You’re likely aware by now that there are three primary types of inground swimming pools: fibreglass, vinyl liner, and concrete (also known as gunite).
Below, you’ll find a detailed comparison of these three pool types, including their respective advantages and disadvantages. For a general understanding of pricing across these options, please refer to our dedicated guide. Additionally, we offer an extensive library of articles comparing fibreglass, vinyl, and concrete pools, which you’ll find below.
Inground Pool Comparison Chart
Here’s a comparison chart illustrating how fibreglass, vinyl liner, and concrete pools measure up against key qualities most important to homeowners. Pools are rated from one to five bars – the more bars, the stronger their performance in that category.
| Feature | Fibreglass | Vinyl Liner | Concrete |
| Durability | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Low Maintenance | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★ |
| Energy Efficiency | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★ |
| Installation Speed | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★ |
| Lifetime Cost | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★ |
| Aesthetic Appeal | ★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Customisation | ★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Salt System Friendly | ★★★★★ | ★ | ★ |
| Resale Value | ★★★★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
As the chart highlights, fibreglass pools demonstrate strong advantages in areas such as durability, minimal maintenance, and energy efficiency. That said, every pool type has its unique pros and cons, and understanding these distinctions will help you determine the best fit for your garden and family.
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Fibreglass Pool Advantages
Relatively Lower Maintenance
Why are fibreglass pools significantly easier to maintain? It fundamentally comes down to surface porosity.
The surface of a fibreglass pool, known as the gelcoat, is virtually non-porous. In stark contrast, the surface of a concrete pool is notably rough and porous. These rough textures and pores create ideal hiding and breeding grounds for algae, making pool ownership considerably more demanding. Concrete pool builders often advise their clients that weekly brushing of the entire pool surface is mandatory to keep algae at bay.
Furthermore, chemical usage in concrete pools is much higher due to the need for chemicals to penetrate the porous surface to eradicate algae. Concrete pools also necessitate daily doses of muriatic acid to lower the water’s pH, as concrete is an alkaline-based material that constantly increases the pool water’s pH. Fibreglass pools, on the other hand, are inert and have no effect on water chemistry.
For these reasons, fibreglass swimming pool owners consistently report spending far less time and money maintaining their pools. This directly translates to more time enjoying the pool and less time on upkeep.
Speed of Installation
Because the fibreglass pool shell is manufactured off-site, the installation of the shell can be completed in approximately two days. Compare this to the three to six months often required for a concrete pool, and you’re looking at a huge difference in the duration of disruption to your garden. This often dictates whether you’ll be swimming this year or waiting until the next summer season.
Durability
Since fibreglass swimming pools do not rely on a liner, there’s no need to worry about puncturing the pool surface. Vinyl liners are not cheap to replace, often costing upwards of £8,000–£10,000. Damage can occur from pets entering the pool, falling tree branches, patio furniture blown into the pool by wind, and so forth.
Fibreglass pools are exceptionally strong and durable, meaning there’s no need to be concerned about damaging the pool during everyday use.
Attractive Look
Over the past three decades, fibreglass inground pools have undergone a remarkable transformation from the typical white, bathtub-like appearance found at rental beach houses to the elegant swimming pool designs and aesthetic features that are now as much works of art as they are recreational spaces. This evolution is thanks to industry advancements such as beautiful coloured finishes, ceramic tiling, tanning ledges, water features, stunning pool lighting, elevated spas, poolside walls, and more. This is one of many reasons why fibreglass pools have gained exponential market share over the past decade.
Compatibility with Salt Systems
Salt chlorinators have proven to be a low-maintenance option that delivers high water quality for pool owners. However, if you’ve ever observed the effect of de-icing salt on a pavement surface, you can anticipate its impact on the surface of a concrete pool. In our view, this makes the combination of salt systems and concrete pools unfavourable.
Furthermore, many vinyl liner pools are constructed with metal wall panels, and most have aluminium coping around the pool’s perimeter. This also creates a problematic scenario for a salt system, as the liner will eventually leak, leading to corrosion of the wall panels.
In contrast, fibreglass pools and salt systems are an ideal pairing. With no adverse effect on the fibreglass shell, you can confidently enjoy the low-maintenance benefits of salt without compromising your pool’s integrity.
Resale Value
When a property includes a pool, home buyers typically seek something that looks appealing, requires minimal maintenance, and offers long-term durability. Vinyl liner pools necessitate a new liner every 5–9 years, and often a buyer will demand that the current owners replace it themselves. Additionally, vinyl liner and above-ground pools are often not aesthetically pleasing and can detract from property value.
By contrast, a fibreglass pool enhances the value of your home. Its low-maintenance beauty and inherent durability are a win-win for both buyer and seller. While it may not fully recoup the original cost of the pool itself, it certainly helps, and the greatest value lies in the enjoyment it brings to you and your family.
Low Lifetime Cost of Ownership
Review the following chart to compare the average expenditure a pool owner might incur over a 10-year period for each type of pool:
(Insert chart showing 10-year lifetime cost comparison of fibreglass, vinyl liner, and concrete pools)
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Fibreglass Pool Disadvantages
Initial Cost Higher than Vinyl Liners
The initial investment for a fibreglass pool is slightly higher than that of a vinyl liner pool, typically starting from around £70,000-£85,000. However, as illustrated in the chart above, you will spend significantly less in the long run when factoring in the recurring cost of liner replacements every 5 to 9 years.
Swimming Pool Sizes and Shapes Not Customisable
The single significant disadvantage of fibreglass inground pools is that you cannot alter the shape, size, or depth of the pool. The question then becomes, can you find a fibreglass pool model that satisfies your requirements?
