Fiberglass vs. Concrete Pools: A Comprehensive Comparison

Adding a pool to your property is a big decision. Inground pools generally come in two main materials: fiberglass and concrete (gunite). Fiberglass pools arrive as premade shells; concrete pools are built on-site. While both can be durable, they differ in price, installation time, maintenance needs, and lifespan. Industry sources report a typical fiberglass pool installation costs around $25K–50K, whereas a comparable concrete pool runs $35K–65K. Choosing between them depends on your priorities: budget and quick install (fiberglass) vs. ultimate custom design and longevity (concrete).

Material Comparison Overview

Concrete pools can be formed into virtually any shape or size and often last 50+ years, but they involve lengthy onsite work. Fiberglass pools, in contrast, come in fixed molds (limiting size and shape) but cost less and install much faster. Concrete has the advantage in customization, appearance, and lifespan, while fiberglass scores higher for maintenance ease, installation speed, and upfront price. In practice, fiberglass shells require only setting into an excavated hole and plumbing it in, often making a backyard swim-ready in days or weeks; a concrete pool, by contrast, requires forming rebar, pouring, curing, and finishing steps that can take 2–6 months.

Fiberglass Pools: Pros and Cons

• Pros: Prefabricated fiberglass pools are quick to install (often in under a month) and feature a smooth gel-coat surface that resists algae. Owners report very low maintenance: fewer brushes and chemicals are needed, and saltwater systems work well (fiberglass tolerates salt without etching). Fiberglass pools are highly durable and crack-resistant because the composite shell can flex slightly. They also come with long warranties (many 20–30 year structural warranties). Overall, fiberglass is cost-effective over time: the material’s insulation can reduce heating expenses and save on chemicals, and it rarely needs major resurfacing.
• Cons: Because fiberglass pools are factory-made, you must choose from available shapes and sizes, so design flexibility is limited. Very large or unusually shaped pools may not be feasible in fiberglass. The pool shell is also heavy and costly to transport, meaning shipping or access challenges can add expense. Quality can vary by manufacturer: a cheaper gel-coat may fade over time, so it’s important to use reputable brands. Finally, while fiberglass saves on maintenance, its upfront cost is still substantial (typically mid-to-high tens of thousands).

Concrete Pools: Pros and Cons

• Pros: Concrete (gunite) pools are built on-site, so they offer unlimited customization – any shape, size, depth, or features (freeform designs, beach entries, custom rockwork, etc.). A concrete pool can be finished with plaster, pebble, tile or other high-end surfaces, giving a luxury look. These pools are extremely robust and long-lasting when properly maintained; many last 50+ years. The rigid structure and ability to add thick steel reinforcement make concrete ideal for unusual sites or very large installations. In terms of resale value, a well-built concrete pool can be a major selling point for upscale homes or commercial projects.
• Cons: All that versatility comes with higher costs and effort. Concrete pools typically have the highest installation cost of any pool type, It can run $35K–65K+ for a standard gunite pool, often more when you add custom details. The construction process is labor-intensive and time-consuming: digging, forming, steel placement, concrete spray, curing, and finishing all take months. Because concrete is porous, it requires heavy maintenance: the plaster surface harbors algae and demands frequent brushing, vacuuming, and chemical balancing. Owners often spend several hours per week on upkeep, and must plan to resurface (re-plaster) the pool every 10–15 years (a major renovation costing thousands). Concrete also absorbs heat, so the interior can become uncomfortably hot in sunny climates.

Installation and Construction

• Timeline: Fiberglass pools are essentially “plug-and-play.” Once excavation is done, the molded shell is lowered into place – the process can be completed in a few weeks. By comparison, building a concrete pool involves many stages (rebar steel, formwork, multiple pours, plastering) and often takes 2–6 months before the pool is ready to fill.
• Labor: Fiberglass installation is relatively simple and requires fewer specialty trades; DIY coordination of parts (decking, fencing, plumbing) can save money. Concrete installation demands skilled pool builders at every step. The longer schedule and higher labor needs mean concrete projects usually incur much higher labor costs.
• Site Impact: Both types need a prepared site, but concrete pools may require more site work (extensive leveling, retaining walls, deeper trenches). Fiberglass pools may need stronger concrete beams or anchoring around the shell to tie into the ground, but overall the site disturbance is often less because the shell goes in quickly.

Cost Comparison

• Upfront Cost: Fiberglass generally costs less upfront. Fiberglass pool at roughly $25K–49K vs $35K–65K for concrete. In practice, many owners find fiberglass $10K–25K cheaper than a comparable concrete build. The exact cost will vary by region, pool size, and customization, but the trend holds: fiberglass shells save on labor and materials that concrete requires.
• Long-Term Cost of Ownership: Fiberglass often saves money over time. You’ll use fewer chemicals and spend less on energy if the insulated shell holds heat. By contrast, concrete pools incur repeated expenses: frequent chemicals, pool cleaning services, and major resurfacing every decade. Over a 10–15 year horizon, sources agree fiberglass owners typically spend substantially less on maintenance. One blog estimates concrete pools require roughly 70% more chemicals and 2–4× the maintenance time of fiberglass.

