Fiberglass pools offer a variety of options for style and functionality, and they can be easier and less expensive to install than some other types of pools. Though fiberglass pools can come with their own coping, leaving it exposed can leave it vulnerable to sun damage, and it will require a lot of maintenance. Most people opt for concrete or paver coping to protect that edge and to provide additional decorative elements for the pool.
Concrete and pavers both offer their own benefits. Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons to help you make the right choice for your fiberglass pool:
Concrete
Typically, if you choose concrete for your pool, the locking collar, deck, and coping would all be poured as one unit. However, you can create differentiation with stamping and coloring. Some of the pros of using concrete for your fiberglass pool include:
- Cost. It is one of the most affordable options for your pool.
- Durability. Since it is poured as one unit, it is less likely to shift over time, and it will last for many decades with the appropriate care.
Some of the drawbacks of using concrete include:
- Uneven finish. If you don’t hire a concrete expert who takes great care in their work, you run the risk of having an uneven finish in the concrete.
- Potential for cracks. If the concrete forms a crack, it will keep running all the way down the coping.
- Texture. Some people find concrete to be too rough.
Pavers
If you choose pavers for your fiberglass pool, a locking collar would be poured in concrete, and the pavers would be placed on top of that or right next to it. Some of the many advantages of using pavers for your fiberglass pool include:
- Greater quality control. Pavers are laid individually, so the finish is more uniform.
- Easier color matching. Cracked and damaged concrete has to be color matched and poured on site. Pavers can be easily removed and repaired in any color.
- More design options. You can get pavers in just about any color and design.
The only real drawback to using pavers for your pool is the cost. Pavers are usually more expensive than poured concrete, though many people find the look and the other advantages of pavers to be well worth the cost.
The hardscaping experts at Triad Associates will talk you through the pros and cons of concrete or pavers for your particular pool and property. We’ll help you understand the design options available so you can get a beautiful look for your pool. We can install a wide variety of pavers to create a beautiful and unique look for your pool and to provide a comfortable space for relaxing and entertaining. We use samples, sketches, and design software to help you visualize what’s possible. Call us today to schedule a consultation with one of our design specialists to explore the options for your new pool or for upgrading your current pool.
