Backyard Blogging.

You’re in the market for a new inground swimming pool, but you aren’t quite sure where to start. With many different terms and things to consider, it can be confusing to know which pool is right for you.

If you’re ready to take the first step to a lifetime of backyard enjoyment, you’re in the right place!

In this article, we’re going to look at the difference between fiberglass and vinyl liner pools to help you get started.

What to Look For with an Inground Swimming Pool

First, you want to choose the best inground swimming pool for your needs, your lifestyle, your budget, and your backyard size. Things to consider include:

• Options for customization
• The cost (what you spend to buy the pool and what you spend over the lifetime of the pool)
• Installation time periods
• The inside of the pool
• Your energy and chemical usage
• The durability of your inground swimming pool
• Maintenance

At Ultra Modern, we carry both types of pools! With vinyl liner pools, remember even though they usually cost less upfront, you’ll need to replace the liner every five to nine years. Fiberglass pools are generally more long-lasting and need less maintenance.

Considering a fiberglass or vinyl liner pool? We’re here to help. Even though we specialize in fiberglass pools, our goal is for you to walk away satisfied, and part of how we achieve that is by providing information on all types of pools, not just the ones we sell.

We want you to be able to choose the pool that’s best for you. Let’s talk about how the two types compare in these areas:

Options for Customization

Fiberglass pools come in a variety of designs, but the molds are pre-designed. You can, however, customize water features, tiles, lights, tanning shelves, etc.

While most vinyl liner pools are rectangular, you can customize the size, shape, and depth.  They are highly customizable because you can cut the liner to the right shape.

Cost (Initial and Lifetime)

Fiberglass inground swimming pool costs include both the manufacturer and installation of your pool. Water features, accessories, and landscaping are extra. After the pool is installed, you can expect to pay for electricity to run your pump and chemicals to keep your pool clean.

Vinyl liner pools are generally thousands less than a fiberglass pool, but you will need to replace the liner over the years which is a significant cost. You also need to factor in power and chemical costs, too.

Bottom line: if you’re on a tight budget, a vinyl liner pool is less expensive up front. Yet, while a fiberglass pool costs more, it’s long run costs are usually less.

Installation Time

Both types of inground swimming pools can be installed quickly. Fiberglass is definitely quicker than a vinyl liner pool because the pool is already built.

Inside Surface

The insider of your fiberglass pool is smooth to the touch. Vinyl liner pools are also smooth.

Chemical and Energy Usage

Your fiberglass pool may use less chemicals because they usually don’t end up with algae problems. You also don’t have to run your pump and filter for as long or as high which saves you energy. The vinyl liner pool is also easy to maintain with chemicals.

Both inground swimming pools use less energy than a concrete pool.

Durability of Inground Swimming Pool

You can count on the strength and durability of your fiberglass pool. Vinyl liner pools are subject to damage from sharp objects, your dog’s feet if he swims in the pool, and debris like rocks that can tear the liner.

You will have to pay more attention to the upkeep of your vinyl liner pool than you would a fiberglass pool.

Hands-On Maintenance

Both pools need weekly chemical maintenance and cleaning during the season. Both pools need a cover to keep debris out. You will need to pay attention to tears in your liner on your vinyl liner pool.

Final Thoughts on Your Inground Swimming Pool

Know that you know the basic difference between vinyl liner and fiberglass inground pools, you can see both are great options! At Ultra Modern, we carry both kinds and believe they’re both great pools!

Come see us today to get started on your journey. We can answer more of your questions and help guide you to the best pool for your family!

Request your initial consultation today!

Inground Pool Quote Request

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Customer Information

Name*

First Last

Phone*

Email*

Address of Pool Installation*

Street Address Address Line 2 City StateAlabamaAlaskaAmerican SamoaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaGuamHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNorthern Mariana IslandsOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahU.S. Virgin IslandsVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces EuropeArmed Forces Pacific State ZIP Code

Timeframe and Project Budget

How soon did you want to start your inground pool project?*

Ultra Modern Pool & Patio will do our best to meet your timeline requests. All construction projects are scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis and also rely heavily on weather conditions.

ASAP

1-3 months

3-12 months

1 year or more

Other

What is your budget for the entire project?*

Most pools Ultra Modern Pool and Patio build range from $45,000 to $90,000. Prices depend on multiple factors including size, depth, stair type, equipment options, cover options, additional concrete/patio choices, and custom requests. Ultra Modern has financing options available with approved credit.