Maintenance & Chemical Use

The difference in upkeep can be stark. Fiberglass’s non-porous gel coat resists algae growth and chemical pH swings, which means far less scrubbing and stabilization. Homeowners often report spending only a few hours per month to maintain a fiberglass pool (test/skimmer sessions), versus multiple hours per week on a plaster concrete pool. Concrete pools must be brushed weekly to prevent algae, and even then they will require a full plaster acid-wash or re-plaster every 10–15 years (roughly $6,000+ per resurfacing). Fiberglass pools typically never need major resurfacing over the same period, and you’ll use about 50% fewer chemicals. In short, fiberglass pools save you time and money on maintenance: barriers with softer algal buildup and easier water balance.

• Weekly Care: Fiberglass pools’ smooth surface can be cleaned in about 30 minutes per week; concrete pools require 2–4 hours (vacuuming, brushing).
• Chemicals: Users have found concrete pools use on the order of 70% more chlorine and algaecide each year than fiberglass.
• Salt Systems: If you plan a salt-water system, fiberglass is better. Salt can corrode concrete plaster and grout over time, whereas a fiberglass shell is immune to salt damage. (This is why many saltwater pools on the market use fiberglass or vinyl lining.)

Durability and Lifespan

Both pool types are durable, but their failure modes differ. A properly built concrete pool can outlast fiberglass – it can last 50+ years – but it must be maintained (replastering) to stay that long. Concrete’s rigid structure is strong but brittle; it resists heavy loads but is prone to cracking in freeze-thaw cycles or settling soil. By contrast, fiberglass shells flex slightly with shifting soil, making them highly crack-resistant. Fiberglass pools do wear over decades (gel coat oxidation, minor surface blisters), and most tops out around 25–30 years useful life. Notably, fiberglass pools often come with long warranties covering structural failure for 20+ years.

• Repairs: Minor dings or leaks in a fiberglass pool are usually patched easily, thanks to the gel finish. Concrete cracks or leaks require more intensive repair (digging, patching, re-plastering).
• Resale & Warranties: Owners often appreciate fiberglass’s warranty-backed longevity. Even though the pool might one day need replacement, manufacturers typically guarantee 20–30 years on the shell. Concrete pools have no structural warranty – their value is in the unique design and endless lifecycle (as long as it’s properly maintained).

Aesthetics and Customization

• Design: Concrete pools allow completely custom designs. You can sculpt any shape, curve, or depth. If your vision involves a waterfall, grotto, custom tile mosaic, or irregular layout, concrete is often the only choice. Fiberglass pools come in pre-made shapes (e.g. rectangular, freeform, vanishing-edge models) with built-in features (benches, tanning ledges, steps). Manufacturers now offer dozens of fiberglass models, but you must pick one that fits your yard.
• Surface Texture: Fiberglass has a very smooth, glossy finish underfoot. It feels nice and doesn’t favor algae. Some fiberglass steps have a slight anti-slip pattern, but overall it stays slick. Concrete pools use plaster or aggregate surfaces that can feel rough or grainy. You can polish aggregate finishes to reduce roughness, but the bottom line is concrete bottoms are typically more abrasive. If barefoot comfort or safety is a concern (families with kids), fiberglass wins this comparison.
• Color and Features: Fiberglass shells come in solid colors or speckles (the color is gel-coat under the surface, so it won’t peel). Concrete pools can have any finish color or style – from white plaster to quartz to full-tile walls. Fiberglass also offers color variety (blue, white, green tones), but the palette is fixed by the shell. Lighting and water features can be added to either type, so aesthetic effect can be made spectacular with either.

Residential vs Commercial Considerations

For residential homeowners, the choice often comes down to convenience versus customization. Many homeowners favor fiberglass for its turnkey ease and lower ongoing costs: fiberglass pools are ideal for “budget-conscious” owners who want less maintenance. They’re especially popular in new home communities and areas with moderate climates. Concrete pools tend to appear in high-end custom homes or commercial projects (like resorts, hotels, or municipal pools) where unique designs and heavy use are expected. In those cases, the unlimited size and shapes of concrete (and a well-funded maintenance budget) justify the higher costs.

For commercial or public pools, factors like heavy bather load and fast turnover matter. Fiberglass may be used for smaller hotel pools or apartments to cut cleaning costs, while large public pools often use concrete because it can be built around any existing structure. (For instance, if a school already has a rectangular pit, casting concrete there is straightforward.) In any setting, consider safety and upkeep: fiberglass’s smooth floor is safer for children, while concrete’s rough surfaces can cause scrapes.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Deciding between fiberglass and concrete pools comes down to priorities: if you want a quick build, lower maintenance, and long-term savings, fiberglass often reigns supreme. If you need a fully custom, one-of-a-kind pool with the longest possible lifespan, concrete is the traditional choice. Both types will require regular care, but fiberglass generally means less time and expense in the pool supply store.

For guidance tailored to your situation, consult local professionals. Deep Blue Pool & Spa offers in-house expertise for both fiberglass and concrete projects. We invite you to review our Fiberglass Pool Installation page for details on fiberglass setups, and our Weekly Pool Maintenance service page for upkeep plans. You can also visit our How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pool guide (with current cost ranges) or any of our Types of Pools resources for style ideas. When you’re ready, contact our team for a free quote – we can help you choose and build the right pool for your home or business.