When the weather begins to warm up, your thoughts naturally turn to summer and the time you can spend outside. When the temperature soars, one of the best ways to stay cool is in a swimming pool. Concrete and fiberglass ¹ in-ground pools are two different options to consider when installing a pool in your backyard. In the sections below, we will explain the differences between each one to help you make the right choice.

Costs

The cost for the materials and full installation of a 12x24-foot concrete pool is between $50,000 and $60,000. Costs are dependent on the type of concrete you choose, with cast in place being the least and gunite ³ costing the most. This includes site excavation and preparation, concrete along with forms and reinforcements, a pump ⁴ and necessary tubing, interior finishing supplies like sealant and paint, as well as a lamp and ladder. There are additional costs for a water heating system, a perimeter walkway, privacy fence ⁵, and vinyl ⁶ pool cover, plus additional labor. The fencing and decking alone add roughly $10,000 to the cost. Labor costs tend to be around $2,500 for the pouring of the concrete, with excavation costing around $10,000. The upfront costs of a concrete pool may be lower than a fiberglass ¹ pool, but keep in mind that custom features will drive the price higher.

A fiberglass pool is made in a factory and transported directly to the site where it will be installed. A 12x24-foot fiberglass pool shell, along with installation, which includes site excavation and preparation, a pump and necessary tubing, a lamp, and ladder, will cost approximately $60,000, including water heating system, perimeter walkway, privacy fence ⁵, and vinyl pool cover, and additional labor. The shell itself costs between $10,000 and $19,000 depending on finish, while labor costs between $10,000 and $20,000, fencing and decking add $10,000 and additional equipment makes up the rest of the cost. Fiberglass pools are prefinished with a smooth gel surface and do not require an additional sealant.

Durability

Concrete pools will last longer than fiberglass pools because of the materials used and construction methods. With regular maintenance, cleaning, and resurfacing, a concrete pool can last for decades. A high-quality surface finishing product should be used to seal the concrete to improve longevity.

A fiberglass pool will last between 20–25 years, although the interior gel finish may need to be reapplied every 10 years. These pools are less durable than concrete because they do not use the same reinforced construction methods, and the pool shell is installed on top of concrete or sand, making it prone to cracking as the ground settles or shifts.

Maintenance

There is considerably more maintenance required for a concrete pool than a fiberglass pool. Weekly cleaning and scrubbing are required as well as the regular rebalancing of chemicals. Concrete pools require a complete resurfacing every 10–15 years to maintain their surface and keep moisture out. The better maintained your pool is, the longer it will last and ensure that your investment is protected.

Fiberglass pools require less maintenance and are easier to keep clean. The smooth surface of the fiberglass makes it easier to control algae and bacteria that may otherwise get caught on the rougher surfaces of a concrete pool. Fewer chemicals are needed in the water to control the bacteria. As a result, the lifetime cost of a fiberglass pool is considerably lower than a concrete pool.

Resale Value

According to the National Association of Realtors, both concrete and fiberglass pools can increase the resale value of your home, provided they are properly maintained. In recent years, there has been discussion as to whether in-ground pools are worth the ongoing expense to homeowners. Home buyers, however, tend to view a pool as a quality of life investment rather than a financial one. Depending on your climate and location, an in-ground pool can be a very attractive selling feature.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Fiberglass: Plastic that is reinforced with glass fibers. The fibers may be mixed randomly throughout the plastic, or come in the form of a flat sheet, or be woven into a fabric

² Reinforcing bars: A mesh or bar made of alloy, used in construction projects to reinforce concrete

³ Gunite: A type of concrete used for building concrete pools, lining tunnels, and structural repair. It is applied by being sprayed through a pressure hose, and produces a dense, hard layer of concrete

⁴ Pump: A device used to move air, liquid, or gas by mechanical means

⁵ Privacy fence: A barrier or railing, typically composed of solid material, used to form a blockade around a yard, field, or other expanse of land to prevent encroachments from the outside

⁶ Vinyl: A synthetic plastic made from ethylene and chlorine. Vinyl has many applications in the construction industry and it is widely used in sidings, window frames, roofing and gutters, among others

⁷ Built-in: An item of furniture, such as a bookcase or set of cabinets, that is built directly into the structure of the room. Built-ins are therefore customized to the room and not detachable

⁸ Liner: A covering, usually made of vinyl, for the walls and floor of a swimming pool, used to keep the water in and protect the pool's surface.