6 Things to Weigh Up Before Choosing Concrete, Fibreglass or Vinyl

There is no single best pool type: the right one depends on budget, design freedom, build time and how much maintenance you want. Fibreglass is quickest to install, concrete is the most customisable, and vinyl liner is usually the lowest upfront cost.

The 6 things to weigh up

1. Upfront cost. Vinyl is usually the lowest, fibreglass sits in the middle, and concrete is generally the highest.
2. Build time. Fibreglass is fastest, vinyl is medium and concrete is slowest. Quicker installs suit wet season windows.
3. Design freedom. Concrete is fully custom, vinyl is flexible, and fibreglass is limited to the available shells.
4. Maintenance. Fibreglass has a smooth surface and lower chemical use. Concrete needs more care. A vinyl liner typically needs replacing every 8 to 12 years.
5. Lifespan. Fibreglass can last 25 to 30 years or more. Concrete lasts decades with resurfacing. Check the figures for your product with your builder.
6. Heat, UV and access. Fibreglass and concrete cope well, while liners can fade and age faster. A fibreglass shell must be craned in, so check overhead lines and side access.

Which should you choose?

If you want speed and low maintenance, fibreglass is hard to beat. If you want a custom shape or size, concrete is the answer.

Frequently asked questions