Under $45,000

$45,000-65,000

$65,000 - $85,000

$85,000 +

Other

Have you ever owned or taken care of a pool before?*

Yes

No

What made you want an inground pool?*

Pool Size & Shape

What size of pool are you interested in?*

Ultra Modern Pool & Patio can design and install a pool of almost any size and shape. Below are some common pool sizes options. *If you are interested in a diving pool, the minimum size pool is 16' x 32' with an 8' deep end, or larger, depending on pool options.

14' x 30'

16 ' x 32'

18' x 36'

20' x 40'

Other

What shape of pool are you interested in?*

Most pools we build are rectangles so that an under-track automatic cover can be installed for safety and convenience. However, Ultra Modern Pool & Patio can design and install a pool of almost any size and shape. Below are some common pool shapes.

Grecian

Kidney

L

Lazy L

Lap Pool

Oval

Rectangle

Roman

Other

Would you like an Automatic Cover on your Pool?*

Automatic swimming pool covers help you gain peace of mind regarding safety, enjoy superb convenience, and save water, energy, and money. The majority of pools we install have Automatic Covers.

Yes

Maybe

Not Interested

Pool Bottom

What type of pool bottom are you most interested in?*

Deep End pools are the most common, and normally consist of 3' shallow ends that slopes down to an 8' deep end. Sport Bottom pools normally have 3' shallow ends on both ends of the pool that slope down to a 5'-6' deeper area in the middle of the pool. Flat Bottom Pools are a consistent depth throughout the entire pool, normally 3' to 4'. Exact depths and layouts are customizable.

Deep End

Sport Bottom

Flat Bottom

Other

Steps, Tanning Ledges & Seating

What Steps are you interested in? (select all that apply)*

Stadium Stairs are the most common pool entry method. Corner Stairs, Walk-in Stairs and Cake Stairs all have a smaller footprint in the pool and are less expensive to install. Ultra Modern can design and install customized stair entry systems per request.

Stadium Stairs

Corner Stairs

Walk-in Stairs

Cake Stairs

Deep End Step Outs

Custom

Are you interested in additional seating in your pool? (select all that apply)*

Fox Pool's Buddy Seat and built in bench seats can be incorporated into any pool design. Bench seats are especially convenient in a deep end or on the front of a tanning ledge.

Bench Seats

Not Interested

Are you interested in a Tanning Ledge?*

Tanning Ledges are large, shallow areas in your pool that can be used with in-pool furniture and provide a fun area for children to play. Tanning ledges are fully customized for each pool and situation.

Yes, I want a Tanning Ledge!

Maybe

Not Interested

Equipment & Sanitization

Are you interested in a Pool Automation System?*

When it comes to pools, a little convenience goes a long way. Whether you want your heater to run on a schedule, fully integrate your pump, control your lights, or handle your pool’s electronic systems with the touch of a button, an automated system can handle the job. The benefits of swimming pool automation are many—and each delivers unparalleled optimization.

Yes, I'm Interested!

Maybe

Not Interested

What type of In-Pool Lights are you interested in?*

Pool lights are available in standard white and also in controllable color-changing LED's. You can have choose between one large light, or multiple smaller lights spread throughout your pool for better coverage and ambiance.

Single Standard White LED

Single Color Changing LED

Multiple Color Changing LED's

Other

Would you like a Pool Heater?*

Adding a heater to your swimming pool helps you extend the swimming season so you can enjoy water at the perfect temperature whenever you want.

Yes, I'm Interested!

Maybe

Not Interested

What type of Sanitization System are you interested in? (select all that apply)*

There are several ways to safely sanitize a pool. The most common ways are chlorine and salt sanitizers. Ultra Violet (UV) and Ozone are great supplemental sanitizers that reduce the amount of chemicals sanitizers you use. A salt system paired with UV is our most commonly installed sanitization system.

Chlorine

Salt

UV

Ozone

Biguanide

Other

Coping

What type of Pool Coping are you interested in?*

Pool Coping is the transition from your patio to the pool wall. The 2 main coping options are cantilever concrete coping and aluminum coping. Cantilever Concrete Coping is formed concrete that provides a seamless transition from patio deck to pool. Aluminum Coping is either white or grey and acts as a barrier between the patio and pool. There are also other copings similar to concrete that are made of pavers or brick.

Cantilever Concrete Coping

Aluminum Coping

Other

Additional Information

File (optional)

If you have made a drawing of what you want your pool to look like, or if you have photos of pools that will help us understand your vision, please upload them here.

Drop files here or Select files

Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 5.

Is there any additional information that you feel is important for Ultra Modern to know about the pool you want? (optional)

Has an Ultra Modern Team Member been helping you with inground pool information? If so, please list there name below.

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