Most swimming pools for residential use are either poured concrete, vinyl, or fibreglass. Each one has many pros and cons, and of course you need to consider your overall budget, but there are some reasons to consider a concrete, in-ground pool over all other options. Note a few of those reasons here so you know if this is the right choice for your property.

1. Durability

Fibreglass and vinyl are very durable, but not as durable as concrete. If you have kids who might be in the pool and be very rough when playing or when bringing pool toys into the area, or if you have dogs with long nails, this can mean lots of damage to a fibreglass or vinyl-liner pool. You can have vinyl liners and fibreglass surfaces repaired, but when you opt for concrete, you'll have fewer repair bills overall. This is a good consideration if you're thinking of ever selling your home, as a concrete pool is more likely to hold its integrity over time, so it will add to the resale value of a home more than an old, scratched, vinyl or fibreglass pool.

2. Changing the look and shape

When you opt for a fibreglass pool, its form is premade in a factory. You cannot change its size or anything else about it; the seats and slides that are part of a fibreglass pool are permanent and cannot be moved or removed altogether. Vinyl liner pools have a bit more flexibility if you want to reduce their size or change their shape, but you cannot change the surface appearance.

With a concrete pool, you can break up the concrete and add to it if you eventually want a bigger pool, or remove a section and pour new concrete for a smaller pool. You can also paint the surface for a new look relatively easily.

3. Recyclability

If you should ever want to get your concrete pool removed, the material is very easy to recycle. Old concrete can be tossed into batches of new concrete somewhat easily, so your pool itself can be made with recycled materials, and it can also stay out of landfills if and when you have it removed. Concrete is also made from very abundant source and, while it may mean some emissions from a mixing truck having to run while it's poured, this may mean far fewer emissions and pollution than from the processes used to make vinyl and fibreglass. If you're worried about the environment and the impact a new pool may have, choose concrete.

For more information and advice, contact a swimming pool builder in your area.