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Fiberglass Pools are the Best Choice for Furry Family Members!

If you’re thinking of getting a new inground pool and are wondering which type of pool is the best choice for pets who like the water, read on…

Inground pools are fun for the whole family. If your family includes four-legged kids, don’t forget to consider them when you’re choosing the best swimming pool for your new backyard oasis. When you’re selecting an inground pool, you’ll be choosing between three types of pools: vinyl liner, gunite (concrete) or fiberglass. Each type of pool has its own set of benefits. However, if having a pool that’s dog (or other pet) friendly is important to you, there are some things you need to know. Let’s take a look at the upfront investment, durability factors and ease of entrance and exit on each pool type and see which one gets the furry friend seal of approval!

Vinyl Liner Pools

  • Upfront investment. Folks who are looking for the lowest upfront investment for their pool project will often choose a vinyl liner pool. (However, while low upfront costs are attractive, it’s also important to factor in the cost of vinyl liner repairs and maintenance over time.)
  • Durability factor. If allowing your pets to get in the swim is important to you, you’ll soon find that even small pets can accidentally tear the vinyl liner if their toe nails come into contact with the vinyl. This can lead to the need for repeated repairs and unsightly patching.
  • Ease of entrance and exit. Vinyl liner pools typically have either ladders, composite or fiberglass walk-out steps. Ladders provide no 2nd point of entry or exit for our four-legged friends.

Furry Friend Rating: One.

Low upfront cost of vinyl liner pools can be misleading because repeated repairs to, and replacement of, the vinyl, adds up. For both durability and ease of entrance and exit, vinyl liner pools are not recommended for pet owners. We gave it a one instead of a zero because you could very closely supervise and help your pet in and out of the water.

Gunite (Concrete) Pools

  • Upfront investment. Unless you happen to live in the Sunbelt or other warm, coastal areas, gunite pools typically have a higher upfront investment than vinyl or fiberglass. Pool buyers often choose them for the ability to fully customize a pool project.
  • Durability factor. Gunite pools are more durable than vinyl pools, as there is no liner to repair or replace. However, pool owners should consider the fact that the durable surface of a gunite pool can be very rough on pets’ paws and nails. Gunite pools will also typically require resurfacing over time.
  • Ease of entrance and exit. Because gunite pools are custom, you would be able to have a wide-open step area or beach entry installed that would make it easy for pets to get in and out of the pool. However, you’ll need to keep a watchful eye on pets to ensure they’re not hurting their paws on the gunite surface.

Furry Friend Rating: Six.

Gunite pools do offer better durability as well as ease of entrance and exit (than vinyl liner pools). However, their rough surface can be hard on pets’ paws and nails, especially if they get in and out of the pool numerous times.

Fiberglass Pools

  • pet friendly poolsUpfront investment. In terms of upfront investment, fiberglass pools typically land in the middle of pool cost. Their upfront costs are higher than vinyl liner pools but often quite a bit lower than custom gunite installations. (However, when comparing fiberglass to vinyl, the slightly higher upfront cost is easy to justify due to the dramatically lower maintenance and repair costs over time.)
  • Durability factor. Fiberglass pool owners love their pools because the low-maintenance gel coat finish is easy not just on paws, but on swimsuits and tender human feet as well. With a fiberglass pool, you’ll never have to worry about torn liners or injured paws.
  • Ease of entrance and exit. Fiberglass pools are a dream for pets (and humans) in terms of easy entrance and exit. Many designs have wide wrap-around steps and built-in benches. You’ll also find designs with deep-end swim-outs that both pets and owners alike can use to get in and out of the pool in the shallow or deep-end. Fiberglass pools with built-in tanning ledges make a great spot for pets and kiddos to enjoy the water while still having a place to rest their paws (and tiny feet.) Additionally, fiberglass pools are now also available in beach entry designs for the ultimate way to ease into the pool (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839).

Furry Friend Rating: Ten!

Fiberglass pools are by far the best option for pet owners. With a moderate upfront investment (and years of worry-free, low-maintenance pool ownership ahead,) those who choose fiberglass will have a great spot for swimmers of all types to safely and comfortably enjoy the pool.

So, if you’re thinking of taking the plunge with a new inground pool and would like to bring your furry friends in with you, take a look at the many beautiful fiberglass pool designs Thursday Pools has to offer, and get a FREE estimate today.