Vinyl Liner, Concrete or Fiberglass: Which Pool Is Best for Northeast Winters?

If you’re planning an inground pool in the Hudson Valley, one of the first big decisions is the type of pool. The three most common options are vinyl liner, concrete and fiberglass. Each has strengths, but our freeze-and-thaw winters make some differences matter more here than they would in a warmer climate.

Steel Wall Vinyl Liner Pools

A vinyl liner pool uses a sturdy wall structure, like steel panels, with a custom-fit vinyl liner that holds the water. It’s the type of pool we specialize in at Chaffee’s.

• Built for seasonal change. Vinyl liner pools are well suited to the freeze and thaw cycles we see every winter.
• Flexible design. Steel wall construction makes it easier to create custom shapes and sizes, from freeform and kidney shapes to rectangles, Roman ends and L-shaped pools.
• A smooth feel. Vinyl is soft underfoot and comfortable for swimmers.
• Easy to refresh. When your liner eventually wears out, you can replace it and choose a brand-new pattern.

Concrete Pools

Concrete pools offer a lot of design freedom, but concrete can crack over time, and winters with repeated freezing and thawing can be hard on it. Concrete surfaces also tend to need periodic resurfacing.

Fiberglass Pools

Fiberglass pools arrive as a pre-made shell. They’re smooth and quick to install, but because they come in set shapes and sizes, they can limit how much you can customize the pool to your yard.

Which Is Right for You?

The right pool depends on your yard, your budget and how you want to use the space. For many Hudson Valley homeowners, a steel wall vinyl liner pool offers the best mix of durability through our winters and the freedom to design something that truly fits the backyard.

Not sure what will fit your space? We can design your pool in 3D so you can see the shape, patio and features before construction starts. You can also browse our pool gallery for ideas and learn more about our custom inground pools.