Wooden swimming pool or shell swimming pool: which to choose?

Buying a swimming pool is an important step for many homeowners who want to transform their garden into a space for relaxation and leisure. However, faced with the multitude of choices available, one question often comes up: should you opt for a wooden pool or a shell pool ?

These two very popular options are attractive because of their respective advantages, but they also come with constraints that are essential to understand before making a decision.

Without further ado, discover the advantages, disadvantages and characteristics of each type of swimming pool .

Wooden swimming pools: an aesthetic and functional choice

Wooden swimming pools stand out for their natural charm and their ability to blend harmoniously into all types of outdoor spaces. This type of pool is particularly appreciated by owners looking for an aesthetic and warm solution, capable of adding real visual value to their garden.

The advantages of wooden swimming pools

Wood is a noble and timeless material that adapts to many configurations. But this is not the only advantage of the wooden swimming pool :

• Installation versatility: Above-ground pool for quick assembly, semi-buried or buried pool for premium integration.
• Modularity of sizes and shapes: Available in a wide variety of formats, they adapt to your needs, whether for family swimming or relaxation.

The disadvantages of wooden swimming pools

Despite their many advantages, wooden pools require special attention to ensure their durability. Although the majority of models are made from treated wood, this material remains sensitive to bad weather, UV rays and humidity.

Therefore, it is important to be vigilant about the following:

• Regular maintenance required: In order to preserve the structure and aesthetics of the wood, annual treatment (stain, saturator or varnish) is essential.
• Lifespan: Even with careful maintenance, a wooden swimming pool generally has a shorter lifespan than a shell pool.
• Maintenance cost: In the long term, maintenance can represent an additional cost, to be taken into account in your budget.

In summary, a wooden swimming pool is an ideal solution for those who prefer a natural aesthetic. However, it requires special care to preserve its appearance and durability over the years.

Shell pools: a modern and practical solution

Shell pools are attracting more and more owners thanks to their contemporary design, robustness and speed of installation. Factory-made from materials such as polyester or resin, they arrive on your property ready to be installed, offering a quick and reliable solution to quickly enjoy your swimming area.

The advantages of shell pools

The speed of installation is one of the main advantages of this type of pool. Unlike reinforced concrete pools, which require several weeks of work, a shell pool can be operational in just a few days. In addition, its smooth, non-porous surface prevents the proliferation of algae , which greatly simplifies maintenance.

• Easy to install: Once the ground is prepared, simply place the hull and make the connections, which reduces costs and time.
• Exceptional waterproofing: Thanks to their single-block structure, the lifespan of a shell pool is generally longer, because it is less subject to the risk of cracks and water infiltration .
• Easy maintenance: The smooth finish limits the accumulation of dirt, making cleaning quick and efficient.
• Customization possibilities: Although standardized, the hulls are available in a wide range of colors , shapes (rectangular, oval, kidney-shaped, etc.), bottoms (flat or inclined) and finishes, allowing you to meet your tastes and needs.

The disadvantages of shell pools

Despite its many advantages, the shell pool has some constraints:

• Delicate transport and installation: Due to their imposing size, the hulls require easy access to the ground and the use of lifting equipment.
• Terrain adaptation: The ground must be perfectly leveled and stable to avoid cracks or deformations.
• Limited size: Unlike concrete pools, shells are offered in prefabricated models, limiting the possibilities in terms of shape and size.

Comparison of wooden or shell swimming pool: which choice to make?

Here is a summary table to better understand the differences between these two types of swimming pool:

The choice between a shell or wooden pool depends above all on your priorities and expectations. If you are looking for a solution that is quick to install, requires little maintenance and guarantees great durability, the shell pool is an ideal option. It offers quick installation, excellent waterproofing and a wide range of customizations.

On the other hand, if you prefer a natural swimming pool, which fits perfectly into your outdoor space, the wooden swimming pool will perfectly meet your needs... Provided that you plan for regular maintenance to ensure its longevity!

Before choosing one pool over another, think carefully about your criteria such as budget, the layout of your land and the time you are willing to devote to maintaining your pool.  

Do not hesitate to consult a professional for personalized support in your project!