Before you invest in a pool, it’s wise to know how long it’s going to last. Buying a pool is a bit like buying a car. You want to calculate how many useful years you can get for the money you’re spending.
How Long Do Swimming Pools Usually Last?
Asking how long your pool is going to last generally depends on many things. The longevity of your pool is dependent on many factors including the type of pool you purchase, the quality of installation, and how well the homeowner keeps on top of routine maintenance.
Inground vs. Above ground
When it comes to aboveground pools, one of the most popular options is a shell with a vinyl liner. Most of our customers get about 10-20 years out of these types of pools.
As we mentioned, there are two major components of this type of aboveground pool, the shell, and the liner. The liner typically has a much shorter lifespan than the shell. Most of our customers replace their liners about every 5-6 years. The low upfront cost of a vinyl liner is what makes it a very popular choice.
Many customers are willing to spend the money to replace the liner every 10-12 years because they know they’re saving money on their initial investment.
Concrete pools
The pool industry has seen concrete pools start to lose market share. There are some situations where a concrete pool is an ideal choice. However, these pools are expensive to install. And similar to above ground pools with vinyl liners, they require maintenance roughly every 10 years. The outer layers of the concrete shell tend to chip and crack over time.
Many folks may think concrete pools are pretty much indestructible. However, when they begin to chip and crack they need to be resurfaced. Pool owners who drag their feet on resurfacing their pool run the risk of the situation getting worse. Chips can turn into cracks, and cracks can get bigger. As cracks move beyond the surface, the pool is likely to start leaking. If this happens, it’s worse than just wasting water. It could potentially ruin the pool’s plumbing and filtration equipment.
Fiberglass Pools
if you’re looking for a worry and hassle-free option, fiberglass pools might be just what the doctor ordered. It’s commonplace to get 30 years out of a fiberglass pool. Basic routine maintenance is all you really need to worry about. The major drawback of the fiberglass pool is the limited options when it comes to sizes and shapes. If you don’t require something highly customized, a fiberglass pool is certainly worth considering.
Gunite Pools
Gunite is the king of the hill when it comes to longevity. A Gunite pool requires almost zero maintenance. And, hard as it may be to believe, they can last over 100 years.
How Can I Extend the Life of My Pool?
Taking care of your pool is going to make it last longer. Just like your car, if you take care of your pool, it will take care of you for many summers to come.
Start with a Good Manufacturer
A pool may be little more than a shell that holds water. But, not all pools are created equal. The quality and durability of a pool can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer. In short, you’re going to get what you pay for when you choose the manufacturer and model of your new pool.
Skilled Installation
There is certainly more to installing a pool than digging a hole, putting the shell in the middle, and filling it with water. Every installation is going to come with its share of potential bumps in the road. Going with a skilled team needs they will be able to help you navigate the installation process. They will most likely know how to handle just about any situation. Ensuring quality work from the start will set you up for a better experience over the lifetime of your pool. Essentially, there is no substitute for getting it right the first time.
Proper Maintenance
Pool ownership is certainly a case of getting out what you put in. It may sound cliché, but it’s true. Pools require upkeep. There’s simply no way around it. Keeping up with routine maintenance is probably the single biggest way you can impact the lifespan of your pool once it’s in the ground.
Additional tips:
- Use your skimmer to get leaves and other debris out of the water.
- Give your pump a chance to thoroughly circulate the water. A 1 hp pump can circulate about 3000 gallons per hour.
- Treat the water before you jump in. Making sure the water is properly balanced from the beginning helps you avoid problems down the road.
- Don’t forget the occasional dose of algicide.
