POOL TYPE SELECTOR

Which Type of Pool Is Right for You?

Answer 10 quick questions and we'll give you an honest recommendation—fiberglass, vinyl liner, or concrete. No email required, no sales pitch.

Question 1 of 10 10%

How important is a quick installation?

Fiberglass pools install in 3–6 weeks. Vinyl liner pools take 4–8 weeks. Concrete pools take 3–6 months.

Very important — I want my pool ASAP
A faster installation timeline is a priority for me.
Somewhat important
I’d prefer quicker, but it’s not a dealbreaker.
Not important — I’m willing to wait
I’m fine with a longer build if it’s the right pool.

What pool shape interests you most?

Fiberglass and vinyl liner pools come in many standard shapes. Concrete allows fully custom shapes.

Rectangle
Freeform / Kidney
Roman / Grecian
Fully Custom Shape

Do you need a pool deeper than 8 feet?

Fiberglass pools max out around 6.5–8 feet deep. Concrete and some vinyl liner pools can go deeper.

Yes — I want a deep pool (8+ feet)
For diving or just having a deep end.
No — standard depth is fine
Up to 6.5–8 feet works for me.

Do you need a pool wider than 16 feet or longer than 40 feet?

Fiberglass pools are limited by transport to about 16 ft wide and 40 ft long. Vinyl liner and concrete have no such limit.

Yes — I want a larger pool
I need something wider than 16 ft or longer than 40 ft.
No — standard sizes work for me
16 ft wide or less and 40 ft long or less is plenty.

How important is low maintenance to you?

Fiberglass pools require the least weekly maintenance. Vinyl liner is moderate. Concrete pools need the most upkeep.

Very important — lowest maintenance possible
I don’t want to spend a lot of time on upkeep.
I don’t mind some maintenance
A bit of weekly work is fine.
I’ll hire a professional for maintenance
Maintenance isn’t a factor in my decision.

Are you interested in a salt water pool?

All pool types can use salt water, but fiberglass handles it best. Salt can degrade concrete surfaces and some vinyl liners faster.

Yes — I want a salt water pool
Salt water is a must-have for me.
I’m not sure yet
I’d like to keep my options open.
No — I prefer traditional chlorine
I’m happy with a standard chlorine pool.

How do you feel about future resurfacing costs?

Concrete pools need resurfacing every 10–15 years ($10K–$20K+). Vinyl liners need replacing every 7–12 years ($5K–$8K). Fiberglass gel coat lasts 25+ years with no resurfacing.

That’s fine — I’m okay with periodic costs
Resurfacing is just part of pool ownership to me.
I’d rather avoid resurfacing altogether
I want a surface that lasts without major renewal costs.
I’m not sure
I haven’t thought about long-term surface costs yet.

Will pets be swimming in your pool?

Fiberglass has a smooth gel coat that won’t scratch pets’ paws. Concrete can be rough. Vinyl liners can be punctured by pet claws.

Yes — my pets will use the pool
I need a pet-friendly surface.
No — pets won’t be swimming
This isn’t a factor for me.

How much physical activity do you expect in the pool?

Kids playing, water games, and exercise mean more contact with the pool surface. Fiberglass is smooth. Concrete can scrape skin.

A lot — kids, games, exercise
The pool will see heavy use and physical activity.
Some activity
A mix of swimming laps and casual use.
Mostly relaxation
Floating, lounging, and casual swimming.

What’s your approximate budget for the pool itself?

This is for the pool structure and installation — not including landscaping, decking, or accessories.

$
Under $60,000
Vinyl liner pools typically start in this range.
$$
$60,000 – $100,000
The sweet spot for fiberglass pool installations.
$$$
Over $100,000
Concrete pools and premium fiberglass installations.