When considering adding an inground swimming pool to your backyard in New Jersey, you have two popular options: gunite and fiberglass. Both materials have their advantages and disadvantages, making it a challenging decision to choose which one to use. In this article, we will discuss the differences between gunite and fiberglass inground swimming pool options, focusing on the benefits of each, including how they may suit the New Jersey climate.
Gunite Inground Swimming Pools
Gunite is a mixture of cement, sand, and water that is sprayed onto a framework of reinforcing steel rods or mesh. Gunite inground swimming pools are popular in New Jersey due to their durability, versatility, and customizability. Some benefits of choosing a gunite inground swimming pool include:
Pros:
Durability: Gunite inground swimming pools are incredibly sturdy and can last for decades if properly maintained, which is essential in a state like New Jersey which has harsh winters and hot summers.
Versatility: Gunite can be shaped into any size, shape, or depth, allowing for a fully customizable swimming pool to suit your backyard in New Jersey.
Gunite pools are beautiful and durable
Customizability: With gunite, you have access to a wide range of finishes, such as tiles, plaster, pebbles, or quartz, allowing for a personalized touch to your swimming pool that suits the unique style and character of your New Jersey home.
Strength: Gunite pools are strong and can withstand harsh weather conditions, such as earthquakes, heavy rain, and even occasional hailstorms that may occur in the state.
Long-lasting: Gunite pools can last for many years with proper maintenance and care, making it a worthwhile investment for your New Jersey home.
Things to Consider:
Cost: Gunite inground swimming pools are more expensive than fiberglass options due to the materials and labor required for installation, but it’s worth considering in New Jersey’s harsh climate.
Installation time: Gunite swimming pools take longer to install than fiberglass options, as the gunite mixture needs to be applied in layers and then cured, so planning ahead for the installation process is important in the New Jersey climate.
Rough surface: The gunite surface can be rough, which may require additional maintenance to keep it smooth and free from cracks, especially in the winter when ice and snow can be damaging.
Maintenance: Gunite pools require more maintenance, including frequent cleaning and chemical balancing, to keep them in good condition, which is necessary in the New Jersey climate with various weather conditions.
Fiberglass Inground Swimming Pools
Fiberglass is a pre-molded shell made from a combination of resin and glass fibers that is installed in a pre-dug hole in the ground. Fiberglass swimming pools are becoming increasingly popular in New Jersey due to their lower cost, ease of installation, and low maintenance. The benefits of choosing a fiberglass inground swimming pool include:
Pros:
Lower cost: Fiberglass inground swimming pools are less expensive than gunite options due to the pre-manufactured shell, which can be helpful when on a budget in New Jersey.
Easy and quick installation: Fiberglass swimming pools are easy and quick to install, often taking just a few days or weeks to complete, which is convenient in New Jersey where the swimming season is relatively short.
Low maintenance: Fiberglass pools require less maintenance, as the smooth surface prevents algae growth and requires less chemical balancing, which is a plus when dealing with fluctuating temperatures and rain patterns in New Jersey.
Smooth surface: The fiberglass surface is smooth and non-porous, making it easy to clean and maintain, especially when dealing with leaves and other debris that can accumulate in New Jersey’s fall season.
Energy-efficient: Fiberglass pools are often more energy-efficient than gunite pools, as they retain heat better and require less energy to run, making it more eco-friendly
Things to Consider:
Customizability: Fiberglass pools come in pre-molded shapes and sizes, limiting customization options.
Durability: Fiberglass pools can crack or fade over time, requiring expensive repairs or resurfacing.
Transportation: The pre-molded shell can be difficult to transport, requiring larger trucks or cranes to move them to the installation site.
Not ideal for certain soil types: Fiberglass swimming pools may not be suitable for certain soil types, such as rocky or uneven ground.