Fiberglass Pools and Concrete Pools are quite popular choices for a long-term pool.

Fiberglass pools can cost up to $45,000 and require little maintenance. They are pre-built on existing molds and can be installed in 3–6 weeks.

Concrete pools can cost $50,000 or more to build and require costly long-term maintenance. They’re highly customizable, but installation takes 3–6 months.

We want you to be well-informed in order to make the best decision for you and your family.

• Cost Production Comparison

Concrete Pools.

The initial cost of constructing a concrete pool is typically between $50,000 and $100,000.

Concrete pools require a lot of TLC to stay in good shape, so budget for long-term maintenance such as acid washing, refinishing, and energy usage. Because of the extensive upkeep, a concrete pool’s maintenance costs more than $25,000 every ten years.

Fiberglass Pools.

Most fiberglass pool projects cost between $45,000 and $85,000 for both manufacturing and installation, but they can cost much more depending on the landscaping, accessories, and water features you choose.

Though we do not recommend DIY-ing a fiberglass pool, some people do choose to install their own pool, which can cost between $12,000 and $30,000 depending on the pool size and any upgrades.

Long-term, your only significant maintenance costs will be chemicals and electricity.  Spending nearly $4000 over a ten-year period is a possibility.

Findings

Both have roughly the same upfront costs, but Concrete Pools are far more expensive in the long run. So this comparison shows that the Fiberglass Pools come up on top.

• Time for Installation

Concrete Pools

A Concrete Pool takes 3–6 months to build, and is typically done using the Gunite process. That is a long time to want to cry every time you look at your wrecked backyard.

Fiberglass Pools

The fiberglass pool shell is manufactured off-site. After we deliver the pool to your backyard, it will be installed and ready for swimming in about two days. It will take another week or two to complete the patio and decking. From start to finish, the process usually takes 3–5 weeks.

Findings

Only the installation portion of the Fiberglass Pool process is visible, not the messy manufacturing, and installation takes weeks rather than months.

• Surface texture on the inside

Concrete Pools

The roughest interior surface for concrete is plaster, which scrapes your skin badly.

Exposed aggregate (such as pebbles) isn’t as rough, but the hard bumps can be painful to walk on. Polished aggregate can help with this.

The smoothest finish is tile, but it is also the most expensive.

Fiberglass Pools

The gel coat refers to the interior surface of a fiberglass pool. It feels nice to the touch. Steps and tanning ledges are designed with an anti-slip texture, but even this is not rough.

Findings

Smoothing out the surface of a concrete pool costs an arm and a leg. By definition, a Fiberglass Pool is smooth and pain-free.

• Durable

Concrete Pools

A concrete pool’s structure—that is, the actual concrete—is extremely long-lasting.

All interior finishes for concrete pools, including basic plaster, are durable enough to withstand toys, dogs, or tree branches damage. You should plaster the pool every 10–15 years, including the replacement of the waterline tile.

If you salt-chlorine chlorine generator, the dissolved salt in the water will shorten the life of a plaster-based interior finish even more (which includes aggregate). Saltwater water does not affect the finish of a tile.

Fiberglass Pools

Both the gel coat finish and the pool structure are extremely long-lasting.

A salt chlorine generator can also be used for low maintenance and silkier water, as the salt has no negative effects on the fiberglass shell.

Findings

Although both surfaces are strong and long-lasting, concrete pools are susceptible to salt and must be refinished. In this case, Fiberglass Pools come out on top.

• On-the-job maintenance

Concrete Pools

Concrete’s alkalinity raises the pH of the water, necessitating the daily application of muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid).

To remove any surface algae, clean the entire surface of the pool with a steel brush at least once a week.

Fiberglass Pools

The gel coat also has no effect on the pH of the water, so it is rarely necessary to add acid to balance it. However, you must continue to test the chemistry of your water on a weekly basis.

Findings

Concrete pools should have an inspection on a weekly basis, whereas Fiberglass Pools do not. Fiberglass Pools have an edge in this one too.

• Algae

Concrete Pools

Algae thrive in Concrete Pools with many pores and cavities.  Brushing the pool at least once a week is a recommendation.

 Fiberglass Pools

A fiberglass pool’s gel coat is smooth and algae-resistant, with only microscopic pores, preventing algae from burrowing into it.

Findings

Regular maintenance, regardless of pool type, can keep your lovely pool from turning into a pond. A Fiberglass Pool, on the other hand, makes this much easier.

• Chemicals and electricity

Concrete Pools

To kill algae, you must set aside time and money to purchase and apply additional chemicals. Aside from that, because concrete is alkaline, you must add acid on a regular basis to keep the water chemistry balanced.

Fiberglass Pools

To stay in good condition, fiberglass pools require less electricity and fewer chemicals. Less money, time, and effort are of essence. Nice!

Findings

The high maintenance requirements of concrete translate to higher chemical and electricity consumption.

Which one should I go with?

You are the only one who knows the priorities of your own pool. Consider these various characteristics when determining the best fit for you and your family.

Perhaps the pool must meet your specific aesthetic requirements regardless of cost. Perhaps you’d rather save money than have your product customized.

PoolForce is the place to start when looking for a Fiberglass, Gunite, or Vinyl liner pool. Contact our team and we will assist you in determining which options are best for your preferences, budget, and lifestyle.

Which is your favorite pool? Tell us in the comment section.

We eagerly await your response.

Check out our other blogs as well; we have a lot to offer in terms of pool knowledge.