of local insight and a splash of humor, Savannah-style.
Fiberglass Pools: Tough Where it Counts, Easy Where it Matters
Now, let’s talk about structure. A fiberglass pool is one of the best pool types for coastal regions, and we’re not just saying that because we specialize in them.
Here’s what makes them a standout choice:
- Durability: When fiberglass pools are installed correctly, they have the ability to flex and move with shifting soil without compromising the structure. This can be ideal for sandy soils and high water tables.
- Lower Maintenance: The sleek, smooth gelcoat surface means fewer algae problems and easier cleaning.
- Quick Installation: They can be installed faster than other pool types which can allow you to get through the construction process more quickly, and begin enjoying the pool sooner.
If you live in a flood zone, near marshland, or just want something that holds up through a variety of soil types and stormy afternoons, fiberglass can be your friend.
These sound like great reasons, but why would someone not choose a fiberglass pool? Well, shapes are limited, and pool shells are not customizable. You may not find the pre-made available models appealing and want full control over the shape and design.
Concrete Pools: The Classic Choice, With a Twist
Concrete pools are the classic option, but they come with a few extra things to consider in coastal areas. While they can be customized to any shape or size (perfect for those big backyard dreams), they do need more upkeep.
Here are a few extra things to keep in mind if you are considering a concrete pool in a coastal area:
- Maintenance: Concrete is porous, so it’s more prone to staining and chemical usage, and perhaps more so when algae growth can be promoted in higher humidity.
- Resurfacing: Expect to resurface every 10–15 years, depending on how well it's maintained.
- Installation: With unpredictable weather at times, and potentially high water tables, a concrete pool will likely take longer to install and require more costs to cover the expense of special techniques to mitigate groundwater damage during the build.
A concrete pools is kind of like a porch down South—if you don’t stay on top of the maintenance, it’ll start to crack, peel, and look weathered in no time.
So, why do some homeowners choose concrete pools? Customization is a big draw, as is the fact that some prefer to stick to the traditional pool type they grew up with. Some simply find comfort in familiarity.
Vinyl Liner Pools: Pretty, But Watch Out for Wear and Tear
Vinyl liner pools are a great budget-friendly option, but in a coastal area like Savannah, they might not be the best long-term investment.
Here are a few things to consider:
- Liner Durability: Vinyl liners are prone to punctures and tears. The pliable material just isn't durable like a concrete or fiberglass pool surface, and typically needs to be replaced around 7 years.
- Floating Liners: This happens when groundwater pressure under the pool gets too high (usually after heavy rain or during a wet season) and it pushes up on the liner, making it bubble or float. When the pressure recedes and your liner settles back down, you're likely to see wrinkles in the floor. The only way to remove them is to have a professional drain the pool and reposition the liner.
- Drainage Considerations: Proper drainage around the pool and installing a sump pump can help prevent this soggy surprise, but it’s something to keep in mind when building in a coastal climate.
If you're building in a coastal zone with unpredictable weather and potential for excess groundwater, vinyl can still work, but it’s worth weighing the potential maintenance and repair costs over time.
What makes a vinyl liner pool a good option for some? Typically, they work better for lower budgets, and the shape and design are customizable.
Popular Upgrades, With a Few Things to Consider for Your Coastal Area Pool
Living near the coast means sunshine, salty breezes, and warm summer nights, and your pool should be just as tailored to that lifestyle as your porch swing or sweet tea. Here are some of the most popular upgrades that homeowners in coastal towns (like Savannah!) are adding to their fiberglass pools:
Upgraded Sanitation: Salt and UV Systems
Saltwater systems continue to be a fan favorite for their softer feel and low-maintenance appeal. But UV light systems are also gaining traction, offering an extra layer of protection by neutralizing harmful microorganisms. Many homeowners choose one, or even both, to cut down on chlorine and keep the water crystal clear.
Important tip: No matter which sanitation system you choose, it’s essential to stay on top of your water chemistry. Too much salt or an unbalanced pH can damage your pool and equipment, especially in coastal areas where salt air is known for deteriorating things a bit quicker. For fiberglass pool maintenance best practices, check out the River Pools Care Guide.
LED Lighting
Want to make your pool pop at night? LED lights aren’t just energy-efficient, they add serious ambiance. Whether you’re throwing a backyard bash or just enjoying an evening dip, lighting is one of the easiest ways to turn your pool into a showstopper.
Automatic Pool Covers
In a coastal town where windy afternoons and blowing debris are a given, an automatic pool cover is like having a personal pool butler. It helps keep your water clean, reduces evaporation, and adds an extra layer of safety, especially if you have kids or pets around.
Pool Chillers: Yes, They're a Thing
Here in the South, summer heat isn’t shy. And if you’ve ever stepped into pool water that feels more like bathwater, you know how un-refreshing that can be. A pool chiller helps regulate water temperature, keeping things cool even in peak July. It’s one of those upgrades you didn’t know you needed, until you have it.
Final Thought on Upgrades
Upgrades aren’t just about luxury—they’re about making your pool yours and making it more enjoyable in your specific environment. Whether you’re building new or looking to enhance what you already have, talk to your installer about which options make the most sense for your backyard (and your budget).
So, Which Pool Is Best for Coastal Climates?
If you’re living in a place like Savannah, or anywhere with warm weather, salty air, and seasonal storms, a fiberglass pool is thought of by many to be a low-maintenance, long-term win. They’re the perfect match for any coastal environment and will keep you swimming happily for years to come. 
Whether you're lounging in the sun or hosting a backyard barbecue, the pool will be the cherry on top of your costal living experience.
Just remember, whatever type of pool you choose, make sure it fits your lifestyle, your yard, and your level of enthusiasm for pool maintenance. And hey, if all else fails, there's always the ocean...but your own backyard pool has way less seaweed and fewer jellyfish.
Still Figuring Things Out?
Choosing the right type of pool is a big decision, especially when you live near the coast. Salt air, humidity, and unpredictable weather can all affect how your pool holds up over time, and not every pool type handles those challenges the same way.
If you’re comparing the different pool types and trying to figure out what makes the most sense for your home, we get it. It’s a lot to consider, and we’re here to help clarify the options so you can move forward feeling confident in your choice, whenever you're ready.
Meet the Author: Becky Jacobs, River Pools® Savannah
Hi, I’m Becky Jacobs, co-owner of River Pools Savannah. My husband and I started the business in 2022, and since then, we’ve been focused on helping families make confident, informed decisions when it comes to building a pool, especially here along the coast.
There’s a lot to think about when planning your backyard pool, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why we love what we do, we help simplify the process and guide homeowners toward options that make sense for their lifestyle, budget, and environment.
The inspiration for this article came from conversations at local markets and home shows. We started noticing a pattern, folks who answered “yes” with a smile when asked if they had a pool almost always had fiberglass. The ones who looked a little less thrilled? Usually vinyl. One local friend had to replace his vinyl liner recently, and it cost him $9,000. That stuck with me.
Here’s the big takeaway: vinyl liners may seem like the more affordable option upfront, but in areas with high groundwater, like Savannah and other coastal towns, they may come with expensive surprises later.
Read more about Becky and the River Pools Savannah team here
Message from the River Pools Manufacturing Team:
Wherever you’re located, whether that’s near the coast, in the suburbs, or somewhere with its own unique challenges, River Pools fiberglass pools are designed with long-term performance in mind. We work with a network of independent installers across the country who utilize industry-leading best practices and know how to tailor each project to the needs of your environment.
So if you're ready to take the next step, we’ll help you connect with a local pro who can guide you through the process and bring your vision to life.
Ready to connect with an installer near you?
