The Average Lifespan of an Inground Pool: How Long Does It Last?

Discover the average lifespan of an inground pool and how to extend its longevity with proper maintenance.

An inground pool can be a luxurious addition to your home, providing you and your family with hours of entertainment. When properly maintained, an inground pool can last for many years.

However, it’s essential to understand the lifespan of your pool so you can plan for its eventual replacement if necessary. In this article, we’ll look at how to determine how long your pool will last.

lifespan of an inground pool

What’s The Lifespan of an Inground Pool

The type of pool you choose is directly related to its lifespan. How long a swimming pool lasts varies based on what it’s made of and whether it’s built in the ground.

Inground swimming pools

These pools often survive a very long time—usually far longer than the average person’s lifetime. As long as the pool is maintained correctly, there is seldom a need for significant repairs since the pool’s essential components are so sturdy.

Here are the average lifespans of the three most common inground pools:

-Fiberglass pools: 30+ years

-Concrete pools: 10+ years

-Pools with vinyl liners: 20+ years

While the vinyl lining of above-ground pools is supposed to last the same amount of time as that of in-ground pools (6-12 years), the exposed structure is predicted to survive between 8 and 15 years. However, this may vary significantly across models.

How to increase the lifespan of an inground pool?

Giving an outdated swimming pool a makeover is a great way to refresh your backyard and raise the worth of your house and improve the security of you and your loved ones.

Consider some or all of the following:

  1. Replace old tiles. Replace worn-out ceramic tiles with a brand-new layer.
  2. Add mosaics. Adding mosaics is a simple and inexpensive method to give your pool a distinctive, timeless appearance.
  3. Change coping. Coping is the edging material that sits between the deck and the pool structure and helps to “frame” your swimming pool. It’s always a good idea to replace old coping with new concrete, safety-grip brick, flagstone, or even marble coping.
  4. Add water features. Water elements such as waterfalls, fountains, and deck-mounted laminar jets bring a lot of appeal to a pool and make it more enjoyable to use.
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Tips to increase the longevity of your pool

Here are a few tips to help you extend the life of your pool:

  • Service the filter regularly. Filters should be serviced every two to three months. Dirty filters cause all sorts of problems, including algae infestation.
  • Test and chemically balance the water regularly. Test and adjust the water chemistry at least once per week.
  • Keep the liner clean. Clean vinyl liners regularly to prevent algae and other organisms from growing on them.
  • Cover the pool when not in use. The less the pool is exposed to pollution from birds, insects, and other creatures, the longer it will last and the cleaner it will be when used.
  • Renew the plaster surface once a year. A thin coat of new plaster (about 1⁄4 inch) over the concrete will add years of life.
  • Consider adding a deck or patio. Adding a deck or patio around your swimming pool increases its seating area and creates a space for entertaining friends and playing around.
  • The lifespan of your pool—regardless of the material used or where it is built—is determined by the frequency with which you perform routine maintenance, the type of maintenance, and the products used. Since every pool is different, it’s difficult to predict the exact lifespan of your pool. However, if you follow proper maintenance tips, you should be able to enjoy your swimming pool for years to come.

Signs that your pool needs a professional service

What if you’re taking care of your pool but need to check if you’re doing it correctly? What indications should you look for before hiring a pool service? Thankfully, there are various indicators.

Malfunctioning Pool Heater

If your pool’s heater isn’t functioning, it clearly indicates that it needs to be serviced. A faulty pool heater may be caused by a variety of issues, including:

  • Issues with a power source
  • Poor thermostatic control
  • A faulty pump
  • A damaged pool pump
  • Unreliable pool valves

Any of these factors might result in a faulty pool heater. However, you’ll need to repair it, and you’ll probably need to contact an expert to assess the issue and provide you with a complete pool service.

Damaged Swimming Pool Lights

Broken lights are usually a simple repair, but not when they’re swimming pool lighting. Broken pool lights might keep your pool out of operation when it’s not sunny, and they can make your pool appear dull at night.

Electricity and water are dangerous. Thus it would help if you had a pro to repair pool lights. Things like circuit breakers can ruin swimming pool lighting, so try to check them out too.

Unfortunately, the processes for replacing damaged swimming pool lights are complicated, which is why we recommend hiring a professional to protect your safety and the general performance of your pool.

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Pool Water With Unending Algae

Many homes benefit from an inground pool, whether used to build community or for fun. However, you will only be able to enjoy your pool for so long before algae develop and ruin the integrity of your pool. Your first step will be consulting a pool expert on how to combat it.

You can use certain chemicals to help combat the algae growth, which can extend your pool’s life by one to two years. However, if the algae problem keeps coming back, you may require the services of a professional pool service to get rid of the algae completely.

Discolored or Stained Grout

If your grout begins to change color, you may need maintenance on your pool. Initially, you will need to empty the pool and brush the grout using a shop brush. Thus, the strong bristles can remove dust and grime from the grout. Visit the nearest pool supply shop to get the best materials for the task.

Cracks

Cracks in a swimming pool are not good. If they aren’t already a problem, the cracks in your swimming pool may become one. There are two kinds of cracks in a swimming pool: cracks in the structure and surface. A crack on the surface of your pool might not look good, but it won’t change how safe the water is. But these cracks often cause those dreaded leaks. Most of the time, cracks in a swimming pool are caused by bad planning, construction, or soil problems.

Blocked pipes

Blocked piping is a typical issue with swimming pools, and it’s not something you want to deal with on your own. Clogged piping results in filthy water and prevents your filter from functioning correctly.

Consequently, your swimming pool gets unhealthy, smells, and looks bad. In addition, it’s common to find leaves and debris blocking your pipes. Nonetheless, you should contact a professional to do pool service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What factors affect the lifespan of an inground pool?

Several factors can impact a pool’s lifespan, including:
1. Quality of construction.
2. Materials used.
3. Proper maintenance.
4. Climate and weather conditions.
5. Usage and wear and tear.

What maintenance tasks are essential for preserving an inground pool?

Regular maintenance tasks include cleaning, chemical balancing, pool filter maintenance, inspecting and repairing cracks or leaks, and winterizing the pool during the offseason.

Does the climate affect the lifespan of an inground pool?

Yes, climate plays a role in a pool’s lifespan. Pools in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations, freezing winters, or harsh sunlight may require more maintenance and may have shorter lifespans.

Are there specific materials or features that can prolong an inground pool’s life?

High-quality construction materials, proper reinforcement, and features like saltwater systems or UV sterilizers can contribute to a longer pool lifespan.

What is the cost of resurfacing or renovating an inground pool?

The cost of resurfacing or renovating a pool can vary widely based on factors like pool size, materials, location, and the extent of work needed. It’s best to obtain quotes from pool contractors for accurate estimates.

Bottomline

In conclusion, if your swimming pool constantly suffers from one or more of the above-mentioned issues, it’s time to call a professional pool service company. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that these issues can wait until tomorrow. A pool service company can help you avoid expensive repair expenses by fixing these issues immediately.

Listed below are some more pool articles you will surely find useful. Be sure to check them out! Learn more about pools here.

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About the author

Brian Anderson

The rather dry pool world out there is in need of some passion to make it shine. With the help of my son Ruben and his wife Maria our mission is to help you create the favorite spot of your house - your pool.

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