Vinyl vs. Fiberglass – How do you decide?
So, your customers are in the market for a pool. With the variations in types of pools, budgets to factor in, customization desires, landscape requirements, and more to consider, this can seem like a daunting decision to a prospective customer.
Even more difficult—how do you convince them that above all other pools available on the market, a Cardinal vinyl-liner pool is the ideal choice? A seemingly challenging task for you as well.
or…is it?
Have no fear—our pool experts are here to clear up any discrepancy on whether vinyl pools remain superior to their ever-popular and trending fiberglass counterparts.
Like most other pool options, fiberglass pool popularity was revived with the heightened demand for pools during Covid, and has been making quite a splash in pool industry news ever since. While they do have their advantages, (and we, as pool experts and a major manufacturer as well as thought leaders in the industry, cannot deny this) their shiny ‘new toy’ appeal and hyped benefits through the industry media may still not be able to outweigh the benefits of a traditional, ‘tried and true’ vinyl-lined pool.
How do you convince your customers vinyl is the best option to be the centerpiece of their backyard oasis? Even more—why is CARDINAL the ideal choice for their pool kits and liners? Dive in to the key benefits of Cardinal Pools below and get ready to nail your next sales conversation with the facts pool professionals simply can’t deny:
1) Customization is the Cardinal way
(can’t say the same for fiberglass)
While most fiberglass manufacturers have upgraded shell colors and mold offerings, customers are still limited in size and future customization capabilities. Fiberglass pools have to be transported by truck, and cannot be larger than a certain length and width. While they can be molded with steps, sundecks, benches, etc. that is a very permanent decision at time of purchase. If an additional pool element needs to be added in the future, an entire new mold will need to be created (which gets costly, quickly).
DID YOU KNOW? Cardinal creates custom shapes in any size and shape imaginable. Want to add steps and lounging areas down the road? No problem. Our drop-in capabilities allow for this at any time. Simple step addition + liner replacement vs. an entire new pool… you can do the math there.
2) Consider the pool’s use deeply
For real, consider the height. Fiberglass pools allow for a shallow and deep end, however most have standard shallow and deep end heights, with most deep ends limited to 8’ so the mold can still be safely transported by truck. Vinyl pools can be dug to any desired width, shallow or deep, that you desire with little limitation. This provides more freedom to build a pool suitable to your height and the pool’s recreational use.
DID YOU KNOW? Cardinal can manufacture steel walls to essentially any height and bent to any form so you can choose and *customize* your pool’s shallow and deep end to suit your needs.
3) Cardinal vinyl doesn’t crack under PRESSURE
(yikes, fiberglass…)
One of the biggest drawbacks to fiberglass pools is the nature of how fiberglass can react to its environment. If proper installation is not performed carefully and the water pressure cannot hold up against the backfill pressure, cracks will begin to form in the shell. Not only can these be unsightly, they can also cause significant leaking, and depending on size, may need to be resurfaced, or worse, completely replaced (this is costly, as you can imagine). Tears in vinyl can be patched quickly and easily (sometimes in DIY scenarios). If a vinyl replacement Is needed, this is much more affordable ($2,000-3500) and faster than resurfacing ($5,000-10,000).
4) Material matters (and it shows)
Vinyl is non-porous, which makes it resistant to algae, much like that of fiberglass. However, vinyl material is also the smoothest and most non-abrasive finish unlike the ‘sandpaper’ feel of fiberglass and even concrete pools. With proper maintenance, vinyl will maintain its luster and appearance over time. In fiberglass, the gel coating will present itself as faded and more noticeably deteriorating quicker than that of vinyl if pool maintenance is not properly performed.
DID YOU KNOW? Each Cardinal Liner has ultraviolet inhibitors and antibacterial agents to help ensure a long-lasting life (13-15 year lifespan, even longer if properly maintained!)
5) Vinyl pools; a timeless treasure through generations
It’s no secret that over time vinyl needs to be replaced. While this is a known maintenance responsibility for a homeowner, there is potential in this that fiberglass simply cannot offer. Average maximum lifespan of a fiberglass pool is 50 years if well maintained. However, a vinyl pool matches this and can even surpass it as replacement liners add on to the lifespan. This means a family can potentially enjoy swimming through generations with the original pool foundation intact. Not to mention, you can choose a new vinyl pattern with every replacement giving your pool the look and appearance of ‘like new’ throughout its lifetime (there’s that ‘customization’ aspect again). Unless a new shell is installed, fiberglass simply cannot compete here.
Check out how Cardinal Vinyl is made in our in-house Liner Shop; A meticulous process where advanced machinery meets handcrafted precision.
The list can and does go on.
For homeowners with budget, maintenance, longevity, and customization at the top of their list, vinyl lined pools are the best option for a luxurious and reliable addition to their backyard. More than just selling a vinyl pool, you’re selling a Cardinal Vinyl Pool—a proud American, family-owned manufacturer with almost 50 years in the business of bringing dream pools to life. Our liners are handcrafted in our in-house Liner Shop with meticulous detail and quality control to ensure they are the perfect ‘finishing touch’ to lay elegantly on top of our high-quality pool products. Need more convincing? Check out our pools and let the vinyl aesthetic speak for itself.