Key takeaways
- Gunite (concrete) gives you any shape and size but costs the most and takes longest to build.
- Fiberglass installs fastest, has a smooth low-upkeep surface and comes in preset shapes.
- Vinyl liner usually costs the least up front, but liners need replacing every several years.
- Hot summers favor surfaces that resist algae and stay comfortable, a point in fiberglass's favor.
- Clay soil can be handled with any type when the builder prepares the base and drainage well.
Most people pick a pool type before they pick a builder, and it’s the choice that affects the most: price, build time, upkeep and what the pool can look like. Here’s how the three compare.
The quick comparison
| Gunite (concrete) | Fiberglass | Vinyl liner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Highest | Middle | Usually lowest |
| Install time | Longest | Shortest | Middle |
| Shape and size | Unlimited | Preset shells | Flexible within kits |
| Surface | Plaster, quartz or pebble | Smooth gelcoat | Vinyl |
| Upkeep | Most brushing, periodic resurfacing | Lowest | Liner replacement every several years |
| Algae resistance | Lower (porous) | Higher (non-porous) | Middle |
| Feel underfoot | Can be rough | Smooth | Soft |
Gunite (concrete)
Gunite pools are built on site: steel rebar, sprayed concrete, then a plaster, quartz or pebble finish. You can have any shape, depth, tanning ledge or spa you want. The trade-offs are cost and time, since the shell has to cure, and a porous surface that takes more brushing and chemicals to keep clean. Plan on resurfacing somewhere down the road.
Choose gunite if you want a custom design or a large pool and the budget allows.
Fiberglass
A fiberglass pool arrives as a single factory-made shell and is set into the excavated hole. Installation is fast, and the smooth gelcoat surface resists algae, which helps through a long, hot Louisiana summer. The limits are the shapes and sizes the manufacturer offers and the need to truck and crane the shell into your yard.
Choose fiberglass if you want lower upkeep and a quicker build, and one of the stock shapes fits your plans.
Vinyl liner
Vinyl pools use a wall kit, a floor and a custom-fit vinyl liner. They usually cost the least up front and feel soft underfoot. Liners can tear and fade, and they get replaced every several years, which adds cost over time.
Choose vinyl if you want the lowest starting price and don’t mind periodic liner replacement.
A note on clay soil
Much of the Shreveport area sits on clay that shifts with moisture. Every pool type can be built here. What matters is the builder’s base preparation, backfill and drainage. Ask each builder how they handle it.
Still deciding? A local builder can look at your yard and tell you which type fits. Request a free quote.
Frequently asked questions
Which pool type lasts the longest?
A well-built gunite or fiberglass shell can last for decades. Gunite needs resurfacing from time to time and vinyl liners need replacing every several years, so upkeep differs more than lifespan.
Is fiberglass a good choice on clay soil?
It can be, as long as the builder prepares the base properly and plans drainage. Ask how they set the shell and backfill on clay.
Can I get a saltwater system with any type?
Yes, though salt can be harder on some metal parts and certain finishes. Your builder can recommend compatible equipment.
Which type is quickest to install?
Fiberglass, because the shell arrives finished. Once the hole is ready, it can be set and plumbed fairly quickly.