Fiberglass VS Concrete Pool
Making the right choice between a fiberglass and concrete pool is a crucial decision that could make or break your pool experience.
From cost to customization to longevity, there are so many aspects to factor into your decision.
Luckily, you've come to the right place.
Continue reading to find out more about the differences between fiberglass and concrete swimming pools in our easy to read guide.
Fiberglass Pool VS Concrete
Costs of Concrete Pool Vs. Fiberglass
Winner - Fiberglass Pool
The first thing you will likely consider is the costs of both of these pools upfront. For a fiberglass swimming pool, the cost will end up being anywhere from $12,000 to $30,000 if you choose to do it without hiring professionals.
However, most people who decide to hire professional contractors end up paying anywhere between $40,000 and $80,000, which includes materials and labor.
The crazier you go with accessories, landscaping, and additional features, such as waterfalls or special lighting, the more you will pay.
Over ten years, you will likely spend around $4,000 for routine maintenance and chemicals.
For a concrete pool, on the other hand, materials and labor will likely cost anywhere between $50,000 and $100,000. A concrete swimming pool will cost much more per square foot compared to a fiberglass pool.
Concrete swimming pools aren't as durable and require more maintenance over time, meaning you will also spend more in the long run. From energy usage to refinishing and beyond, your maintenance costs can reach well over $25,000 in a ten-year period.
Installation
Winner - Fiberglass Pool
Finding a pool builder that can get the job done quickly is key. It's easy for an inexperienced contractor to draw out any swimming pool construction process, whether for fiberglass pools or concrete pools. However, fiberglass pools often take less time for installation on average.
Fiberglass swimming pools are manufactured in off-site facilities. The manufacturer will then ship the fiberglass pool shell to your installation location to put it in the ground. From there, it can take as little as two days to get ready for swimming.
Of course, the more surrounding features you choose to install, the longer the installation process will take. Overall, expect your fiberglass pool installation process to take anywhere from 3-5 weeks.
To install a concrete pool, expect to wait anywhere from 3-6 months. When installing a concrete pool, contractors will use the gunite pool construction process. This process involves excavation, gunite installation, tile installation, filter equipment installation, and interior finishing.
If you can't stand to see your backyard torn to pieces for 3-6 months, a fiberglass pool might be the choice for you.
Customization
Winner - Concrete Pool
Fiberglass pools are made out of pre-designed molds. Typically, they'll be around 16' wide by 40' long. With these pre-designed molds, there is less room for customization. However, you can add features to your pool to customize it, including LED lighting, tiles, and water features.
For total customization, concrete pools are a much better choice. They are especially perfect if you're planning on building a large, deep pool. Yes, they cost more, but you can create your dream pool with total design freedom.
If you choose to go this route, we've got an article dedicated entirely to Concrete Pool Cost that outlines all the customization options and pricing that come along with building concrete pools.
Longevity
Winner - Fiberglass Pool
Fiberglass pools are incredibly durable both in terms of structure and gel coat. One significant benefit of fiberglass pools is that you can use salt chlorine generators without harming the fiberglass shell.
Concrete pools are also very durable. The basic plaster and interior finishes are so strong that you will rarely have to worry about damage (if ever).
However, every 10-15 years, you will have to replaster your concrete pool. Plus, if you have a saltwater pool, you can shorten the lifespan of your concrete pool thanks to its plaster-based finish.
While both types of inground pools are durable and long-lasting, concrete pools can't hold up as well when paired with saltwater chlorine generators, making fiberglass pools more durable overall.
Maintenance
Winner - Fiberglass Pool
Fiberglass pools use unique gel coat material that does not impact the pH of your water. You will rarely have to add anything acidic to your pool water to keep it balanced. Of course, you will still have to test it periodically to make sure it is healthy.
Concrete pools require a careful pH balancing act, as concrete increases your water's alkalinity levels. To balance your pH, you'll need to make a daily habit of adding muriatic acid. Plus, concrete pools require a weekly steel brush scraping across the pool's surface to prevent algae growth.
Fiberglass pools are naturally algae-resistant and require minimal weekly maintenance, while you have to take care of concrete pools so that they don't look like Shrek's swamp after a few weeks.
Chemicals
Winner - Fiberglass Pool
Fiberglass pools require fewer chemicals compared to concrete pools. Pair that with minimal maintenance, and you can see why so many people prefer fiberglass over concrete pools.
Concrete pools require that you add acid regularly to keep your water chemistry properly maintained.
Heat
Winner - Fiberglass Pool
If you have a heating system, it will work more efficiently in a fiberglass pool. In addition, fiberglass pools tend to retain heat for much longer, as the liner is often much thinner and made of non-heat absorbent material.
On the other hand, concrete pools absorb heat. In short, your pool heater will not only have to heat the water in your pool, but it will also have to heat your concrete. Heating the concrete requires more effort from your heater, meaning longer heating times and higher energy costs.
Surface Feel
Winner - Fiberglass Pool
Fiberglass pools are nice and smooth, very similar to the feel of a bathtub. Fiberglass pools aren't porous like concrete, meaning there isn't any room for bacteria to thrive. However, when wet, fiberglass can get very slippery. This is especially true when it comes to pool steps.
You must think ahead of time when installing stairs or other features if you want your fiberglass pool to be as safe as possible.
You can also specially install your tanning ledges or steps with slip-resistant material.
Concrete pools are much rougher on the feet and are porous, meaning there is more room for bacteria to grow. For this reason, concrete pools are much more prone to algae growth. To protect against algae, you will need to cover your concrete swimming pool with a chemical sealant. Also, due to their rough nature, you'll need to be a bit more careful when swimming or diving around so you don't scrape your skin on the bottom.
One unique way to remedy this rough texture is by using polished aggregate on the surface instead.
What About Vinyl Liner Pools?
If you're looking to take advantage of the lowest cost inground swimming pool option, consider going with a vinyl liner pool. Vinyl liner pools are slightly more customizable than fiberglass swimming pools, as fiberglass pool manufacturers have certain limitations that they have to abide by.
One of the main disadvantages of vinyl liner pools is the frequency at which you must replace your vinyl liner. A vinyl liner pool requires vinyl liner replacement every 8-10 years. Plus, warranty agreements on vinyl pools aren't typically as strong as fiberglass or gunite pools.
We'd only recommend a vinyl pool if you want a seriously low-cost option.
Our Vinyl Pool Costs guide provides a more detailed cost break down for those interested in installing a vinyl pool.
Final Thoughts - Which Type Of Pool Should I Choose?
Choosing between fiberglass pools and concrete (gunite) pools doesn't have to be complicated. You can use the benefits and drawbacks of each type of inground pool above to better determine the right fit for your and your family's needs.
Concrete pools are great if you have a budget greater than $50,000, want a customized design, want a large pool, or have the time and money to spend on ongoing maintenance.
On the other hand, you might consider a fiberglass pool if you have a budget under $50,000, only want a small/mid-sized inground pool, don't care too much about shape/size customization, want a low-maintenance design, or want lower maintenance costs in the long run.
A swimming pool is a significant investment. In our opinion, fiberglass pools are a much better swimming pool choice for families who want to elevate their backyard while enjoying a low-cost, low-maintenance option. Enjoy your new pool!
To take the next step in the building process, and to get an idea of the time frames involved, visit YardSharing's additional articles:
How Long Does It Take To Build A Pool
