If you’re dreaming of an awesome backyard with a pool, one of the first big choices you’ll have to make is between a fiberglass pool and a concrete pool.
Both types are popular, but when it comes to fiberglass vs concrete pool cost, more and more people in 2025 are paying attention. Is one actually cheaper in the long run? And which is better for your home, weather, and wallet?
Let’s take a good look at the price, care, strength, and overall value of both pool types — so you can make the best choice for you and your family.
Fiberglass vs Concrete Pools Initial Installation Costs: Who Wins?
When talking about how much it costs to put the pool in, fiberglass pools usually cost less — but not always. The total price depends on things like size, shape, how much work your yard needs, and extras like lights, decks, or heaters.
Here’s a simple comparison:
| Feature | Fiberglass Pool (Avg. Price) | Concrete Pool (Avg. Price) |
|---|---|---|
| Base Installation Cost | $50,000 – $85,000 | $60,000 – $100,000 |
| Time to Install | 2–4 weeks | 3–6 months |
| Customization Options | Limited | Highly Customizable |
| Long-Term Maintenance (10 yrs) | $3,000 – $5,000 | $15,000 – $25,000 |
When you compare the fiberglass vs concrete pool cost, it’s clear that fiberglass pools save you more money over time — especially when you think about how fast they’re installed and how easy they are to take care of.
Durability & Longevity: Which Pool Lasts Longer?
Let’s talk about how long each pool lasts — because nobody wants to spend a lot on a pool and then have it break later.
Durability of Fiberglass Pools
Fiberglass pools are made from strong, bendy materials that work well in both cold and warm weather. They don’t get cracks or scratches easily and are also good at stopping algae. Most companies give warranties for 25 to 50 years.
Pros: Flexible, smooth, no need to resurface
Cons: Not as many shape choices, could get damaged during shipping
Durability of Concrete Pools
Concrete pools are super strong and can be made into almost any shape or depth. But they do need resurfacing every 10 to 15 years, which adds to concrete pool expenses in the long run.
Pros: Custom shapes, very strong
Cons: Needs more care, can crack in cold weather
Maintenance Costs Over Time
This is where fiberglass really shows how awesome it is — both in looks and savings.
Concrete Pool Maintenance
Concrete pools can soak up water, which makes algae grow more easily. You’ll need to use more cleaning chemicals, spend more time brushing, and call in pros more often. You also have to resurface them over time.
Average Maintenance Cost (10 years): $15,000 – $25,000
Fiberglass Pool Maintenance
Thanks to its smooth, non-porous surface, a fiberglass pool is way easier to clean. You’ll use fewer chemicals and won’t need to spend as much time or money on upkeep.
Average Maintenance Cost (10 years): $3,000 – $5,000
So if you’ve been asking, is fiberglass cheaper than concrete pool? — the answer is yes, especially when thinking about how much work and money it takes to care for the pool over time.
Aesthetic & Customization Options
If you want a pool that looks super unique, concrete is the winner. If your yard has an odd shape or you want a pool in the shape of your initials, concrete is the way to go.
Concrete Pools:
- Any shape or size you want
- Can include cool things like waterfalls, vanishing edges, and beach-style entries
Fiberglass Pools:
- Pre-made shapes and sizes
- Not much customization, but more designs are being added all the time
Still, more and more fiberglass pool companies are offering new and creative styles to keep up with what people want.
Energy Efficiency and Eco-Friendliness
Fiberglass pools use less energy to heat up because of their smooth, insulated surface. This means your energy bills will be lower and you’ll help the planet a bit too.
Concrete pools lose heat faster and need more power to stay warm — a small but important detail when thinking about long-term costs.
Resale Value & Home Equity
Getting a pool can definitely make your home more attractive, but not all pools help your home value the same way.
Fiberglass pools are seen as easy to take care of and modern — a big plus for busy families.
Concrete pools may be classic, but they can worry buyers because of how much care and money they’ll need later.
So, a fiberglass pool might not just save you money now, but also help you when it’s time to sell your home.
Real-World Case Study: Suburban Family Comparison
Let’s look at two families, both living in similar neighborhoods, each choosing a different pool type:
| Family | Pool Type | Initial Cost | 10-Year Maintenance | Total (10 Years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smiths | Fiberglass | $65,000 | $4,000 | $69,000 |
| Johnsons | Concrete | $85,000 | $20,000 | $105,000 |
Over 10 years, the Smiths saved $36,000 by choosing fiberglass — plus, they didn’t have to spend as much time cleaning or fixing their pool.
Industry Expert Opinions
Pool builders and experts mostly agree: if you want something that’s affordable, strong, and easy to take care of, fiberglass is a great choice in 2025.
But if having your dream pool shape is more important and you’re okay spending more, concrete might be worth it.
To learn more about how pool prices have changed, this helpful breakdown from HomeGuide shows recent numbers from real contractors.
So, Which Is Better in 2025?
Here’s a quick chart to help you decide:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Installation Cost | Fiberglass |
| Maintenance Cost | Fiberglass |
| Durability | Fiberglass |
| Customization | Concrete |
| Energy Efficiency | Fiberglass |
| Resale Appeal | Fiberglass |
For most families, fiberglass pools are the better deal — not just at the start, but for years to come. So if you’re still wondering, is fiberglass cheaper than concrete pool? — the answer is yes, in most cases.
Want to dive even deeper? We’ve covered the differences between pool types in more depth in our recent article: Fiberglass vs. Concrete Pools: Pros, Cons & Which Is Best for You?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, in 2025, fiberglass pools are still much more affordable than concrete pools, both when you first install them and over time. A fiberglass pool usually costs between $50,000 and $85,000. But concrete pools often start at $60,000 and can go over $100,000 because of custom shapes and longer build times.
The biggest difference is how much it costs to take care of the pool. In 10 years, fiberglass pool owners usually spend $3,000 to $5,000 on cleaning and care. Concrete pool expenses can go over $20,000 because they need resurfacing, more chemicals, and lots of cleaning. That makes fiberglass pools a lot more budget-friendly in the long run.
A fiberglass pools price comparison chart helps homeowners understand the full cost of owning a pool — not just the first price. These charts usually show things like how long it takes to install, how many chemicals you’ll use, how much energy it takes to heat the pool, and how long the pool lasts. These comparisons clearly show that fiberglass pools are a better deal, especially over many years.
There are many reasons why concrete pool expenses can get high, like:
- Custom shapes and sizes
- Longer time to build
- More cleaning because of algae
- Resurfacing every 10–15 years
- Needing more chemicals
All of these things make concrete pools more expensive to keep up over time.
The strength and lasting power of fiberglass pools vs concrete pools can be very different. Fiberglass pools are flexible and don’t soak up water, so they don’t crack or grow algae easily. Concrete pools are strong too, but they can crack and wear down, especially in places that get cold in winter. This means more repairs and resurfacing every 10 to 15 years.
Ready to Make the Smart Choice for Your Backyard?
If you’re trying to decide on the fiberglass vs concrete pool cost and want something strong, easy to take care of, and not too expensive, fiberglass might be just right for your backyard.
It’s quick to install, doesn’t need much cleaning, and saves you money over time. That’s why more and more people are choosing fiberglass pools in 2025.
At KD Pool Builders, we’ve been helping people in Buffalo build amazing fiberglass pools for over 10 years. Our team is ready to help you from start to finish — with smart prices, fast work, and great quality.
Call us today at +1 (716) 300-2773 or visit kdpoolbuilders.com to start designing your dream pool! Let’s make your backyard the best place to relax with a pool that’s awesome, affordable, and built to last.
