Fiberglass vs Concrete Pools: Are Fiberglass Pools Good for Canadian Backyards?
Fiberglass vs Concrete Pools: Are Fiberglass Pools Good for Canadian Backyards?
If you’re dreaming of a backyard pool, choosing the right material is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
At Gib-San Pools, we’ve been designing and building custom luxury pools across Ontario for over 50 years. Fiberglass pools are often promoted as quick, low-maintenance, and durable — but are they really the best choice, especially for Canadian homeowners?
Let’s take an honest look at fiberglass vs concrete pools (and vinyl pools, too) so you can make an informed decision that will stand the test of time — and winter.
Quick Comparison: Fiberglass vs Concrete vs Vinyl Pools
What Is a Fiberglass Pool?
Concrete Pools
Vinyl Pools
Considering Your Pool Investment
Final Verdict: Which Pool Material Is Best for Canadian Backyards?
Design and Build Your Perfect Pool With the Experts at Gib-San
Fiberglass Pools FAQs
Quick Comparison: Fiberglass vs Concrete vs Vinyl Pools
Feature | Fiberglass Pools | Concrete Pools | Vinyl Liner Pools |
Customization | Limited to manufacturer-moulded shapes and sizes | Unlimited shapes, depths, and features | Flexible — more than fiberglass, less than concrete |
Durability | 20–30 years before major repairs; risk of cracking in freeze-thaw cycles | Indefinite lifespan with proper maintenance | 8–10 years before liner replacement |
Installation Time | 2–4 weeks after manufacturing | 3–6 months | 6–10 weeks |
Surface Texture | Smooth gelcoat | Plaster, pebble, or tile (customizable) | Soft vinyl liner |
Maintenance | Low weekly effort, repairs need specialists | Moderate — more upkeep but easy to repair locally | Low to moderate — liner care required |
Cost in Ontario (CAD) | $70,000–$120,000 | $90,000+ (luxury designs $150,000+) | $60,000–$90,000 |
Best For | Quick installs, mild climates | Custom luxury builds that last for decades | Budget-conscious with moderate customization |
Wondering how your pool investment might impact your home’s value? Our Does a Pool Add Value to a Home? blog breaks down the numbers and what buyers really look for.
What is a Fiberglass Pool?
A fiberglass pool is a type of swimming pool made from fiberglass-reinforced plastic moulded into a basin shape. This manufacturing process involves forming layers of fiberglass into the desired shape and coating them with a gelcoat layer to create a smooth, durable surface. They arrive at your property in one piece and are lowered into a pre-dug hole.
While marketed as a low-maintenance, quick-install option, Canadian homeowners need to know the full picture — especially when our climate is known for freeze-thaw cycles that can stress rigid materials.
Fiberglass Pool Myths: True or False?
Fiberglass pools are popular because manufacturers say they are cheaper and quicker to install. However, this isn’t always true, and they might not be the perfect fit for every homeowner, especially those looking for a highly customized solution.
To learn why, we’ll discuss some of the myths around fiberglass pools and what other options homeowners have for constructing their perfect swimming pool.
Myth | Reality |
| Fiberglass pools are more energy efficient | False. Real-world energy efficiency depends more on maintenance habits, use of automatic covers, and efficient plumbing — not just the pool shell. |
| Fiberglass pools require fewer chemicals | False. Chemical usage depend on sun exposure, water temperature, and usage patterns. Fiberglass pools can still grow algae like any other pool. |
| Fiberglass pools last longer and are more durable | False. While they can last for years, they can’t match the indefinite lifespan of well-maintained concrete pools. Environmental and chemical factors can degrade them over time. |
| Fiberglass pools are eco-friendly | False. Their manufacturing and transportation can cause pollution, and recycling fiberglass is difficult, making disposal challenging. |
Better Pool Material Options: Concrete & Vinyl
While many homeowners immediately think a fiberglass swimming pool is their go-to, there are better options! Materials like concrete and vinyl provide greater design flexibility, impressive durability, and long-term value — all while delivering a beautiful, customized look for your backyard.
Here’s why concrete and vinyl might be the smarter choice for your pool investment.
Concrete Pools
What Is a Concrete Pool?
A concrete pool is built entirely on-site using a steel-reinforced framework that’s sprayed or poured with concrete, then finished with materials like plaster, tile, or pebble. This construction method allows for unlimited customization in shape, size, depth, and features, making it the top choice for truly unique, luxury designs.
Benefits of a Concrete Pool
Customization and Versatility
Concrete pools are celebrated for their vast design flexibility. They can be crafted into any shape, size, or depth and can incorporate a variety of features like vanishing edges, built-in seating, sun ledges or unique depths tailored to specific activities such as diving.
Longevity
Concrete is robust and durable, making it ideal for long-term use. A well-maintained concrete pool can last indefinitely, providing decades of enjoyment without the need for significant renovations. Think of the Trevi Fountain in Rome, the CN Tower, and the Toronto subway tunnels, all of which were constructed with concrete.
