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In general Fiberglass pools costs less than a concrete pool. What about maintenance costs? long run a fiberglass pool will also be the most likely be the more cost-effective option. When you consider construction and maintenance costs, a fiberglass pool can save you big bucks compared to a concrete or vinyl option that requires more expensive and more frequent care. However, concrete options offer any shape and have more customizable options that wont be available in fiberglass.

A concrete pool can be made into almost any shape or feature? If you want a pool shaped like a guitar with a waterfall then concrete is a must.

A concrete pool shell is created by spraying either gunite or shotcrete.

Gunite is a dry mix with water in the sprayer, whereas shotcrete is already wet. It hardens and strengthens in a long process called curing. For a pool shell, this takes about 28 days. We use Gunite to ensure a perfect install unaffected by weather conditions during installation.

The gunite is shot on a frame with rebar to give it flex and long term strength.

The strength of concrete is measured by psi, the pounds per square inch necessary to crush it. An average concrete strength is 3500-4000 psi. . The aggregate (the rocks or gravel mixed in) has a very high compressive strength: it takes a lot of pressure to crush concrete. Concrete is finished with a plaster which comes in many colors and textures (We use PebbleTec) and a water line tile to protect the plaster at the water line.

Gunite Pools have a significant advantages in terms of appearance. However, there is more maintenance involved.

Concrete Pool Advantages

• Customizable
• Strength
• Looks

Customizable

The primary advantage of concrete is that it’s highly customizable. Almost any size, shape, or any other features you may be looking for can be done. It could be in the shape of a Octopus if you want; it would be pretty expensive but ‘on the table’

Strength

Concrete pools are also strong and can form their own support and durable, like fiberglass is. You don’t have to fear that sharp objects will damage the pool structure, like vinyl liners. 

The plaster of the pool (the interior finish) is not as durable as the concrete structure itself and requires refinishing, which makes up part of the lifetime cost. Using the wrong chemicals or not maintaining the right PH can damage the plaster as well.

Looks

A concrete/gunite pool can look awesome! Concrete/Gunite provides a classic pool appearance and with todays plaster finishes from PebbleTec the finishes can look amazing and even shimmer in the sunlight. You don’t have to worry about a liner bubbling or separating, and if you keep up with the concrete pool maintenance, you can avoid the worst of staining and algae.

Concrete/Gunite Pool Disadvantages

• Longer construction
• Maintenance
• Upfront cost
• Long startup process

The startup process for a concrete pool is a longer process. First there is a dig, then framing the pool shape, framing the rebar, shooting the concrete/gunite – the curing process got Concrete/Gunite takes about a month, then the plaster is sprayed and water added! now you can start swimming! (although you need to maintaine the plaster daily for the first 28 days) All that being said we try and complete our installations in about 50 days. In contrast to fiberglass, which can be completed in a week this is a much longer install.

Rough surface

The interior of a concrete pool is strong, but it’s not as smooth and can scrape your skin, especially for kids. 

High maintenance

The lifetime cost (follow-up costs and maintenance) is higher for concrete pools than for vinyl liner or fiberglass pools.

Concrete is porous and needs to be maintained closer than fiberglass. The plaster also lasts around 15 years and will need to be refinished to maintain its surface finish, this will need to be professionally done and adds to the long term maintenance costs.

Fiberglass pools have come a long way! With layers of quality resin and breakthroughs in Gel Coats technology our pools come with a lifetime structural warranty. Using proper maintenance and care, a quality fiberglass pool can last well beyond 50 years. Fiberglass is more resistant to staining, organic decomposition and algae growth than other pool building materials. Fiberglass pools are the most cost-efficient and maintenance-friendly option for the long term.

Fiberglass pools may be more costly than other types of pools up front, but they are a wise long-term investment. Since they typically need fewer repairs and maintenance costs in general, they can ultimately end up saving you money. Our Lifetime warranties also have a 1 time transfer option.

There are many components and factors that go into building and installing a Fiberglass Pool. You don’t need to worry with the majority of them as we manage the difficult parts. The different factors result in a large range of prices in different areas across the country.

When including every component of the installation process such as permits, excavation, aggregate stone, grading equipment, Wire, plumbing, electrical work, and parts, the cost can range anywhere from $40,000 to over $100,000+. This depends greatly on the specifications of the individual project.

There are many components and factors that go into building and installing a Fiberglass Pool. You don’t need to worry with the majority of them as we manage the difficult parts. The different factors result in a large range of prices in different areas across the country.

When including every component of the installation process such as permits, excavation, aggregate stone, grading equipment, Wire, plumbing, electrical work, and parts, the cost can range anywhere from $40,000 to over $100,000+. This depends greatly on the specifications of the individual project.