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Compare PoolConstruction Types

Understanding the four construction methods helps you choose the perfect pool for your family's lifestyle, property, and long-term vision.

Four Ways to Build Your Dream

Each construction method offers unique advantages

Concrete

Timeless Durability

OUR SPECIALTY

Gunite

Ultimate Customization

Fiberglass

Quick & Beautiful

Vinyl Liner

Flexible Design

Detailed Comparison

Side-by-side analysis of each construction method

Customization & Design Flexibility

Concrete

Excellent - Highly customizable shapes and features

Gunite

Outstanding - Unlimited design possibilities with shotcrete application

Fiberglass

Good - Wide selection of pre-designed shapes and sizes

Vinyl Liner

Very Good - Flexible shapes with custom liner patterns

Durability & Lifespan

Concrete

Exceptional - 50+ years with proper maintenance

Gunite

Superior - Industry-leading longevity of 50+ years

Fiberglass

Excellent - 25-30+ years, factory-reinforced construction

Vinyl Liner

Good - Liner lasts 7-10 years, structure lasts decades

Maintenance Requirements

Concrete

Moderate - Regular brushing and chemical balance required

Gunite

Moderate - Weekly brushing, chemical balance, periodic resurfacing

Fiberglass

Low - Smooth gel coat surface resists algae growth

Vinyl Liner

Moderate - Gentle cleaning, liner replacement every 7-10 years

Surface Finish Options

Concrete

Multiple options - Plaster, pebble aggregate, or tile finishes

Gunite

Premium options - Plaster, pebble aggregate, glass tile, custom mosaics

Fiberglass

Gel coat finish - Smooth, non-porous, comfortable surface

Vinyl Liner

Vinyl liner - Smooth, comfortable, variety of patterns available

Best For

Concrete

Large custom designs, unique architectural features, long-term investment

Gunite

Luxury estates, complex custom designs, infinity edges, architectural statements

Fiberglass

Quick installations, standard shapes, low-maintenance preference, smaller pools

Vinyl Liner

Custom shapes on a budget, smooth surface preference, design flexibility

Advantages & Considerations

Honest assessment of each construction method

Concrete

Advantages

  • Extremely durable and long-lasting
  • Highly customizable in shape and size
  • Can incorporate complex features
  • Increases property value significantly
  • Can be refinished and updated over time

Considerations

  • Requires regular maintenance and brushing
  • Longer installation process
  • Surface can be rough on feet initially
  • Requires periodic resurfacing

GuniteOUR SPECIALTY

Advantages

  • Absolute design freedom - any shape, size, or depth
  • Strongest and most durable construction method
  • Premium surface finish options
  • Perfect for complex features like infinity edges
  • Industry standard for luxury pools
  • Can be built on challenging terrain

Considerations

  • Requires consistent maintenance routine
  • Most comprehensive installation process
  • Needs periodic resurfacing (10-15 years)
  • Surface requires regular brushing

Fiberglass

Advantages

  • Fastest installation time
  • Low maintenance requirements
  • Smooth, comfortable surface
  • Algae-resistant gel coat
  • Factory quality control
  • Ideal for saltwater systems

Considerations

  • Limited to pre-manufactured shapes
  • Size constraints for transportation
  • Cannot customize depth or features after manufacturing
  • Gel coat can fade over time
  • Limited color options

Vinyl Liner

Advantages

  • Smooth, comfortable surface
  • Design flexibility for custom shapes
  • Lower initial investment
  • Variety of liner patterns and colors
  • Gentle on feet
  • Can accommodate unique shapes

Considerations

  • Liner requires replacement every 7-10 years
  • Can be punctured or torn
  • Seams may be visible
  • Liner can fade from sun exposure
  • Not ideal for sharp objects or pets

Which Is Right for Your Family?

Consider these factors when choosing your construction method

Design Complexity

Unique custom shapes? Gunite or Concrete offer unlimited design freedom.

Standard shapes? Fiberglass provides beautiful pre-designed options.

Property Characteristics

Challenging terrain? Gunite and Concrete excel on slopes and irregular lots.

Level backyard? All four methods work beautifully.

Lifestyle Preferences

Low maintenance priority? Fiberglass requires the least upkeep.

Smooth surface preference? Vinyl and Fiberglass offer gentle surfaces.

Long-Term Vision

Generational investment? Gunite and Concrete last 50+ years.

Flexibility for updates? Vinyl liners can be changed for fresh looks.

Special Features

Infinity edge or vanishing edge? Gunite is the ideal choice.

Integrated spa? Gunite and Concrete seamlessly incorporate spas.

Property Value

Luxury estate? Gunite is the DFW luxury standard.

All methods significantly increase property value when properly designed.

Still Not Sure Which Is Right for You?

Schedule a free consultation and we'll help you choose the perfect construction method for your family's vision