Plunge pools have quickly become popular backyard additions due to their versatility and minimal footprint requirements. Their compact form offers refreshing getaways while remaining space-efficient; additionally, they’re great options for tight outdoor locations that may lack sufficient room. When selecting materials for their plunge pool projects, two basic material choices emerge – precast concrete and freestanding fibreglass are among those often discussed as viable choices – this guide explores both to help make an educated choice on which plunge pool project would work for your situation best.
Precast Concrete Plunge Pools
In Australia, using precast concrete panels in the construction of precast concrete plunge pools has proven to be an economical and long-term investment. When choosing one for yourself or as an investment property in Australia, several important points must be kept in mind before choosing this form of pool:
- Longevity And Durability: Precast concrete pools are known for their long-term qualities and durability, standing the test of extreme weather while being less vulnerable to external forces that can pose risks to them. They tend to be less susceptible to damage caused by external factors and less likely to experience harm from circumstances they cannot control.
- Personalisation: Precast concrete offers many customisation opportunities. Choose between various forms, sizes and finishes in order to find what fits perfectly with the look you’re going for.
- Stability: Precast concrete pools are exceptionally durable, making them the ideal solution in areas prone to earthquake activity, heavy rainfall or flooding.
- Maintenance: While precast concrete pools may last long-term, they do require regular upkeep in the form of resurfacing and sealing to avoid cracks and leaks forming in them. Compared with fibreglass pools, however, maintenance of precast pools typically involves more manual effort for upkeep.
- Cost: Due to their complex design process and bespoke customisation options, precast concrete plunge pools tend to carry higher initial costs compared to other forms.
- Construction: Constructing a precast concrete plunge pool may take longer than installing one made from fibreglass material due to having to pour concrete that must cure according to specifications before becoming usable for swimming purposes.
Freestanding Fibreglass Plunge Pools
Fibreglass freestanding plunge pools occupying Australia are built using single-piece fibreglass shells; should you decide to go down this route, some key decisions need to be considered:
- Instantaneous Installation: One of the great advantages of fibreglass pools is their speedy assembly process, usually within several days after they arrive on location and are fitted out with their premade shell. Freestanding fibreglass plunge pools may provide the ideal alternative to precast concrete pools if low maintenance costs and cost efficiency are key considerations in selecting backyard swimming solutions.
- Requiring Low or No Upkeep: Unlike concrete pools, fibreglass swimming pools do not need as much upkeep due to their smooth, non-porous surface, which protects them against algae growth and requires less chemical treatment for prevention compared to their concrete counterparts. As a result, fibreglass requires much lower levels of upkeep.
- Durability: Fibreglass pools are well known for their resistance to breaking and ability to last throughout their lives, plus being much more flexible than concrete ones, which helps lessen any chance of ground movement damage to them.
- Energy Efficiency: Fiberglass pools boast excellent insulating capabilities that help regulate water temperatures while cutting heating expenses, contributing to the greater energy efficiency of this composite material.
- Limited Customisation: Fiberglass pools in Australia come in an assortment of forms and sizes, but their level of customisation compared to concrete ones is far lower. If your vision calls for something specific that might not exist right off the bat, selecting from one of several possible designs might suffice – so keep that in mind as an option when searching.
Comparing Precast Concrete And Freestanding Fibreglass Plunge Pools
Now That We Understand Their Characteristics Let Us Compare Precast Concrete and Freestanding Fibreglass Plunge Pools:
- Pricing-Wise: freestanding fibreglass pools often prove more cost-efficient than precast concrete plunge pools as these often provide greater customisation options at purchase time.
- Installation: Fiberglass pools tend to be installed much more quickly than other kinds, usually within days rather than weeks, while precast concrete installations take much more time.
- Durability: Precast concrete has earned itself the distinction of being known for its exceptional strength and longevity – which make it perfect for areas experiencing severe climate conditions. Though both materials can withstand adverse environments, precast concrete stands out due to its superior strength and lifespan.
- Personalisation: Given its wide-ranging personalisation options, precast concrete pools make an excellent way to tailor a pool specifically to your desires; by comparison, fibreglass pools typically allow only limited customisation capabilities.
- Maintenance: Since fibreglass pools do not contain porous surfaces like precast concrete pools do, their care requires less attention for cracks or leaks; in comparison they’re easier to keep clean!
- Aesthetics: As far as aesthetics are concerned, your selection between precast concrete and fibreglass will depend entirely on personal choice and personal aesthetic preferences. Precast concrete may produce more varied surface textures, while fibreglass provides smooth surfaces with glossy surfaces for smooth finishes.
Energy Efficient: Fibreglass pools in Australia feature greater insulation properties that help regulate water temperature while saving on costs associated with heating the pool. This will lower energy expenses.
