When it comes to investing in a fiberglass swimming pool, two of the biggest names in the industry are Leisure Pools and Latham Pools. Both companies offer high-quality fiberglass pool options, but there are some key differences between Leisure and Latham that homeowners should consider.
This article will provide a detailed overview of leisure and Latham pools, including the pros, cons and key features of each, to help you determine which is the best choice for your backyard.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | Leisure Pools | Latham Pools |
| Designs | Freeform, curved shapes with rounded corners | Mostly rectangular lap pools and basic shapes |
| Sizes | Typically 6m to 12m lengths | Range from 12′ plunge pools up to 40′ lap pools |
| Depths | Mostly 1m to 1.8m constant depth | Offer a wider range of depths for lap swimming |
| Materials | Proprietary fiberglass formula | UltriTex fiberglass material |
| Features | Focus on built-in benches, swimouts, beach entries | Minimal extra features beyond pool structure |
| Customization | High – more finish options and add-ons | Low – standard gelcoat colors |
| Warranty | Up to 30 years structure, 10 years surface | Lifetime structure, 15-25 years surface |
| Cost | $$$ Higher due to custom designs | $-$$ More budget-friendly value pricing |
| Manufacturing | Constructed in Australia | Made in the USA |
| Best For | Backyard relaxation and aesthetics | Fitness swimming and classic designs |
Overview of Leisure Pools
Founded in 2001, Leisure Pools is an Australian company that has become one of the world’s largest manufacturers of fiberglass swimming pools.
They offer a wide selection of sizes and styles, from basic rectangles to freeform leisure pools, lap pools, and more unique designs.
Leisure Pools uses a fiberglass composite construction.
This proprietary fiberglass material contains UV inhibitors and resins to provide structural integrity, durability, and resilience. Leisure Pools come with protective gelcoat surfaces that resist staining, discoloration and scratches.
Many Leisure Pool designs include hydrotherapy jets, benches, tanning shelves, and other features tailored for relaxation and leisure. They often have curved, freeform shapes with seating nooks, beach entries, and sun shelves built right into the pool structure. This creates an inviting leisure pool environment.
Below are some of the pros and cons of Leisure Pools:
Pros of Leisure Pools:
- High quality construction from thick fiberglass and durable composite materials
- Attractive freeform designs perfect for leisure and relaxation
- Options for built-in benches, swim outs, tanning shelves and other leisure features
- Saltwater or traditional chlorine pool options available
- Often faster installation time than concrete pools
- Lower long-term maintenance than other pool types
- Long warranty periods – up to 30 years structure and 10 years surface
Cons of Leisure Pools:
- Higher upfront cost than some other fiberglass or vinyl liner pools
- Limited size options – mostly smaller or medium-sized pools
- Requires professional installation – not a DIY project
- Raw construction materials are imported from overseas
- Limited customization compared to concrete pools
Overall, Leisure Pools are ideal for homeowners who prioritize aesthetics and leisure functions over lap swimming or exercise purposes. The leisure designs and built-in features make them perfect relaxation spaces.
Overview of Latham Pools
Latham Pool Products, founded in 1954, engineers and constructs fiberglass swimming pools in the United States.
They have an expansive selection of sizes ranging from 12' round plunge pools to 40' long fitness and lap pools.
Latham uses a proprietary fiberglass material called UltriTex that contains UV-resistant resins.
They hand-lay the fiberglass in multiple directions for durability. Latham pools come with a 25-30 mil gelcoat finish available in standard colors plus custom options.
Many of Latham’s designs are rectangular with minimal curves and angles. They focus more on classic shapes and functionality for swimming and exercise. However, Latham does offer some freeform leisure pool options as well.
Here are some pros and cons of Latham fiberglass pools:
Pros of Latham Pools:
- Manufactured in the USA from proprietary UltriTex material
- More size options including long lap pools and large exercise pools
- Rectangular and basic geometric shapes perfect for swimming
- Often less expensive than highly customized leisure pools
- Quick installation time - usually 5 days or less
- Low maintenance required compared to concrete or vinyl
- Excellent durability and warranty - up to lifetime structure
Cons of Latham Pools:
- Less customized shape and leisure options compared to Leisure Pools
- Requires professional installation
- Limited color options - standard gelcoat colors only
- Larger Latham pools still require excavation and site prep
- Rectangular designs lack visual interest that customized pools offer
Overall, Latham Pools are ideal for buyers prioritizing function over form. With their focus on lap pools, swim pools, and basic geometric designs, Latham offers excellent swimming and exercise spaces.
