When you’re considering making an investment in a swimming pool, it’s important to gather as much information as you can before deciding what to do. Since there are many different types of pools, each of which comes with unique benefits, you want to make sure you’re getting what’s right for you and your family.
One of the most important questions to ask yourself: How long will your pool last? Do you prefer to spend a little less now, but need to perform more frequent maintenance, or do you want to spend a little more now, requiring less frequent maintenance?
Lifespan of In-Ground Pools
In-ground pools last a long time—longer than most people live in their homes, in fact. An in-ground pool that lasts 20 years is on the low end of a lifespan; most in-ground pools will last much longer.
Because the structures are so sound, you typically don’t have to worry about major repair, as long as you take care of the routine maintenance required to keep a pool running well.
Some general guidelines for the three major types of in-ground pools:
- Pools with vinyl liners will last more than 20 years, as long as you replace your liner every 6-12 years.
- Concrete pools have exceptional longevity, but you need to resurface the concrete every 10 years or so.
- Fiberglass pools have the longest lifespans of any in-ground pool, often easily surpassing 30 years.
Lifespan of Above Ground Pools
Generally, above ground pools won’t last as long as in-ground pools, as both the liner and structure will need to be replaced over time. You can expect the vinyl liner of an above ground pool to last equally as long as one in an in-ground pool (about 6-12 years), and you should plan on replacing the liner at that time.
The main difference in longevity for above ground pools comes from the structure. Most above ground structures can be expected to last 8-15 years, although that can vary widely among models. This is one of those cases where you definitely get what you pay for.
If you do the quick math, you’ll likely need to replace your vinyl liner at least once during your above ground pool lifespan, and you might be able to get full use of two liners before your structure needs to be replaced.
Which is Right for You?
Of course, only you can answer this question, but the pool experts at Zagers are glad to help give you all the information you need to make the right decision. Largely, your ideal pool depends on your needs, your budget, and your long-term plans. Contact us today to get the conversation started!