Fiberglass and concrete are both long-term inground pool options, but they differ significantly in construction, design flexibility, installation time and ongoing maintenance.
A fiberglass pool arrives as a finished, factory-built shell. A concrete pool is constructed and finished on-site, allowing the size, shape and depth to be customized for the property.
Earthworks installs fiberglass pools, so that is where our direct experience is strongest. Concrete may still be the better choice for homeowners who need a completely custom design. This comparison explains the practical tradeoffs.
Fiberglass vs. Concrete Pools at a Glance
| Consideration | Fiberglass Pool | Concrete Pool |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | One-piece factory-built shell | Built and finished on-site |
| Installation time | Generally faster | Generally longer |
| Shape and size | Limited to available models | Highly customizable |
| Interior surface | Smooth gel-coat finish | Plaster, aggregate or tile finish |
| Routine maintenance | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Surface renovation | No scheduled resurfacing | Periodic resurfacing normally required |
| Initial investment | Often lower | Often higher |
| Delivery access | Shell requires a delivery and lifting plan | Materials brought to site separately |
| Built-in features | Formed into available models | Can be designed specifically for the project |
The complete cost and timeline also depend on the property, permits, patio, equipment, access and surrounding landscaping.
How Fiberglass Pools Are Built
A fiberglass pool is manufactured in a controlled factory environment using a mould.
The finished shell generally includes:
- A smooth gel-coat interior
- Protective barrier layers
- Resin
- Fiberglass reinforcement
- Additional structural reinforcement where required
Steps, benches and tanning ledges are formed as part of the shell. Once complete, the pool is transported to the property and lifted into a prepared excavation.
The installer prepares and levels the base, positions the shell, connects the plumbing and coordinates filling with backfilling. Coping, patio, fencing and landscaping are then completed around the pool.
How Concrete Pools Are Built
Concrete pools are constructed at the property.
The process commonly involves:
- Excavation
- Steel reinforcement
- Plumbing installation
- Application of concrete or shotcrete
- Curing
- Waterproofing and interior finishing
- Tile or coping installation
- Equipment connections
- Patio and landscape construction
Because the pool is formed on-site, concrete allows considerable freedom in shape, depth and built-in features.
The tradeoff is a longer, more complex construction process involving multiple stages and weather-dependent work.
Which Pool Costs More?
Concrete pools are often more expensive initially because of their labour-intensive construction and level of customization. Fiberglass pools can provide a more predictable starting point because homeowners choose from established models.
However, neither pool type should be priced by the shell or pool structure alone.
A complete project may include:
- Design and permits
- Excavation
- Soil removal
- Crane service
- Plumbing
- Electrical and gas work
- Pump, filter and heater
- Sanitizing system
- Pool lighting
- Coping and patio
- Fencing
- Retaining walls
- Grading and drainage
- Landscaping
- Outdoor-living features
Difficult access, rock, groundwater, unstable soil or major elevation changes can substantially affect either project.
Concrete owners should also budget for ongoing surface care and eventual resurfacing. Fiberglass does not require routine liner replacement or scheduled plaster resurfacing, although repairs may still be required if the surface or shell is damaged.
Compare complete proposals and long-term ownership costs—not just the initial pool price.
Installation Time
Fiberglass is generally the faster option because the pool shell arrives finished.
Once excavation and base preparation are complete, the shell can be placed relatively quickly. Plumbing, filling, backfilling and surrounding construction still take additional time.
Concrete construction occurs in several stages at the property. Steel, plumbing, concrete application, curing and interior finishing must be completed before the pool can operate.
The total schedule for either option can also be affected by:
- Design revisions
- Permit approvals
- Weather
- Site access
- Soil conditions
- Inspections
- Patio construction
- Retaining walls
- Fencing
- Landscaping
Be cautious when comparing installation claims. A contractor may describe how quickly the fiberglass shell can be placed rather than how long the entire backyard project will take.
