What kind of finish is better for DIY Swimming Pools in the UK?

For a swimming pool in the UK, the best finish depends on your budget, desired durability, and aesthetic preferences. Popular options include vinyl liners, concrete with finishes (such as tiles, plaster, or aggregate), and fibreglass. In the variable UK climate, factors like resistance to freeze-thaw cycles and algae growth are important considerations.

Vinyl liners

Vinyl-lined pools are a popular and affordable choice in the UK, offering flexibility and quick installation. 

• Pros:

  • Cost-effective: Generally cheaper to install than concrete pools.

  • Quick installation: The process is relatively fast compared to other pool types.

  • Flexible: The vinyl is resistant to cracking caused by ground movement or freeze-thaw cycles, which is a significant advantage in the UK's changing weather.

  • Customisable: Available in a wide variety of colours and patterns.

    
    

• Cons:

  • Lower durability: A high-quality liner typically lasts 10 to 15 years and will eventually need to be replaced, adding to long-term costs.

  • Vulnerable to damage: The liner can be punctured or torn.

  • Limited shapes: While customisable, the shape options are not as limitless as with concrete pools. 

    
    

Concrete pools with various finishes

Concrete pools offer the highest level of customisation and can be finished in several ways. 

• Concrete with tiles:

  • Pros: Tiles are highly durable, resistant to UV and frost, and available in a vast array of materials, colours, and designs. They are the longest-lasting option for a concrete pool. Glass tiles can create a particularly stunning, modern effect.

  • Cons: Tiled pools require the highest initial investment due to intensive labour and materials. They can be damaged by cracking or chipping.

    
    

• Concrete with aggregate finishes:

  • Pros: Aggregate finishes, which mix cement with materials like pebbles, quartz, or glass beads, are very durable and last longer than traditional plaster. They can create a beautiful, textured, and natural look.

  • Cons: Can be more expensive than plaster, and some aggregate finishes can feel rough on the feet.

    
    

• Concrete with plaster:

  • Pros: Plaster is the most affordable finish for a concrete pool and has a classic, smooth appearance.

  • Cons: It is the least durable finish, and is more susceptible to cracking, staining, and algae growth. It requires more maintenance and frequent resurfacing than other options.

    
    

• Concrete with ecoFinish:

  • Pros: ecoFinish is a heat-blasted powder coating that provides a soft, sealed, and waterproof membrane. It has low maintenance needs, and is durable with a 10-year warranty.

  • Cons: Initial cost is higher than a vinyl liner, though it is less than a tiled concrete pool. 

    
    

Fibreglass pools

Fibreglass pools arrive as a pre-moulded shell, making them quick to install and easy to maintain. 

• Pros:

  • Quick installation: The pre-made shell significantly speeds up the installation process.

  • Low maintenance: The non-porous gel coat surface is highly resistant to algae and easier to clean.

  • Durable: Less prone to cracking than concrete.

  • Lower long-term costs: While initial costs are higher than a vinyl liner, the low maintenance and long lifespan result in lower overall costs.

    
    

• Cons:

  • Limited customisation: Options for shape and size are more restricted.

  • Imperfections: Minor imperfections may be visible in the finish.

  • Higher upfront cost: More expensive than vinyl liners.