Planning your dream pool in Windsor-Essex? One of the biggest decisions you’ll face is choosing between a fibreglass pool and a concrete pool. Both have their strengths, but which one best suits your backyard, lifestyle, and long-term goals?
In this guide, we’ll break down the pros, cons, and key differences between fibreglass and concrete pools so you can make a confident choice for your Windsor home.
Fibreglass Pools: Fast, Durable, and Low Maintenance
Fibreglass pools are pre-moulded shells that arrive ready for installation. They’re known for their smooth finish, quick setup, and low-maintenance appeal—perfect for families who want a worry-free swim season.
In Windsor, many homeowners appreciate that fibreglass pools can be installed in just 2 to 6 weeks. The smooth, non-porous surface helps prevent algae and staining, which means easier upkeep over time. These pools are also compatible with saltwater systems and often last over 25 years with proper care.
However, fibreglass pools do come in set shapes and sizes, so while you’ll find options with built-in tanning ledges and benches, full customization is limited. Installation also requires enough access for a crane to deliver and place the shell.
Concrete Pools: Fully Custom and Built On-Site
Concrete (or gunite/shotcrete) pools are built entirely on your property, offering unmatched design freedom. If you’re dreaming of a large, deep, or uniquely shaped pool, concrete may be your best fit.
These pools are ideal for homeowners who want complete control over size, depth, and design details. Concrete handles sloped or irregular yards well, and with proper upkeep, the structure can last for decades.
But this flexibility comes with tradeoffs. Concrete pools take longer to install—typically 8 to 12 weeks or more—and they require more maintenance. The surface is rougher, more porous, and needs resurfacing about every 10–15 years.
Fibreglass vs. Concrete: Key Differences
When comparing these two pool types, the biggest differences come down to installation time, customization, maintenance, and long-term costs.
| Feature | Fibreglass Pools | Concrete Pools |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Time | 4-8 weeks | 8–12+ weeks |
| Customization | Limited to pre-made shapes | Fully customizable |
| Surface Texture | Smooth, non-porous gelcoat | Rougher, porous surface |
| Maintenance Level | Low (resists algae) | High (more brushing, chemicals) |
| Long-Term Upkeep | Minimal; no resurfacing needed | Resurfacing every 10–15 years |
| Compatibility | Ideal for saltwater systems | All systems; more wear risk |
| Cost Over Time | Lower maintenance costs | Higher lifetime upkeep |
Installation Time
Fibreglass pools are faster to install since they’re built off-site. Concrete pools, built from the ground up in your backyard, take longer and depend more on weather conditions.
Design Flexibility
With fibreglass, you’re choosing from a selection of pre-set models. Concrete gives you the freedom to design a completely custom shape, depth, and set of features.
Surface Feel & Maintenance
The gelcoat finish of fibreglass is smooth and easy to clean. Concrete surfaces are textured and more prone to algae, meaning they require more regular brushing and chemical balancing.
Lifespan & Durability
Both pool types can last 30 years or more. However, fibreglass requires less maintenance along the way, while concrete will need resurfacing and more frequent care.
Cost Over Time
Although concrete pools can be customized more extensively, fibreglass pools generally offer lower lifetime maintenance costs and fewer unexpected repairs.
Which Pool Is Right for You?
If you want a beautiful, low-maintenance pool with a faster install time, fibreglass is a smart, long-term investment. If your vision calls for a truly one-of-a-kind design or you’re working with a complex property, concrete might be the right path.
| Homeowner Goal | Better Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fast installation | Fibreglass | Pre-molded shell means quicker build time |
| Unique custom design | Concrete | Unlimited design freedom for shape and features |
| Lower long-term maintenance | Fibreglass | Non-porous surface resists algae and chemical wear |
| Luxury finish and fine details | Concrete | Custom tiling, materials, and add-ons are easier to integrate |
| Simple, stress-free ownership | Fibreglass | Less maintenance and fewer chemicals required |
| Working with sloped or irregular terrain | Concrete | Built on-site to match your landscape’s unique conditions |
At Pool Crafts, we help homeowners across Windsor-Essex weigh these options with clarity, not pressure. Every project starts with understanding your goals, and finishes with a pool built to suit your life.
Let’s Design the Right Pool for Your Home
Choosing between fibreglass and concrete is just the start. What matters most is how your pool performs, looks, and lasts in your backyard.
At Pool Crafts, we bring hands-on expertise and honest guidance to every build, whether you’re leaning toward the streamlined simplicity of a fibreglass shell or the design flexibility of concrete.
Let’s talk timelines, budget, and your backyard vision. Contact us today to get started.
