Disadvantages and Advantages of Concrete Pools.
In India, many people still prefer concrete pools without knowing there are more cons than pros to concrete swimming pools. Here are some of the very common disadvantages and advantages of Concrete swimming pools
Disadvantages of Concrete Pools
Expensive
Concrete pools are the most expensive pools to build and own. They cost extremely high to construct & maintain. Concrete pools require the most maintenance when compared to vinyl liner or fibreglass pools. They are Concrete pools that will stain on the bottom and sides if you do not maintain and treat water. Apart from this, the cost of acid washing and resurfacing are exceptionally high priced, thus costing significantly more over time.
High Maintenance Costs
Whether you hire a pool professional or do the maintenance yourself, concrete pools need the most maintenance of all other types of inground pools. From the time the pool is built, the pool builder will tell you the strict maintenance plan required as the interior surface cures and also a regular maintenance plan must be put in place to maintain the goodness of the pool surface. Concrete is very absorbent, and if not managed properly, it will stain and spoil rapidly.
Acid washing after draining the pool is the only way to remove these stains and or later will become permanent stains. After that, the only way to remove them is to re-plaster the concrete pool’s surface. Acid washing can also damage the surface as well, which will require a re-plaster sooner or more often
More Chemicals
Water chemistry is an essential part of the maintenance of concrete pools. Balanced chemical usage is important; otherwise, the interior pool surface will be damaged, resulting in an expensive repair.
Due to the porosity of concrete, The requirement of chemicals for maintenance for concrete pools is very higher than for both vinyl liner and fibreglass pools. Concrete naturally raises alkalinity (pH), which requires continually adding acid to balance the water pH level.
Rough Interior Surface
Concrete pools have abrasive bottoms and sides which are not as smooth as fiberglass or vinyl liner pools. When it comes to comfort, nothing is smoother than a fibreglass pool with vinyl coming in second.
The rough surface is also hard on automatic and robotic pool cleaners and will wear out the pool cleaner parts much sooner.
Long Installation Time
Installing a concrete pool could be as much as three times longer than compared to fiberglass. The process is very long and can exhaust a family who is excited and waiting to dive into their new pool.
Advantages of Concrete Pools
Any Size and Shape
The ability to customize into any size and shape inground pool is one of the few advantages of concrete pools. Because the pool is built from steel and then the concrete is blown in, it can be customized however you want to. This comes with a significant price tag. If you want a pool with a unique shape, or multiple bodies of water that flow into one another, or want to build a lazy river pool, then a concrete pool is the best option for you compared to other types of pools.
Durability
Concrete pools are also very durable, similar to fiberglass.You do not have to worry about ripping a liner or causing a leak when something scrapes the pool steps.
If you live in a forest area where there is an abundance of wild animals, a vinyl liner pool is not a good choice. Wild animals like bears may come and tear your vinyl pools. Fiberglass or concrete is the recommended choice for such areas because these pools cannot be ripped off.
Even though concrete is sturdy and durable, Concrete pools won’t last as long fiberglass pools, concrete pools require maintenance after a certain period of time.
