Learn About The 3 Major Types Of Inground Pools (2024)

Contrary to popular belief, all pools are not created equal. Size is only one of the many contributing factors that will determine how much an inground pool could cost you. It’s important to do your research and gather all the facts from professionals before making a large investment like an inground swimming pool.

NOTE: The order of the list includes all price factors. All factors include building materials, installation cost (labor), and maintenance. Maintenance may be the most important.

Jack Miller, founder of How I Get Rid Of, a home improvement blog, has over 15 years of experience as a home improvement and pest control expert. In the home improvement space, he’s worked with many pool professionals over the years and has overseen many building projects along the way.

Stewart Vernon, CEO of American Swimming Pools has worked over 20 years in the industry, and his company services over 15,000 pools per week across the US. “During the pandemic, the demand for pool construction has been at its highest,” he says.

If you’re interested in having a pool built on your property, there are three types of inground pools for you to choose from: fiberglass, vnyl and concrete. Each type has a different construction style, and very different costs. In order for you to make the most educated decision of which type of pool is perfect for you, we spoke with a few pool industry experts to break down each one by cost and quality.

1. Fiberglass

Fiberglass pools are the simplest, and least expensive type of inground pool you can get. They’re the easiest to install because the pool shell is made of fiberglass and is manufactured before installation. “It’s pretty much a plug-and-play affair,” Miller says. “If you can imagine a hot tub, then you can picture a fiberglass shell,” Vernon adds.

The installation process for these types of pools only takes about two days from start to finish. “It’s also very low maintenance because it is made from a nonporous material called gelcoat, which hinders algae build-up,” Miller adds. This also means less chemical usage. So cost and easy installation are two primary reasons why most people opt for fiberglass pools.

One of the downfalls of deciding on a fiberglass pool is that it’s usually smaller and has limitations for the build since its pre-made. “They usually pick it up with a crane and drop it into a hole the crew would already build, ” Vernon explains. “The beauty of [all three types of] swimming pools is that once there’s water in it, they all require the same pool maintenance.”

In regard to cost, you could realistically put in a nice fiberglass pool for about 30 to 50% less than a concrete pool. Vernon says, “so you can still have beautiful blue water to jump in and swim, just on a budget.”

2. Vinyl

When ranking inground pools from least to most expensive, vinyl would come in second, according to Vernon. You’re able to build a bigger pool with vinyl than with fiberglass. As far as materials go, “the bottom sits on a bed of sand while coping holds the top,” Miller explains. Vinyl is also more malleable, so you can customize the shape, size, or depth as you wish. “The vinyl lining is [what] makes it waterproof,” Vernon adds. According to Miller, people choose vinyl because it has a lower initial cost compared to the other two types, but could cost more in repairs after a while.

3. Concrete

According to both experts, concrete pools are the most sought-after types of inground pools. From a design standpoint, concrete pools are the most flexible. “There [are] no limitations,” Vernon says. You can build any size pool and give it any design you’d like when using concrete. According to Miller, the largest pools in the world are made of concrete. In regard to structure, concrete pools are supported by steel rods and you can also plaster over the concrete for added longevity.

“And because concrete is porous,” Miller says, “the plaster-coated shell holds water better and therefore provides the most stability.” The finishing touch resembles a smooth plaster layer, just like the walls inside of homes. “When you think of luxe, high-end pools, they’re concrete,” Vernon says. They are undoubtedly the most expensive, but they are also the most durable.

Finishes

“Even if it takes longer to install, people choose concrete pools because of their durability and elegant finish,” Miller says. According to Vernon, a popular finish among pool owners is actually tile. “In my opinion, it’s the most luxe and high-end look an inground pool can have,” he says. You can also opt for an aggregant finish, which is the process of adding small rocks and pebbles to the plaster over the concrete. Aggregant finishes can be black, brown, blue or any color you purchase your pebbles.