Fiberglass, and Vinyl, and Gunite… Oh My!

When choosing an inground pool, the type of material used is one of the most important- but also one of the most confusing- decisions you’ll make.

Every pool material has its strengths and trade-offs. The right choice comes down to your budget, how much maintenance you’re comfortable with, and what you want your backyard to look like for years to come.

Aloha Pools & Spas has helped homeowners make this decision since 1969, and we’re ready to help walk you through the options for your future backyard pool.

In this article, we’ll compare fiberglass, vinyl, and gunite pools by cost, construction, installation time, customization, maintenance, and longevity so you can decide which option is right for you.

Fiberglass vs. Vinyl vs. Gunite at a Glance

**Installation timeline varies on yard size, degree of difficulty, weather, and supply chains.

Cost

The exact cost of each pool depends on its size, your location, and environmental conditions.

In general, though, you can expect:

Vinyl Pools: Vinyl pools are the most affordable option upfront. They also tend to have higher long-term maintenance costs because the liner will eventually need to be replaced.

Fiberglass Pools: Fiberglass pools fall in the middle price range between vinyl and gunite. They’re a good option if you want something more durable than vinyl but don’t want to pay the premium for a gunite pool.

Gunite Pools: Gunite pools are consistently the most expensive option. They are the most complicated to build, but they’re also the most customizable, which is why the price tag is higher.

Construction

One of the biggest differences between these pool types is how they’re built. Each requires a different construction process and a different level of labor from the installation team. Here’s what to expect based on your pool type:

Vinyl Pools

• A vinyl pool comes as a kit that’s assembled on-site.
• The construction team installs the walls- typically steel, but sometimes concrete- along with the floor base. They pour the concrete (sometimes called “pool crete,” which is actually a lightweight concrete blend), then finish by stretching the vinyl liner over the pool.

Fiberglass Pools

• Fiberglass pools arrive as one premade shell.
• The team digs the hole with an excavator, lowers the shell into place, and completes the plumbing before backfilling (filling the gaps between the excavated hole and the new pool walls) around the pool.

Gunite Pools

• Gunite pools are built entirely on-site using pneumatically- or air pressure- applied concrete (commonly referred to as gunite or shotcrete). Water and concrete travel through separate hoses and combine at the nozzle, creating a porous concrete shell that must then be plastered.
• It is the most labor and material-intensive installation of the three.

Installation Time

If getting your pool finished quickly is important, the installation process may influence your decision. On average, our pool installs take ~82 days, or just under three months.

Vinyl Pools

• Vinyl pools are also installed quickly.
• Because this is what our team installs most often, they’ve optimized the process to make installation as efficient as possible- for themselves and for you.

Fiberglass Pools

• Fiberglass pools are the easiest to install because much of the work is completed before the shell ever arrives at your home.
• The biggest delay is usually the manufacturer’s lead time. Since fiberglass pools are built in specific styles and colors, they aren’t typically sitting in stock waiting to be shipped. Even so, delays are usually only a few weeks.

Gunite Pools

• Gunite pools have the longest installation timeline.
• Because they’re completely custom-built on-site, certain curing periods for the concrete have to be observed. This can create delays, making it more likely your project finishes toward the longer end of the estimated timeline.

Customization and Appearance

If creating a specific backyard look is important to you, here’s how the three options compare.

Vinyl Pools

• Vinyl pools offer a flexible range of shapes and liner patterns that you’ll choose with your sales representative.
• Once those selections are made, they’re pretty much set in stone until it’s time to replace the liner.

Fiberglass Pools

• Fiberglass pools offer the least customization of the three.
• You’re limited to the manufacturer’s available shapes and sizes unless you’re willing to commission a custom shell- which is possible, but extremely expensive.

Gunite Pools

• Gunite pools are fully customizable.
• They’re best suited for elaborate pool designs with features such as infinity edges, grottos, tanning ledges, and beach entries. They provide a high-end, luxurious appearance and the greatest design flexibility.

Maintenance and Longevity

Every pool requires maintenance, but the amount and the type vary.

Vinyl Pools

• Vinyl liners should generally be replaced every 10 years, although good water chemistry can sometimes extend their lifespan.
• Outside of replacing it every several years, the liner itself requires very little maintenance.

Fiberglass Pools

• Fiberglass pools are low maintenance for the most part.
• Fiberglass pools generally shouldn’t be drained without professional guidance, as doing so can create structural problems and limit repair options.
• If repairs or refinishing are needed, they typically aren’t necessary until 20 to 30 years after installation.

Gunite Pools

• Gunite pools need to be re-plastered over time- every 10-20 years, depending on how well you keep your pool balanced.
• You’ll typically spend more time brushing the surface than you would with fiberglass or vinyl.
• Other than re-plastering, maintenance is relatively straightforward.

Which Inground Pool Is Right for You?

Ultimately, there isn’t one “best” pool material- only the one that’s the best fit for your priorities.

Choose a Vinyl Pool If…

• You want the lowest upfront cost.
• You want some flexibility in shape and appearance.
• You don’t mind replacing the liner every 10 or so years.
• You like having the opportunity to change your pool’s appearance when the liner is replaced.

Choose a Fiberglass Pool If…

• You want something durable and low-maintenance.
• You don’t need a completely custom shape.
• You like the upscale look of gunite without the higher price tag.

Choose a Gunite Pool If…

• You want complete customization.
• You have a specific vision, like a beach entry or infinity edge.
• You’re willing to invest more to build your dream pool.

Final Thoughts

The best pool isn’t the most expensive one or the one with the most features- it’s the one that fits the way you actually plan to use it.

If keeping maintenance to a minimum is your priority, fiberglass is hard to beat.

If staying within a tighter budget matters most, vinyl is an excellent option.

And if you’ve been dreaming about a one-of-a-kind backyard with custom features, gunite offers nearly unlimited possibilities.

No matter which direction you choose, you’re investing in something much bigger than a pool. You’re creating a place where birthdays, summer afternoons, and family memories will happen for years to come.

If you’re ready to take the plunge on a pool, contact one of our sales representatives today- we look forward to helping you make your backyard dreams a reality!