Maintenance Requirements
Both pool types require:
- Regular water testing
- Proper sanitizer levels
- Filtration
- Cleaning
- Equipment maintenance
- Seasonal opening
- Winterization
The main difference is the interior surface.
Fiberglass maintenance
The smooth, non-porous gel-coat surface gives algae fewer places to attach and is generally easier to clean.
Water chemistry must still remain balanced. Prolonged chemical imbalance can affect the finish and equipment.
Fiberglass does not require periodic liner replacement or routine plaster resurfacing.
Concrete maintenance
Concrete pool finishes are more porous and may require more brushing and chemical management to control algae and protect the surface.
Depending on the finish and condition, maintenance can include:
- Brushing
- Stain treatment
- Surface repairs
- Acid washing where appropriate
- Tile or grout repairs
- Periodic resurfacing
The timing and cost depend on the pool finish, water chemistry, climate and quality of maintenance.
Durability in Ontario
Both pool types can provide many years of use when properly designed, installed and maintained.
Ontario’s freeze-thaw climate makes drainage, backfilling, winterization and water management especially important.
A fiberglass shell has some flexibility and arrives as one continuous structure. Its performance depends on proper base preparation, balanced filling and backfilling, groundwater management and correct installation.
Concrete is strong and well suited to custom construction, but movement, water conditions and surface deterioration can contribute to cracking or finish problems.
Neither material is immune to poor installation. The contractor’s excavation, drainage and construction practices matter as much as the pool type.
Design and Customization
Concrete offers the greatest flexibility.
A concrete pool can be designed with:
- Custom dimensions
- Unusual shapes
- Varying depths
- Beach entries
- Custom steps and benches
- Integrated spas
- Detailed tile work
- Specialized architectural features
Fiberglass pools are limited to models available from the manufacturer. However, modern selections include rectangular, freeform, plunge and lap-style pools with built-in steps, benches and tanning ledges.
The surrounding backyard remains highly customizable. Homeowners can personalize a fiberglass pool project through:
- Coping and patio materials
- Interlock patterns
- Retaining walls
- Landscape lighting
- Gardens
- Water features
- Pavilions
- Outdoor kitchens
- Seating and entertaining areas
If an available fiberglass model suits the property, the surrounding landscape can still create a distinctive finished project.
Surface Comfort and Appearance
Fiberglass provides a smooth, non-abrasive surface that is comfortable underfoot.
Concrete pools can be finished with plaster, exposed aggregate, tile or other materials. These options provide substantial design freedom, although some finishes may feel rougher than fiberglass.
Both pool types are available in a range of colours. The water’s appearance will also be influenced by pool depth, sunlight, sky conditions, interior finish and surrounding materials.
Property Access
Fiberglass pool shells must be delivered in one piece.
The installation plan must consider:
- Side-yard width
- Crane location
- Overhead wires
- Mature trees
- Neighbouring properties
- Septic systems
- Road access
- Pool size
A crane can sometimes lift the shell over the house when direct backyard access is unavailable.
Concrete pools do not require delivery of a complete shell, which can make them practical on some restricted properties. They still require access for excavation equipment, concrete placement, soil removal and construction materials.
Access should be reviewed before selecting the pool type and design.
Which Pool Is Right for Your Backyard?
A fiberglass pool may be the better choice if:
- An available model fits the property
- Lower routine maintenance is important
- You want a smooth interior surface
- You prefer a shorter installation process
- You do not need a completely custom shape
- The pool will use a salt-chlorine system
- You want the pool integrated with a complete landscape project
A concrete pool may be the better choice if:
- The design requires a fully custom shape
- You want unusual dimensions or depths
- Highly specialized built-in features are essential
- The property cannot accommodate delivery of a fiberglass shell
- You accept the longer construction process and surface-maintenance requirements
Earthworks Landscaping & Pools installs fiberglass pools and coordinates them with interlock, grading, retaining walls and surrounding landscaping.
Explore our fiberglass pool installation services or complete the form below to tell us about your project.
