How Long Do Swimming Pools Last?

How many years does a pool last

As home improvement projects go, adding a high-quality swimming pool is a major investment that will have a lasting impact on both your property and your life. So naturally you want to gather as much information as possible before reaching out to San Diego swimming pool contractors. 

One of the most important things you need to consider is how long your pool will last. Do you want to spend a bit more now, but require less maintenance in the future, or do you prefer to keep the upfront costs lower, but perform more frequent maintenance?

In this article, we’ll look at the expected lifespans of different pool types and explain how and when they need to be updated. Read on to learn more.

How many years does a pool last?

How long a swimming pool lasts depends on the material it’s made of and whether it’s an inground or an above ground pool. Correct maintenance is also necessary to prevent pool leaks and other costly malfunctions that may shorten its life. 

The average lifespans are as follows:

Inground swimming pools

These pools tend to last an extremely long time, usually much longer than people live in a particular home. Since the main structures of the pool are so sound, there’s rarely any need for major repairs, as long as the pool is properly maintained.

Expected lifespans for the 3 main types of inground pools are:

  • Fiberglass pools boast the longest lifespan of all inground pools, with 30+ years being the norm. 
  • Concrete pools are basically indestructible. However, the concrete should be resurfaced once a decade or so.
  • Pools with vinyl liners tend to last over 20 years as long as the liner is replaced every 6 to 12 years.

Above ground swimming pools

While the vinyl liner on above ground pools lasts just as long as it does on inground pools (6-12 years), the exposed structure of these pools is expected to last between 8 and 15 years. However, this can vary a lot from model to model.

How do you update an old inground pool?

Giving an old swimming pool a facelift is an excellent opportunity to not only update your backyard and boost the value of your property, but also to increase your and your loved ones’ safety by incorporating modern safety features.

Consider doing some or all of the following:

  1. Replace old tiles with a brand new layer of ceramic tile.

    A popular option in the warmer parts of America is to spruce up your swimming pool by using glistening iridescent glass tiles. 

  2. Incorporate a mosaic.

    Adding mosaics is an easy and budget-friendly way to give your pool a personalized, timeless look.

  3. Change coping.

    The edging material between the deck and the pool structure is called coping, and basically serves to “frame” your swimming pool. Replacing the old coping with a brand new concrete, safety-grip brick, flagstone, or even marble coping is never a bad idea.

  4. Include water features.

    Water features such as waterfalls, fountains, and deck-based laminar jets can really make a pool stand out while also making it more fun to use.

Where can I find dependable San Diego swimming pool contractors?

How do you update an old inground pool

Going to a popular public pool such as the Carmel Valley Pool with your friends and family is always an enjoyable experience. However, it also tends to be expensive, time-consuming, and it runs the risk of contracting a communicable disease from the other swimmers at the pool.

That’s where So Cal Custom Pools & Spas comes in. As a highly rated swimming pool contractor in San Diego with a long list of satisfied customers, we’re ideally positioned to build a top-notch spa or pool on your property. Contact us today.