While we’ve seen some funky shipping container pools, the three most popular types of inground pool are vinyl-lined, fiberglass and concrete (also known as gunite). Which pool is best? We make it easy to evaluate the pros and cons of each type with this handy chart, covering everything from upfront cost to swim experience. The more stars the pool gets on each of our nine criteria, the better. Dive into the details to discover why we gave a particular rating, and check out the overall rating for each at the bottom of the chart.
RELATED ARTICLES
How to throw the best winter pool party ever
How to throw the best winter pool party ever If you're looking for an antidote to the winter blahs this year, why not host a winter pool party? Winter swimming is ideal for swim spas and plunge pools, which...
The best pool equipment products for 2020
The best pool equipment products for 2020 We’re finding more customers with older pool equipment are opting to replace their systems before that fateful day when the pump, filter, heater, chlorination system or pool cleaner stops working. Not only...
7 ideas for throwing a big party when you have a small pool
7 ideas for throwing a big party when you have a small pool Many of today’s yards are smaller, and so are the pools that go in them. The good news is you can still host a great pool...
Top 10 tips for landscaping around a pool
Top 10 tips for landscaping around a pool Landscaping around your backyard pool should be a labour of love, not an exercise in frustration. Here are our top 10 tips for creating a private oasis that will give you...
Popular pool shapes with examples
Popular pool shapes with examples You can have a vinyl-lined pool in any shape your heart (or your imagination) desires. That being said, there are some popular shapes that you'll hear discussed more often than others. You'll notice that...
How to choose the right pool shape for your yard
How to choose the right pool shape for your yard Most Buds customers end up choosing a rectangular or kidney-shaped pool, but that doesn’t mean the decision on pool shape is easy. Some know exactly what they want and...
Backyard pool vs. cottage: Cost comparison
BACKYARD POOL VS COTTAGE: COST COMPARISON Buying a cottage is often an emotional decision, not a practical one. Maybe it’s about childhood nostalgia. Or a romantic idea of escaping to the wild. Or making family memories. For pool buyers,...
Vinyl-lined, fiberglass and concrete pools: We rate them all in this pros and cons chart
Vinyl-lined, fiberglass and concrete pools We rate them all in this pros and cons chart While we’ve seen some funky shipping container pools, the three most popular types of inground pool are vinyl-lined, fiberglass and concrete (also known as...
How to compare swimming pool quotes: 11 things to ask
How to compare swimming pool quotes 11 things to ask If you get a pool quote that seems too good to be true, chances are it is. Reputable companies that employ full-time, fully insured crews and do high quality...
14 inspiring pool designs your neighbours will be drooling over
14 inspiring pool designs your neighbours will be drooling over As much as we love getting our hands dirty with the excavation and pool construction process, every project starts with a dream—and in many ways, this is the most fun...
These 8 photos prove you can swim all year round
These 8 photos prove you can swim all year round One of the many advantages of a Hydropool swim spa is the fact that you can use it to swim all year long, thanks to its amazing insulation and...
How to choose the perfect winter pool cover
How to choose the perfect winter pool cover Saying goodbye to summer means most pool owners are saying hello to their winter pool covers. A winter pool cover is the best way to prevent leaves, dirt, debris, kids, pets...
The inside scoop: Our Hydropool review
The inside scoop: Our Hydropool review In 2019 we’ll have been selling Hydropool products at Buds for 40 years. That’s remarkable in itself—that two Canadian companies dedicated to pools and spas have been around long enough to have a...
6 amazing above ground swimpools
6 amazing above ground swimpools By keeping your swimpool (also known as a swimspa) above ground on a simple concrete pad, you'll save tens of thousands on installation. What's that you said? Above ground swimpools can't look good? These...
5 best pool financing methods (and one we don’t recommend)
The 5 best pool financing methods (and one we don’t recommend) Creating a backyard oasis is a significant investment in your home and lifestyle that few of us can pay for without financing at least a portion of the...
Backyard pools on a budget: 8 ways to save money on pool installation
Backyard pools on a budget: 8 ways to save money on pool installation Can't stand the thought of listening to the kids (or grandkids) say “I’m bored” for one more summer? Dreaming of your own private backyard retreat? Want...
Battle of the solar covers: Solar blanket vs. liquid solar pool cover
Battle of the Solar Covers Solar blanket vs. liquid solar pool cover We all want to save money and resources, but liquid solar pool covers are commonly overlooked. So, what is a liquid solar pool cover? To put it...
Cost comparison: Small pool vs. swimpool
Cost comparison: Small pool vs swimpool If you only have room for a small pool in your yard, you can opt for a traditional pool or go for a swimpool (a small pool with an attached hot tub that's...