Our experience shows that approximately 90% of individuals do find a fibreglass pool that perfectly meets their needs. However, if you require a pool that is 10 feet (approx. 3 metres) deep or an ultra-customised shape, fibreglass is likely not the best fit for you.
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Concrete Pool Advantages
While concrete pools offer certain benefits, these often come with trade-offs.
Customisable Size and Shape
As observed in the initial chart, concrete pools offer the ability to customise the shape of the pool. This is, by far, their greatest strength. This makes them perfect for those desiring an exceptionally deep or large pool, or a pool with bespoke tanning ledges (which are also available in fibreglass) or other unique features.
Durable
Similar to fibreglass pools, the structure of concrete pools is incredibly durable. There is no concern regarding damage from pet use or fear of the pool interior being harmed by sharp objects, as is the case with vinyl liner pools. However, concrete pool finishes, while tough, generally do not last as long as the gelcoat surface of a fibreglass pool.
Concrete Pool Disadvantages
Unfortunately, the design flexibility offered by concrete comes at a price.
More Hands-on Maintenance
By its very nature, concrete is extremely porous. This characteristic provides a hospitable environment for algae. Once embedded in the surface of a concrete pool, algae is exceptionally difficult to remove. Indeed, concrete pool builders typically recommend brushing the entire surface of the pool with a steel brush at least once a week to dislodge any surface algae.
More Chemical Usage
Water chemistry presents another challenge with concrete pools. Because algae becomes embedded in the porous surface, more chemicals are required to penetrate and destroy it. This translates into increased time and money spent on pool maintenance. Additionally, concrete is alkaline-based, which constantly elevates the pH of the pool water, necessitating the regular addition of acid to maintain balance.
Incompatible with Salt
As previously mentioned, salt and concrete do not mix well. The dissolved salt in the pool water will significantly shorten the life expectancy of a concrete pool’s interior finish, thus requiring more frequent refinishing.
Highest Cost of Ownership
As demonstrated in the chart above, concrete pools incur exponentially higher lifetime ownership costs. They are the most expensive upfront, ranging from £50,000 to £100,000 or more. Recurring expenses such as acid washing by professionals every three to five years, higher chemical consumption, increased electricity usage, and eventual refinishing/remodelling add up to tens of thousands of pounds more over the years.
Rough Interior Surface
The rough interior of a concrete pool not only harbours algae growth but can also be harsh on tender feet. In fact, most children who regularly play in concrete pools often need to wear water shoes to protect their feet from becoming sore and blistered.
Slow Installation Time
In stark contrast to fibreglass and even vinyl liner pools, which can be completed in several weeks, it is not uncommon for concrete pools to take three to six months or even longer to finish. This extended construction period takes a toll not only on the garden but also on the family.
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Vinyl Liner Pool Advantages
Low Initial Cost
Vinyl liner pools are more affordable to install, typically ranging from £35,000 to £65,000. This, their most appealing attribute, makes it possible for many families to enjoy the benefits of an inground pool who might otherwise struggle to fit it into their budget.
Customisable Shape
Despite the fact that the vast majority of vinyl liner pools are rectangular, it is indeed possible to customise the shape, size, and depth of the pool. Custom shapes do incur a higher cost, but they generally remain less expensive than the average fibreglass or concrete pool.
Vinyl Liner Disadvantages
Liner Replacements
The most significant disadvantage of vinyl liner pools is the recurring cost and frequency of replacing the liner. Today’s vinyl liners typically last between five and nine years, with an average replacement cost of around £4,000 when considering the cost of the liner itself, labour, water to refill the pool, and other minor associated expenses. This means that the initial low cost of the pool could be offset within the first ten years after construction, and over the entire lifetime of the pool, it will cost many thousands of pounds more than a fibreglass pool in the long run.
Liner Warranty Isn’t Straightforward
Another point for discussion is the liner warranty, which is typically stated as twenty years or so. We strongly advise anyone expecting to receive credit for a liner replacement to read the warranty in its entirety. You will likely discover the following information:
- The warranty usually covers only the “seams” of the liner, where sections of material are fused together.
- The warranty does not cover any labour, water, or other associated expenses.
- The warranty is highly pro-rated. You will most likely receive some credit towards a new liner during the first two or three years, but virtually nothing after that.
Parts of Vinyl Liner Pools Do Harbour Algae Growth
While the surface of a vinyl liner pool is relatively non-porous, certain areas of the pool, such as where the white plastic steps attach to the pool wall and behind light niches, have submerged zones where water circulation is poor. Consequently, algae can thrive in these areas, acting as breeding grounds for new algae growth.
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Quick Assessment
When considering which pool type might be a good fit for you, here’s a concise summary of our findings:
Concrete pools are generally a good fit for those who:
- Have a budget of £85,000 and upwards.
- Require a custom shape or depth, or cannot find a fibreglass pool design they like.
- Don’t mind dedicating a significant amount of their spare time and/or money to pool maintenance.
- Are comfortable with investing tens of thousands of pounds over the years to keep the pool in working order.
Vinyl liner pools are typically a good fit for those who:
- Have a budget of £65,000+.
- Plan to live in the home for only two or three years (thereby potentially avoiding the first liner replacement cost).
- Desire the largest possible pool for the lowest initial price.
Fibreglass swimming pools are usually for those who:
- Have a budget of £75,000 and upwards.
- Can find a fibreglass swimming pool design that meets their needs.
- Prioritise low maintenance.
- Desire a pool that won’t incur exorbitant long-term ownership costs.
- Seek a quick and relatively hassle-free installation process.