When you’re investing in something as important as an inground swimming pool, you want to make sure you’re getting a finished product that is going to give you the long-term value that you’re looking for. That’s why you might be wondering what type of pool lasts the longest.
In this article, we’ll explore more about some of the common swimming pool materials used and which might make the best choice when it comes to maximizing your investment and getting the most value.
What Types of Inground Pools Can I Choose From?
When it comes to choosing your swimming pool material, choosing a pool built from a material that is going to last and give you the most value is important.
There are commonly three types of swimming pools that homeowners most often decide between.
These are vinyl liner, fiberglass, and gunite.
Let’s briefly look at each, though you can read more about these swimming pool materials as well as everything else you’d want to know about pools in our Complete Swimming Pool Guide.
Vinyl Liner Pools
A vinyl liner pool features a sheet of vinyl between the water and the pool structure. Vinyl liners typically lock their top edge, called a bead, into a track located on the bottom of the coping. Underneath the liner is a sand or cement-like floor, depending upon what is used for the structure.
Fiberglass Pools
A fiberglass pool is constructed in a factory or warehouse. The process utilizes a mold in which the fiberglass is shaped. For this reason, it is also often called a “prefabricated pool.” It will then be shipped on a truck to your home and installed in the excavated hole. A fiberglass pool has a smooth surface, though some would say it is too “slippery.”
Gunite Pools
Of the swimming pool materials, this is the one that we recommend.
Gunite pools use a rebar framework that is sprayed with a concrete and sand mixture—a process that is performed completely on site which is why this type of pool is also referred to as “custom-built.”
This spraying method is preferable over a traditional poured concrete pool that requires a wooden framework to hold the shape of the basin.
Because of the fact that it’s constructed on-site, the design possibilities for a gunite pool are only limited by your imagination. That means you can get incredibly creative with the shape and any features that you decide to include such as built-in rock formations or waterfalls. You are also not limited in colors of finishes. If you want something outside of the norm or super custom, then gunite is the way to go.
What Type of Pool Lasts the Longest?
Now that you know a bit more about the types of inground pools, let’s talk about durability.
Of the three choices above, fiberglass and gunite pools are the clear winners. With vinyl liner pools, the liner does have a shelf life and will eventually need to be replaced. While it is the least expensive of the three choices, it will require more maintenance over time (including liner replacement), so those costs add up.
While vinyl is a durable material, it is absolutely more susceptible to scratches and tears. This means that if something sharp were to fall or blow into the pool (like a tree branch after a storm or even a chair), the liner could easily tear.
If you have dogs, you also have to worry about the dog’s nails ripping the liner.
Because fiberglass pools and gunite pools do not have a liner over the top of them, they are more durable.
In terms of the durability of fiberglass vs. gunite, even though fiberglass is a durable material, we feel that gunite takes the win. Over time, fiberglass pools will start to see spider cracks in the gel coat that coats the fiberglass material.
Due to its high level of durability, swimming pools that are built from gunite are truly built to last.
The Swimming Pool Material Winner: Beyond Durability
While we think that gunite is a more durable material than fiberglass, that’s not the only reason to choose this swimming pool material. Fiberglass is a fairly durable material—but there’s another big downside to consider.
The biggest downside to a fiberglass pool is that it’s not customizable.
If you’re going to invest in something as large and important as an outdoor swimming pool, we’re guessing you’re not looking for a run-of-the-mill, cookie-cutter pool design. 
Unfortunately, that’s what a lot of pool companies offer up.
The truth is pool companies that build fiberglass pools really have no choice but to offer cookie-cutter designs.
That’s because fiberglass pool shells are built in the factory and then shipped to your home. This means that you are limited in terms of customization. And because of that, you may have a pool mold that looks like every other pool on the block.
If you’re just looking for a little kidney bean shape pool and don’t care about extra features, then this may suffice. But most homeowners want something custom that is unique to their backyard.
This is why gunite is such a winner.
When building a gunite pool, custom pool builders will start off by digging a hole and installing the plumbing. Gunite pools use a rebar framework grid (steel reinforcing rods) that is then sprayed with the gunite mixture (a mixture of cement and sand). The gunite will be smoothed out and then set to completely dry before a smooth finish is applied to the rough surface.
When following this process, pool builders have a ton of room for creativity. Everything from the size and shape to the depth can be customized to your wishes. You’re not limited to “what fits on the truck,” like you are with fiberglass. You can have any pool that you dream of.
Getting the Pool of Your Dreams
There’s no question that the swimming pool material matters when it comes to getting the pool of your dreams.
At Rock Water Farm, we design and install gunite pools as we believe in creating truly custom backyards. We believe it’s the superior material for durability (which is important when it comes to the type of pool that lasts the longest).
But we also believe it’s the best material due to its ability to be shaped into any pool that you dream of.
At the end of the day, we are looking to get you the best possible results and we believe that a custom gunite swimming pool is the way to achieve just that.
If you want something that is truly unique and sets your Northern Virginia backyard apart from the rest, then we believe that gunite is the way to go. If you choose to work with Rock Water Farm, then we can handle your backyard pool project from start to finish, beginning with a blank slate and transforming it into a complete outdoor living space that fulfills your wildest dreams.
Are you ready to get started on the swimming pool of your dreams at your Haymarket, Gainesville, or Round Hill, VA home? If so, talk to an expert, choose a solution that rocks, and get ready to see your dreams begin to take shape!
Image Source: Fiberglass Pool being installed
