Choosing a swimming pool is a big decision, and one of the first choices you’ll need to make is whether a fibreglass or concrete pool is right for your backyard.
Both can create a beautiful and long lasting swimming pool. However, the way they are constructed means there are some important differences when it comes to installation, maintenance, design, cost and the experience of owning a pool.
So, which is better: fibreglass or concrete?
The answer depends on your backyard and what matters most to you. For many homeowners, fibreglass offers an appealing combination of design choice, a streamlined installation process, a smooth and easy to maintain surface and long term durability. Concrete can be a good option when complete design flexibility is the priority.
Here’s what you need to know before choosing between a fibreglass and concrete pool.
| Fibreglass Pool | Concrete Pool | |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Manufactured as a complete pool shell | Built on site from the ground up |
| Installation | Generally faster and more streamlined | Usually a longer and more involved construction process |
| Maintenance | Smooth, non porous surface can make ongoing cleaning easier | Maintenance can vary depending on the interior finish |
| Design | Wide range of shapes, sizes, colours and features | Customisable shape, size |
| Cost | Generally more affordable than a comparable concrete pool | Generally a higher upfront investment |
| Best Suited to | Homeowners wanting a combination of design choice, easier maintenance and streamlined installation | Homeowners wanting a highly customised pool design |
The right choice ultimately comes down to your backyard, your design preferences and how you want to use your pool.
The biggest difference between fibreglass and concrete pools is how they are made.
A fibreglass pool is manufactured as a complete pool shell before it arrives at your property. Once your site has been excavated and prepared, the shell is delivered and positioned in the ground before the plumbing, equipment and remaining installation work are completed.
A concrete pool is constructed from scratch on your property. The pool structure is built on site, followed by the chosen interior finish and other finishing work.
Because much of a fibreglass pool is manufactured before it reaches your backyard, the construction process is generally more streamlined. It also means the pool shell is manufactured in a controlled environment before it is delivered to your home.
These different construction methods are what create many of the differences between fibreglass and concrete pools.
One of the biggest differences between fibreglass and concrete pools is the installation process.
Because a fibreglass pool shell is manufactured before it arrives at your home, much of the pool construction has already been completed. Once the site is prepared, the shell can be delivered and positioned using a crane before the remaining installation work is completed.
Concrete pools are constructed on-site, so the process involves building the pool structure, cure time and completing the interior finish at the property.
This generally means a fibreglass pool can be installed more quickly, although every project is different and the overall timeframe will depend on the site, access, approvals and landscaping.
Every swimming pool requires regular maintenance, regardless of what it is made from.
However, the surface of a fibreglass pool can make a noticeable difference to ongoing care.
Fibreglass pools have a smooth, non porous gel coat surface. This creates a surface that is less hospitable to algae and can make the pool easier to keep clean.
Concrete pools can have more porous interior finishes, meaning they can require more regular brushing and cleaning depending on the finish used and how the pool is maintained.
A fibreglass pool isn’t maintenance free. You’ll still need to balance the water, remove debris, clean the pool and look after your filtration and other equipment.
But if spending less time maintaining your pool is important to you, the smooth surface of fibreglass is a significant benefit.
The cost of a swimming pool depends on much more than whether you choose fibreglass or concrete.
Your pool size, site conditions, access, excavation, equipment, heating, fencing, landscaping and other requirements can all affect the final project cost.
However, fibreglass pools are generally more affordable than comparable concrete pools.
One reason is the difference in construction. A fibreglass pool shell is manufactured before it reaches your property, while a concrete pool is constructed on site and involves more stages of construction and labour.
It’s important to compare the cost of the complete pool project rather than simply comparing the starting price of the pool itself.
This is one area where concrete may have an advantage.
Because a concrete pool is constructed on site, the shape, dimensions and configuration can be highly customised. If you have a very specific design in mind that isn’t available as a manufactured pool shell, concrete may provide the flexibility you’re looking for.
However, choosing fibreglass doesn’t mean choosing from just a handful of basic pool designs.
Narellan Pools has a wide range of fibreglass pool shapes and sizes, including options for smaller backyards, family pools and lap pools. There are also different colours and features that can help create a pool that suits your home and lifestyle.
For many homeowners, the choice available in fibreglass is more than enough to create a pool that works beautifully with their backyard.
Fibreglass has become a popular choice for Australian homeowners because it combines many of the things people want from a swimming pool without the longer construction process associated with building a concrete pool from scratch.
Here are some of the key reasons homeowners choose fibreglass.
One of the biggest advantages of a fibreglass pool is the construction process.
Because the pool shell is manufactured before it arrives at your property, there is less pool construction to complete on site. Once your backyard has been prepared, the shell can be delivered and positioned before the remaining installation work is completed.
This can mean less construction time in your backyard and a more straightforward path from excavation to swimming.
