What is the best material for a pool? Advice and expert opinions

When building a concrete pool, the construction company first excavates a hole in your yard and then pours concrete to form a solid base slab. Once the slab hardens, the pool walls are shaped using a technique called “lost formwork” or shuttering. At this stage, it is essential to plan openings for pipes that will serve the water filtration system.

The next step is leveling the concrete. Only after this can the installation of the following begin:

• Ceramic tiles
• Glass mosaic
• Pool liner

It is important to hire professionals for the construction of a concrete pool. Experts will ensure that the pool does not leak on its own, either due to poorly installed liners or inadequate waterproofing beneath the cladding.

One of the biggest advantages of a concrete pool is its flexibility in shaping. You can get a fully customized pool because concrete can be poured into any shape. Sounds interesting? Let your imagination run wild!

This means you need to be prepared for waiting when building a concrete pool. Excavation, pouring concrete, waiting for it to harden, installing tiles… all of this takes longer than you might expect.

The construction of a concrete pool can take weeks or even months, and your yard may look like a construction site all summer long.

Another challenge is the surface of the concrete pool. Tiles and mosaics have grout lines where algae and bacteria can easily accumulate, meaning you will need more chemicals and regular manual scrubbing.

If you have a pool liner, be careful – it can easily get damaged. A scratch or hole is not just an aesthetic issue but can also lead to water leakage.

Plastic pools are made from welded polypropylene sheets with a thickness of 0.5–0.8 cm, reinforced with ribs on the outside. The thicker the sheets, the higher the quality of the pool. A thickness of 1 cm is recommended, as thinner sheets (0.5 cm) are not durable.

A plastic pool is assembled from multiple parts, and its joints are the weakest point – over time, they can loosen and start leaking water. Thinner plastics are also prone to deformation at high temperatures.

The construction of a plastic pool is similar to that of a concrete pool – a pit is dug, a concrete slab and walls are installed, and then the plastic shell is placed inside. The shape and size can be customized, but the color options are usually limited to shades of blue.

The price range for plastic pools is wide. Thinner models are more affordable, while those made of thicker plastic are more expensive but more durable.

A laminated pool (also known as a fiberglass pool) is made from a mixture of resin and fiberglass.

The term “composite pool” is often used because it refers to a combination of materials with different properties – strong and flexible, which together provide durability and resistance to the pool.

Fiberglass pools are made by applying multiple layers of material to a mold, called a “hull.” The layers are painted, sprayed, or manually applied to the mold, after which the pool is separated once the material hardens.

The choice of pool shapes is limited to the models offered by the manufacturer. Custom-made pools would be extremely expensive, as a high-quality mold costs many times more than the pool itself. A standard shape, however, allows for a more affordable price.

The biggest issue with fiberglass pools is osmosis. If the pool is not properly maintained, small bubbles can appear on the surface, which over time can crack and cause water leakage.

The main advantage of fiberglass pools is quick installation and an affordable price.

“A ceramic pool? It must be very fragile.” You’re not the first person to ask this question.

However, the truth is the opposite. Ceramic pools are extremely durable because they are made of composite materials and consist of multiple layers.

The composition of the layers varies among different manufacturers. Although ceramic pools can be found in supermarkets, their production and material quality are often average.

At Compass Pool, one of our exclusive partners, they produce top-quality ceramic pools of the highest standard. The following information applies exclusively to Compass Pool ceramic pools.

The core of the pool consists of a special ceramic layer. This ceramic base (vinyl ester resin with ceramic microspheres) creates a layer resistant to water and chemicals.

Compass pools are reinforced with carbon fibers – a material originally developed for NASA. This extremely strong component is used in the aerospace industry and the production of high-end bicycles.

Compass pools are robust yet lightweight, making them a favorite among construction companies. Unlike plastic pools, which can bend and deform during installation, ceramic pools retain a stable shape and are easy to install.

An additional layer of polyester protects the ceramic base and contributes to the overall strength of the pool.

A special feature of Compass pools is their glossy, sparkling finish that immediately catches the eye. The water looks crystal clear and inviting, while the smooth wall surfaces make it difficult for microorganisms to settle.

While pool colors are often limited to shades of blue, Compass Pools offers many more options – white, gray, and other sophisticated colors of your choice.

Ceramic pools last for decades and still look like new even after years of use.

A Prochrom pool consists of steel plates welded on-site. The installation process involves excavation, creating a concrete base and walls, after which technicians weld the steel plates to form the pool shell. This method allows for the creation of pools in any shape.

If you opt for a standard shape, the pool usually comes pre-welded and ready for installation.

Prochrom is an extremely durable material and represents the pinnacle of quality in the world of pools. Its smooth surface makes maintenance easy and has almost no drawbacks – except that the gray color of the metal may appear cold and uninviting to some people.

We do not recommend buying a pool online. It is a long-term investment that will forever be a part of your garden, so it is important to make a thoughtful decision.

If you need pool construction, Bibis is the right choice for you. Contact us and schedule your first meeting.

If you are planning a custom pool, visiting Bibis is even more important – we will stay in touch throughout the entire design and installation process.