Key Differences Between Leisure and Latham Pools
Now that we've covered the basics of each company's pools, let's dive into some of the major differences between Leisure and Latham:
- Design styles - Leisure Pools offers much more variety in freeform, curved designs with built-in sun shelves, benches, beach entries and more. Latham has more classic rectangular lap pools and swim-focused designs.
- Pool shapes and sizes - Leisure Pools come in more unique shapes and smaller sizes, ranging from 6m-12m long. Latham offers tons of size options from 12' rounds up to 40' lap pools.
- Customization - Leisure Pools has more customizable options for color, tiles, and added leisure features. Latham Pools keeps it simple with standard colors and minimal add-ons.
- Cost - Leisure Pools are generally more expensive due to the customized designs. Latham Pools are competitively priced thanks to their construction efficiencies.
- Durability - Both use durable fiberglass materials and have excellent warranties. Latham offers a lifetime structure warranty.
- Installation - Leisure Pools controls the install process closely. Latham trains and partners with local dealers/installers.
- Manufacturing - Leisure Pools are made in Australia then shipped. Latham Pools are made in the USA.
Overall, Leisure Pools are the best choice if you want a customized leisure pool for relaxation, parties, and aesthetics. Latham Pools are ideal for lap swimming, exercise, and maximizing your budget.
Leisure Pool Designs and Features
Now let's take a more in-depth look at some of the unique designs and features you'll find with Leisure Pools fiberglass pools:
- Freeform Shapes
Leisure Pools has mastered the art of freeform, curved pools. Their designs utilize flowing lines, rounded corners, built-in benches, and integral swimouts and sun shelves. This creates an organically-shaped leisure pool perfect for relaxation.
Popular freeform designs include the Reef, Tide, Riviera, and Laguna pools. Sizes range from 6m-12m in length to suit different backyards. The curved edges and shapes provide visual interest.
- Swimouts
Many Leisure Pool designs incorporate swimouts - elongated pool sections designed for sitting, lounging or cooling off. Swimouts extend off the main pool with a shallow entry perfect for children.
The Coral Leisure Pool is one example featuring an expansive swimout. The Reef Leisure Pool has a curved swimout section as well. These create built-in benches and tanning shelves.
- Integrated Spas
Some of Leisure's larger designs include integrated spas or hot tubs, seamlessly incorporated into the pool area.
The Daydream Leisure Pool has a round spa ideal for relaxing on cool nights. The chilled spa provides a counterpoint to the heated main pool.
Integrated spas eliminate the need for a separate hot tub structure. You can go back and forth between the spa and pool with ease.
- Beach Entries
Beach entries are graded, sloped pool entries designed for easy wading access. Many Leisure Pools have beach entries which mimic the gradual slope of a natural beach.
The shallow beach entry areas allow children and shorter swimmers to access the water safely. Examples like the Tide Pool have wide beach entries.
Beach designs also eliminate the need for pool steps which can be challenging for some swimmers. The gentle slope is comfortable on feet and joints.
- Benches
Benches are a signature design element of Leisure Pools.
Most Leisure models incorporate built-in benches, ledges and seating nooks within the pool structure itself.
Benches provide in-pool seating for relaxing and socializing without having to get out of the water.
They're usually about hip or chest high. Examples like the Reef pool have expansive benches.
Built-in benches maximize leisure space and eliminate the need for aftermarket pool seating. They're ergonomically designed for comfort and lounging.
- Hydrotherapy Jets
Many Leisure Pools come equipped with hydrotherapy jets. These jets deliver targeted streams of pressurized water for massage therapy.
Hydrotherapy jets are commonly found in spas to relax muscles and relieve joint pain. When installed in Leisure Pools, you get the benefits of water jets outside of a dedicated spa setting.
