Pros and Cons: All You Need to Know About Concrete Pools

The pros and cons if you're considering getting a concrete pool.

Concrete is one of the most popular building materials in the construction world. Not only is it affordable, but it also gives plenty of advantages because of its durability, versatility, and more. Because of concrete's many capabilities, it's no wonder many structures are being made using concrete as a main component.

You might notice that almost everything you see in cities, towns, and homes uses concrete. It’s made into buildings, homes, flooring, and sometimes furniture. However, the ancient saying, 'Nothing is perfect,' still rings true today. Despite how advantageous and beneficial concrete is to people and structures everywhere, it has flaws.

If you are considering using concrete for your pool, you should know more about the pros and cons of having one. And lucky for you, we will be discussing those in this blog!

The Pros

Any Shape and Size

Compared to other building materials, if you use concrete for your pool, you'll have your pick of shape and size. If you want your pool shaped like a star or a heart, you can. If you want a depth change from shallow to deep, that's also possible. You can do many combinations by mixing and matching the shape, size, depth, and more when constructing a concrete pool.

Customizable Features

You can do more than just choose your pool's shape, size, and depth. You can customize it further by adding features you can't have in fiberglass or vinyl pools. If you want to have a vanishing edge or an infinity pool, then concrete is the way to go. The same goes for adding stairs or a beach entry, a prettier version of stairs for your pool, and more.

Durable and Long-Lasting

Concrete pools are considered a wise investment since they are durable and long-lasting. Concrete is a sturdy construction material known to resist damage, weather, and, most importantly, water. You're also free to let your canine and feline pals take a dip without worrying about them scratching or damaging your pool's surface.

Beautiful Aesthetics

Usually, when you see a beautiful pool, the first thing that comes to mind is a concrete pool, which is understandable since it's considered the classic pool look. Other than customizing the shape and features of your pool, you can also choose some colors to stain it with and match the environment. With so many mixing and matching options, you can create a beautiful pool that compliments your home's aesthetics.

The Cons

High Maintenance

Most structures done using concrete are known to have little to no maintenance. However, the same can't be said for concrete pools, which require the highest maintenance compared to other pool types. This is because they need to be cleaned and sealed regularly to prevent cracking and algae growth.

Chemical Usage

The concrete pool is more prone to algae growth than other pool types. To stop it from happening, chemicals are added to the concrete. As a result, this can raise your pool water's alkaline content and pH. Swimming in water with high pH is bad for your skin and eyes. So to counter and balance the high pH, you'll need to use more chemicals on top of the chemicals already added to the concrete.

Long Construction Time

In some pool types, construction only takes at least a week. However, construction might take 16 to 20 weeks when making a concrete pool. Finishing your pool might take longer, depending on the customization and features you added. Especially since there are a lot of processes involved in the creation, such as planning, excavation, curing, and more. 

Concrete pools, just like any other pool type, have their own ups and downs. However, even if after knowing the benefits and drawbacks of having a concrete pool, you find it’s for you, go for it!

Do you have a concrete pool design already? Give us a call at Grand Rapids Concrete Pros! Our concrete contractors will be thrilled to assist you in achieving your personal pool paradise.