The Advantages and Disadvantages of Concrete Pools

Concrete pools are the strongest and longest-lasting of all pool types. They can add value to your home and provide years of summer swimming enjoyment. However, a concrete pool is a significant investment and requires a lot of time to build. Make sure to consult a professional who can advise you on the most cost-effective way to build your new pool and whether concrete is the best choice for your project.

The Pool Structure

Unlike fiberglass or vinyl liner pools, which must be created in a mold, concrete pools can be made of any size and shape. This gives you greater flexibility when designing a pool to fit your available space, and allows for the creation of many creative features. For example, a concrete pool can be built into an existing hill or into the shape of your house.

It is important to use high-quality concrete when building a concrete pool, because it will be the backbone of your entire system. The concrete must be poured with the proper mix and have a good slump (the amount it spreads in a given time period). The higher the slump, the stronger the concrete. For example, a concrete pool should have a slump of 12 inches in 60 seconds. Avoid using concrete that is pre-mixed and hosed in from a truck—it is more porous and prone to cracking. Instead, look for a pool builder who mixes dry cement and water on site—it takes more skill but produces superior concrete.

When making your pool, make sure the builders cap and pressure test any plumbing that will be inside the concrete shell. This is important to prevent leaks and ensure the concrete has sufficient strength. Concrete is very strong, but it has very low tensile strength, meaning that when bending or flexing it, it may fracture the surface and even the structure of the pool. To protect against this, the builders reinforce the concrete with steel.

Another downside to concrete pools is the rough interior surface, which can harbor algae growth and irritate sensitive skin. This rough surface can also scratch tender feet, particularly in children who swim without water shoes. Some owners even have to cover the pool deck with plastic sheets to reduce abrasions on the legs of their family and friends.

Concrete pool construction is more labor-intensive than other pool types, and it takes 3-6 months to complete. This is largely because of the long curing process. It is also important to carefully plan the location of a concrete pool, since underground obstacles such as utility lines can damage the shell or interfere with the installation.

Lastly, concrete is more expensive to own in the long run than fiberglass or vinyl liner pools. Follow-up expenses and maintenance such as acid washing by professionals every three to five years, more money spent on chemicals, increased electricity usage, and refinishing/remodeling can add tens of thousands of dollars to the original cost over the lifetime of the pool.

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