The jets target pressure points on the legs, back and shoulders for intense but soothing massage action. Hydrotherapy upgrades can be added to most Leisure Pool packages.
Latham Pool Styles and Options
In contrast to Leisure's curved leisure designs, Latham Pool Products focuses more on classic swimming pool shapes and sizes. But they do offer a few leisure and geometric designs as well:
- Rectangle Swim and Lap Pools
Latham's claim to fame is their large selection of rectangular swim pools perfect for laps and fitness. Their longest model is the Epic 40' Exercise Pool with dual swim lanes.
Long rectangles provide straight, uninterrupted lanes for swimming back and forth. Exercise pools allow swimmers to get an effective workout.
Medium rectangles like the Epic 34' Swim Pool are still long enough for short laps and swimming but require less space. Rectangular pools maximize swimming capabilities.
- Roman Ends
While Latham's designs are mostly rectangular, some pools offer rounded Roman ends or radius corners to soften sharp angles.
Roman ends provide visual interest while maintaining optimal swim clearance. Models like the Epic 30' Swimmer pool have subtle Roman ends.
This rounded shape prevents blunt wall intersections which can create uncomfortable turbulence while swimming laps.
- Oval Pools
In addition to rectangles, Latham also constructs oval-shaped fiberglass pools. Ovals offer more visual variety than strict rectangles.
The Curved Oval is a stretched oval design with soft, rounded edges. The Epic Oval is a classic elliptical shape with semi-circular ends.
Oval pools allow for lap swimming as well as relaxation areas. They maximize swim clearance while breaking up harsh lines.
- Freeform Leisure Pools
While not their specialty, Latham does offer a few freeform leisure pool models for backyard relaxation.
The Tropical Oasis has an elongated kidney-bean shape with curved edges, built-in benches, and tanning ledges. The Paradise Leisure pool has a figure-8 shape and sun shelves.
Latham's leisure pools mimic natural pond shapes. They provide an inexpensive value option compared to highly customized leisure designs.
- Plunge Pools
For small spaces, Latham offers plunge pools starting at just 12' diameter. Plunge pools can accommodate 2-4 people for a dip and cool down.
Circular plunge pools work well in compact decks and patios. Although too small for laps, they provide quick relaxation and relief from summer heat.
Latham's pre-made fiberglass plunge pools are far more affordable than custom-built small pools.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions comparing Leisure and Latham fiberglass pools:
Leisure Pools and Latham Pools are both top-quality brands. Leisure Pools focuses more on customized leisure designs. Latham offers classic lap pools and basic shapes focused on fitness.
Yes. Viking Pools and Latham Pool Products merged in 2001 and now operate as one company under the Latham brand name. Their pools are identical.
No. While they share a fiberglass composite construction, brands differ in shapes, sizes, materials and warranties. Leisure uses proprietary materials while Latham engineers their own UltriTex material.
Latham pools are made of a proprietary fiberglass composite formula called UltriTex. It contains UV-protected resins to prevent yellowing and small fiberglass flakes for strength. Latham hand-lays the fiberglass and finishes it with a thick gelcoat.
Leisure Pools offers up to 30 years on the pool structure and 10 years on the surface. Latham Pools warranties their pools for the lifetime of the original owner on the structure and pro-rated over 15-25 years on the surface.
Conclusion
When comparing Leisure vs. Latham fiberglass pools, the main considerations come down to:
- Pool shapes - curved & freeform vs. rectangular & geometric
- Custom features - benches, beach entries, hydro jets, etc.
- Sizes - wider range with Latham, more petite options from Leisure
- Cost - Leisure prices are higher than Latham's value prices
- Warranties - both offer excellent long-term protections
For homeowners who want a customized leisure pool optimized for relaxation, Leisure is likely the best choice. Their freeform designs, integrated features and aesthetic focus creates a backyard oasis.
For buyers prioritizing lap swimming, exercise and classic pool shapes, Latham is ideal. Their swim-focused rectangular pools and strong warranties ensure you can maintain your fitness regime for years to come.
With their different strengths and focuses, both Leisure and Latham provide excellent fiberglass pool options. Assess your needs and compare the pros and cons to select the right pool for your landscape design, lifestyle and budget.
