Fiberglass vs. Vinyl Liner vs. Concrete Pools

Vinyl liner pools have a lower initial cost and a customizable shape, but you frequently replace the liner. Fiberglass pools are easy to maintain, quick to install, and very durable. They cost more upfront and aren’t as customizable. Concrete pools are extremely durable and customizable but require heavy maintenance, the highest costs, and a slow installation.

Fiberglass Pools Pros and Cons

Pros of a Fiberglass Pool

• Low maintenance
• Little or no lifetime cost
• Non-abrasive surface
• Built-in seats and steps
• Manufactured in a controlled environment
• Quick installation
• Beautiful

Low maintenance

The gelcoat surface of the fiberglass pool shell doesn’t have the big pores and cavities of plaster.

This inhibits algae growth and reduces the amount of sanitizing chemicals required to maintain the pool.

Little or no lifetime cost

About 99% of the time, the shell of fiberglass pools needs no upkeep.

There’s no vinyl liner to replace and no resurfacing.

Non-abrasive surface

The gelcoat surface of fiberglass pools is smooth to the touch.

Built-in seats and steps

Most fiberglass swimming pool designs have seating, and all have steps incorporated into the shell of the pool.

Manufactured in a controlled environment

Fiberglass pools are built in the controlled climate of a factory.

Quick installation

Because the shells of fiberglass pools are built off-site, the installation occurs more rapidly…3–6 weeks on average.

Beautiful

You can do amazing things with a fiberglass swimming pool, such as beautiful colored finishes, ceramic tile, tanning ledges, water features, stunning pool lights, elevated spas, poolside walls, and more.

Cons of a Fiberglass Pool

• Limited shapes and swimming pool designs
• No wider than 16′
• Repairs on some colored finishes do not match
• Higher initial cost

Limited shapes and swimming pool designs

Because fiberglass pools are built from a mold, the consumer is limited to the shapes and sizes offered by the various fiberglass pool manufacturers.

No wider than 16′

Fiberglass pools are shipped via the road. Shipping restrictions limit the width of the fiberglass pool shell to 16 feet.

Repairs on some colored finishes do not match

Many fiberglass pool manufacturers use colored finishes that do not match in the unlikely event that a repair is needed.

Higher initial cost

Fiberglass pools are more of an initial investment—usually at least $10,000 more than vinyl liner pools and about the same as concrete pools.