Resistance to Damage
Concrete’s robust nature allows it to better withstand natural shifts in the ground and severe weather conditions over time.
Aesthetic Appeal
Concrete pools can be finished with a multitude of materials, including tiles, stones, or pebbles, offering an upscale look that can be completely customized to match the aesthetic of any luxury home.
Long-Term Value
Concrete pools significantly enhance the property value due to their permanence and aesthetic appeal. Potential home buyers often view concrete pools as a high-end feature that adds to the desirability and resale value of a home.
Vinyl Pools
What Is a Vinyl Liner Pool?
A vinyl liner pool features a steel or polymer wall structure lined with a custom-fit sheet of vinyl. This liner forms a soft, smooth surface over the pool shell, creating a comfortable swimming experience that’s gentle on feet and skin. Vinyl liner pools are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and patterns, offering more design flexibility than fiberglass while remaining more budget-friendly than concrete.
Benefits of a Vinyl Pool
Cost-Effective Customization
Vinyl pools provide a balance between cost and customization. They are less expensive than concrete pools but offer more flexibility in design than fiberglass pools. Vinyl liners can be updated or changed, allowing homeowners to refresh their pool’s look without a complete overhaul.
Comfort and Design
The soft surface of the vinyl liner is gentle on feet and offers a comfortable swimming experience. Vinyl pools can also be designed in an array of patterns and colours, providing an aesthetic flexibility that can suit any homeowner’s taste.
Simple to Repair
Should a vinyl liner become damaged, it can be repaired or replaced relatively easily and at a lower cost than repairing a fiberglass or concrete pool. This makes maintaining the pristine look of the pool more manageable and cost-effective.
Adaptability to Seasonal Changes
Vinyl liner pools can better adapt to seasonal temperature fluctuations. The liner material is somewhat flexible, which helps it withstand the expansion and contraction that comes with changing temperatures, reducing the risk of damage.
Quick Installation
Vinyl pools are quicker to install than concrete pools, though they do require more frequent liner replacements over the pool’s lifespan.
Considering Your Pool Investment
When planning your pool investment, it’s important to factor in your budget, how you’ll use the pool, your design preferences, and the level of maintenance you’re willing to commit to.
Whether you’re drawn to the robust versatility of a concrete pool or the cost-effective customization of a vinyl pool, be sure to explore the latest trends in outdoor living and swimming pools.
If you’re dreaming of bringing luxury indoors, don’t miss our Luxury Indoor Pools Guide for inspiration.
And remember—price matters, but it shouldn’t be the only deciding factor. Focusing solely on the lowest cost can compromise quality, longevity, and overall enjoyment. Discover why in our Why Pool Construction Shouldn’t Focus on Price blog.
Final Verdict: Which Pool Material Is Best for Canadian Backyards?
Choosing between fiberglass, concrete, and vinyl pools comes down to balancing your budget, lifestyle, and design preferences. Fiberglass pools offer low maintenance and quick installation, concrete pools deliver unmatched customization and durability, and vinyl pools provide a cost-effective option with flexible designs.
Ultimately, consider not just the initial investment, but also long-term maintenance, aesthetic goals, and how your pool will fit into your outdoor living vision.
Design and Build Your Perfect Pool With the Experts at Gib-San
Interested in a custom pool design that perfectly fits your luxury home and lifestyle? At Gib-San Pools, we specialize in designing and building bespoke concrete and vinyl pools that are built to last and crafted to your exact specifications.
Explore our design and build services here, or contact us to discuss your dream pool project with our experts.
Fiberglass Pools FAQs
1. Are fiberglass pools a good choice for Canadian climates?
Fiberglass pools can work in milder climates but may not be the best option for areas with severe temperature fluctuations. Freeze-thaw cycles can cause stress on the rigid shell, making concrete a more resilient choice in Ontario.
2. Can fiberglass pools be customized to fit any backyard design?
Due to their pre-formed nature, fiberglass pools have limited customization options. Concrete and vinyl pools can be moulded into virtually any shape, size, or depth, offering far greater design flexibility.
3. What are the long-term costs associated with owning a fiberglass pool?
While the initial installation may be quicker, specialized repairs and potential limitations in size and features can add to the total cost of ownership over time.
4. How long does it take to install a fiberglass pool?
Once manufactured, installation typically takes 2–4 weeks, making it faster than concrete or vinyl builds. However, the production and shipping of the shell can add to the overall timeline.
5. Are fiberglass pools truly low-maintenance?
Fiberglass pools are marketed as low-maintenance due to their smooth, non-porous surface, which can make cleaning easier. However, they still require regular chemical balancing, seasonal care, and occasional professional repairs to stay in top condition.
6. Which pool type adds the most value to a home?
Concrete pools are often viewed as a premium, permanent feature, making them more likely to boost resale value compared to vinyl or fiberglass.