With many great qualities such as their algae-resistant gel coat, low cost of maintenance, and luxurious look! It’s no wonder fiberglass swimming pools are the highest-demanded swimming pool in the industry right now. Over the past fifteen years I have installed hundreds of fiberglass swimming pools and the very first question from the customers is always about the cost. Believe me, I totally understand, the most important thing you can do for yourself when you want a pool is to get your budget in order, and this article should help you do that. Without further delay let’s get rolling!
What is the upfront difference in price for a fiberglass swimming pool?
In case you didn’t know there is no hiding the fact that fiberglass swimming pools are one of the more expensive swimming pools to purchase “up-front.” Typically ranging between 15% – 20% more than a vinyl-liner inground swimming pool and they are usually about the same or a little bit cheaper than a concrete/gunite swimming pool. Well, typically speaking in the midwest region of the country. So the next question I always get asked is… why?
Why, do fiberglass pools cost more money than vinyl-liner swimming pools?
Well, that’s actually rather easy to answer, it’s simply due to the cost of the raw materials it takes to make these pools, some additional labor within the factory, and delivery charges.
Unlike any other swimming pool in the industry, fiberglass swimming pools are made completely in a manufacturing plant. The main products that make up the pool simply cost more than steel walls and vinyl for a liner swimming pool or concrete for a gunite style of pool. Fiberglass swimming pools are made up of five main products.
- The Gel Coat Surface
- Vinyl Ester Barrier
- Chopped Fiberglass
- Woven Roving Fiberglass
- Honey Comb barrier or whatever stiffener the manufacturer chooses to use?
In addition to the rather costly manufacturing process, fiberglass pools also have to be road hauled to their final location. This involves permits and sometimes escorts are needed due to city ordinances. Delivery/shipping of the fiberglass pools also adds to the bottom line. 
The cost of fiberglass swimming pools.
So with all of that being said, what is the cost? So typically swimming pools get paired in the contractor’s “pool package.” Then they are broken into three categories: small fiberglass pools, medium fiberglass pools, and large fiberglass pools. Once you pick which pool you want it gets paired up in the package and voila you have a price. Below are the average prices for fiberglass pools in the midwest.
Small Fiberglass Pools – $60,000.00 – $70,000.00
Medium Fiberglass Pools – $70,000.00 – $80,000.00
Large Fiberglass Pools – $80,000.00 – $90,000.00
How much does a fiberglass pool cost over 10 years?
So as I stated before the upfront cost of a fiberglass pool can be 15% – 20% more than a vinyl liner swimming pool. I also wanted to point out the importance of the lifetime cost of a fiberglass pool. Below is a chart supplied to you by River Pools Powered By Thursday Manufacturing. This is a great chart to review for long-term costs associated with your swimming pool. So if you were to go with a fiberglass pool you can see how fast it will pay you back! We also want to point out that the time saved on maintaining a fiberglass swimming pool is about 75% less than any other swimming pool due to the gel coat’s algae-resistant finish.
So there you have it, the long-winded version of how much an inground swimming pool costs short term and long term. As pool industry experts it is our job to educate you the consumer so you have all the facts to make the best decision for you and your family. Hope you enjoyed the read and have a great day!