The smooth gel coat surface of a fibreglass pool is one of its biggest practical advantages.
Because the surface is non porous, it provides less opportunity for algae and other build up to take hold. This can make cleaning easier and reduce the amount of time spent brushing the pool surface.
You’ll still need to maintain the water and pool equipment, but the surface itself can make ongoing pool care simpler.
Narellan Pools also offers a range of cleaning systems and equipment options designed to make pool maintenance easier.
Fibreglass pools have come a long way from the limited shapes and sizes many people remember.
Narellan Pools currently offers a broad range of pool designs, from plunge and smaller pools through to family sized and lap pools, with a variety of sizes, colours and features available.
That means you can still create a pool that feels considered and individual, even though the pool shell itself is manufactured rather than built from scratch on your property.
Another difference between fibreglass and concrete is where the pool itself is made.
A fibreglass pool shell is manufactured before it arrives at your property. This allows the manufacturing process to take place in a controlled environment with quality checks throughout production.
Narellan Pools has more than 50 years of experience in fibreglass pool manufacturing and operates ISO 9001 accredited manufacturing facilities.
A quality fibreglass pool can provide many years of enjoyment when it is properly manufactured, installed and maintained.
The durability of a pool depends on a number of factors, including the quality of the shell, manufacturing process, installation and ongoing care.
For additional peace of mind, Narellan Pools offers a manufacturer’s Lifetime Structural Warranty on its inground fibreglass pools.
Concrete pools remain a popular choice, for homeowners who want a highly customised pool design.
Because a concrete pool is constructed on site, there is considerable flexibility over the shape, size and configuration. This can be useful if you have a very specific design in mind that isn’t available in a manufactured fibreglass pool shell.
Concrete also offers a wide choice of interior finishes, allowing homeowners to create a particular look and feel.
The trade off is that a concrete pool generally involves a more involved construction process and the maintenance requirements can vary depending on the interior finish.
Ultimately, concrete can be a good choice when maximum design flexibility is more important to you than having a streamlined installation and a low maintenance pool surface.
There isn’t one pool type that is right for every backyard.
A fibreglass pool may be the better choice if you’re looking for:
– A more streamlined installation process
– A smooth, non porous pool surface
– Easier ongoing maintenance
– A wide range of pool shapes and sizes
– Different colours and pool features
– A generally lower cost than a comparable concrete pool
– A manufactured pool shell backed by a structural warranty
A concrete pool may be the better choice if you’re looking for:
– A highly customised pool shape
– A specific size or configuration that isn’t available in fibreglass
– A particular concrete pool finish
For many homeowners, fibreglass offers a balance of design choice, installation efficiency, easy maintenance and long term durability.
The best choice is the one that fits your backyard, your budget and the way you want to use your pool.
Choosing the right pool is only part of the decision. It’s also important to consider who will manufacture and install it.
Narellan Pools has more than 50 years of experience in fibreglass swimming pools, with a focus on manufacturing quality pools and supporting homeowners throughout the pool journey.
From choosing your pool design through to installation and handover, the Narellan Pools process is designed to give you a clear understanding of what’s involved at each stage.
With a wide range of pool designs, more than 50 years of experience and an inground Lifetime Structural Warranty, Narellan Pools can help you find a fibreglass pool that works for your backyard and your lifestyle.
Ready to explore your options? Talk to Narellan Pools about your backyard and get a free quote.
For many homeowners, a fibreglass pool offers advantages including a streamlined installation, a smooth non porous surface, easier ongoing maintenance and a wide range of designs. Concrete pools offer greater flexibility for highly customised shapes and configurations. The right option depends on your backyard and priorities.
Fibreglass pools are generally more affordable than comparable concrete pools. However, the total cost depends on factors such as pool size, site conditions, access, excavation, equipment, fencing, landscaping and other project requirements.
Generally, yes. The smooth, non porous surface of a fibreglass pool is less hospitable to algae and can make the pool easier to clean. You’ll still need to maintain the water, clean the pool and look after the filtration and other equipment.
Yes. A quality fibreglass pool can provide many years of use when it is properly manufactured, installed and maintained. The longevity of a pool depends on the quality of the shell, installation, environment and ongoing care.
Fibreglass pools offer a wide range of shapes, sizes, colours and features, but they are manufactured from existing pool designs rather than built completely from scratch. Concrete offers greater flexibility if you need a highly specific shape.
Fibreglass pools can generally be installed more quickly than concrete pools because the pool shell is manufactured before it arrives at your property. However, the actual timeframe depends on your site, access, approvals, excavation, weather and other project requirements.
Whether you’re considering fibreglass or concrete, the best place to start is by looking at what works for your backyard, your budget and the way you want to use your pool.
Explore the Narellan Pools range, learn more about fibreglass pools and speak with your local Narellan Pools Builder about your options.
Get started with Narellan Pools and take the first step towards creating your backyard pool.
