Dreaming of a backyard oasis? The first, and most important, decision you’ll make is the type of inground pool you install. This choice will impact everything from your initial budget and installation timeline to the amount of time you spend cleaning your pool versus swimming in it.
The three main contenders are concrete (also called gunite), fiberglass, and vinyl liner. While concrete has long been the traditional choice, recent data shows a major shift in homeowner preference.
Insight: While concrete pools still command the largest market share (holding just over 50% in 2024), fiberglass pools are the fastest-growing segment in the industry. Why? Homeowners are increasingly prioritizing speed of installation and low long-term maintenance, two areas where fiberglass excels.
Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to see which one is the perfect fit for your backyard and lifestyle.
At a Glance: Concrete vs. Fiberglass vs. Vinyl
| Feature | Concrete (Gunite) | Fiberglass | Vinyl Liner |
| Initial Cost | $$$(Highest) | $$ (Medium-High) | $ (Lowest) |
| Lifetime Cost | $$$$(Highest) | $ (Lowest) | $$ (Medium) |
| Installation Time | 3 – 6 months | 2 – 6 weeks | 4 – 8 weeks |
| Customization | Unlimited | Low (pre-made molds) | High (shape/size) |
| Durability | Very High (but needs resurfacing) | Very High (flexible, durable shell) | Low (liner is easily damaged) |
| Surface Feel | Hard, can be rough (plaster) | Smooth, non-porous gel coat | Smooth, soft vinyl |
| Maintenance | High | Low | Medium |
1. Concrete (Gunite) Pools
A concrete pool is the classic, “built-to-last” option. It’s constructed on-site by spraying a mixture of concrete and sand (gunite or shotcrete) onto a rebar framework. This method allows for limitless customization.
Best for: The homeowner with a specific, custom design in mind and a budget that can accommodate higher upfront and long-term costs.
Pros:
- Limitless Customization: If you can dream it, you can build it. A custom pool company in southern utah, for example, can create freeform shapes, tanning ledges, infinity edges, built-in barstools, and unique water features. There are truly no size or shape restrictions.
- Extreme Durability: The concrete shell itself is incredibly strong and can last for 50+ years.
- Aesthetic Appeal: A well-designed concrete pool, often finished with tile or high-end pebble aggregate, is a permanent, structural piece of art. This is why they are the top choice for luxury pools in Washington County ut and other high-end markets, as they can significantly increase home value.
Cons:
- Highest Lifetime Cost: This is the most expensive pool to own. It requires a complete resurfacing (replastering or new aggregate) every 10-15 years, a major job that can cost $10,000 to $20,000 or more.
- High Maintenance: The porous nature of plaster is an ideal breeding ground for algae. This means you’ll spend more time brushing the pool walls, balancing chemicals (concrete is alkaline and constantly raises the water’s pH), and running the filter. They also require “acid washing” every 3-5 years.
- Longest Installation: Be prepared for your backyard to be a construction zone for 3 to 6 months.
- Rough Surface: Standard plaster can be abrasive on feet and swimsuits. While smoother pebble finishes are available, they come at a premium cost.
2. Fiberglass Pools
Fiberglass pools are pre-molded shells manufactured in a factory and then transported to your home to be set in an excavated hole. They are finished with a smooth, non-porous gel coat.
Best for: The “set it and forget it” homeowner who values low maintenance, a speedy installation, and low lifetime costs above all else.
Pros:
- Lowest Maintenance: This is the clear winner for ease of use. The non-porous gel coat surface resists algae growth and is stain-resistant. This means significantly less brushing, fewer chemicals, and less filter run-time.
- Fastest Installation: Your pool can be in the ground and ready for water in as little as a few weeks. The shell itself is often set in a single day.
- Low Lifetime Cost: There is no liner to replace and no need for resurfacing. The gel coat shell is incredibly durable and can last for decades.
- Comfort & Durability: The surface is smooth to the touch, and the fiberglass material has some flex, allowing it to withstand ground movement and freeze-thaw cycles without cracking.
- Salt-Water Friendly: The inert surface is the perfect match for a saltwater chlorinator, which can be harsh on concrete surfaces and metal components in vinyl pools.
Cons:
- Limited Customization: You are limited to the pre-set shapes, sizes, and designs offered by the manufacturer. Shipping restrictions also mean a fiberglass pool can rarely be wider than 16 feet.
- Higher Initial Cost (than Vinyl): The upfront cost is typically higher than a vinyl liner pool, often falling closer to the initial price of a basic concrete pool.
- Difficult Repairs: While damage is rare, repairing a major crack or deep scratch in the gel coat can be a complex, professional job that may cost several thousand dollars to fix correctly.
3. Vinyl Liner Pools
A vinyl liner pool is built using a panel (steel, aluminum, or polymer) framework. A custom-made sheet of vinyl “liner” is then dropped into the excavation and attached to the top of the walls, creating a waterproof membrane.
Best for: The budget-conscious homeowner who wants an inground pool for the lowest possible upfront cost and is willing to trade long-term durability for it.
Pros:
- Lowest Initial Cost: This is the most affordable way to get an inground pool, making it an attractive entry point for many families.
- Good Customization: While not as limitless as concrete, vinyl liner pools are not limited by pre-made molds. They can be built in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, including L-shapes, rectangles, and freeform designs.
- Smooth Surface: The vinyl liner is soft and smooth to the touch, providing a comfortable, non-abrasive swimming experience.
Cons:
- Liner Replacement: This is the single biggest drawback. The liner is the pool’s weak point. It can be punctured by sharp objects (pool toys, pet claws, even a broken branch). It will also fade and become brittle over time, requiring replacement every 5 to 12 years.
- Cost Insight: A new liner is a recurring, major expense, costing an average of $4,000 to $7,000 for professional replacement.
- Lower Resale Value: Unlike concrete or fiberglass, a vinyl pool may not add significant value to your home. In fact, if the liner is old or damaged, it can be seen as a liability by potential buyers.
- Risk of Punctures: You must be careful with what goes into the pool. While small patches are cheap and easy for DIY, a major tear can be a costly problem.
Which Pool Type is Right for You? A Final Verdict
Choose Concrete if: You have a “forever home,” a large budget, and a very specific, high-end design in mind that you can’t achieve with a mold. You are willing to accept the high long-term maintenance costs for total design freedom.
Choose Fiberglass if: Your priority is swimming, not scrubbing. You want the fastest path to a beautiful, durable pool with the lowest possible maintenance and lifetime cost. You are happy to choose from a wide selection of modern, pre-made designs.
Choose Vinyl Liner if: Your primary concern is the initial, upfront cost. You want to get in the water for the lowest price possible and are willing to accept the trade-off of replacing the liner in the future.