Vinyl Liner Pools vs. Fiberglass Pools: An Honest Comparison

Considering a fiberglass or vinyl liner pool? We’re here to help. Even though we specialize in fiberglass pools, our goal is for you to walk away satisfied, and part of how we achieve that is by providing information on all types of pools, not just the ones we sell.

We want you to be able to choose the pool that’s best for you. Let’s talk about how the two types compare in these areas:

• Customization
• Installation time
• Cost (initial and lifetime)
• Interior surface texture
• Durability
• Hands-on maintenance
• Algae
• Chemical usage
• Energy usage

Is a fiberglass or vinyl liner pool better for me?

Vinyl liner pools typically cost about $10,000 less than fiberglass pools upfront. However, they need the liner replaced every 5–9 years and tend to look cheap. Fiberglass pools are much more durable, need less maintenance, and look classy.

Customization

Fiberglass

Fiberglass pools typically run up to 16 feet wide, 40 feet long, and 8.5 feet deep. While you can choose a wide variety of designs, you are limited to the predesigned molds.

Even outside of the size restrictions, you can customize your pool to any aesthetic with water features, tiles, bench seats, therapy jets, tanning shelves, and colorful lights.

Vinyl Liner

Most vinyl liner pools are rectangular, but you can definitely customize the shape, size, and depth of the pool. Specialty shapes cost more, but still typically less than a similar fiberglass or concrete pool.

Conclusion

Fiberglass pools can have accessories and features added, but the options for overall shape are limited. Vinyl liner pools can be customized to almost any size as long as the liner can be cut to the correct shape. Winner: Vinyl Liner

Installation Time

Fiberglass

We manufacture the fiberglass pool shell off-site and bring it to you. By the end of day 2, your pool is ready for swimming! The patio and decking need another week or two.

From beginning to end, the process usually takes 3–5 weeks.

Vinyl Liner

The full construction process takes place in your backyard. Your vinyl liner pool will be ready to use in 4–8 weeks.

Conclusion

Both pool types have short installation times compared to concrete pools (3-6 months). However, fiberglass pools are a few weeks shorter than vinyl liner, and bonus: they’re less messy too. Winner: Fiberglass

Cost (initial and lifetime)

Fiberglass

DIY-ing a fiberglass pool can cost between $12,000–$30,000, depending on the pool size and any upgrades.

Most fiberglass pool projects cover both manufacturing and installation, which costs $45,000–$85,000 altogether. As usual, you’ll pay more for extensive landscaping, accessories, and water features.

Long-term, your only serious maintenance expenses will be in chemicals and electricity. You’ll spend almost $4,000 over a ten-year period.

Vinyl Liner

Most vinyl liner pools cost at least $10,000 less than similar fiberglass or concrete pools.

If you love to DIY home improvement, a vinyl liner may be your Everest. Someone who wants a completely DIY vinyl liner pool may spend under $20,000. Base vinyl liner packages from most pool builders typically cost $25,000–$35,000, while ready-to-use vinyl liner packages will typically cost $35,000–$55,000.

The pool will also use less electricity and fewer chemicals overall than a concrete pool of the same size, which reduces the lifetime cost.

The vinyl liner needs to be replaced every 5–9 years, costing $4000–$4500, which includes the labor and materials.

How this adds up: the low initial cost of the pool could be offset within the first ten years after construction, and over the entire lifetime of the pool, it will cost thousands more than a fiberglass pool.

On top of the initial and lifetime costs, you’ll need to read your whole liner warranty. The warranty often includes fine print that makes a repair ugly:

• The warranty only covers the seams of the liner, where the sections of material are fused together.
• The warranty does not cover any labor, water, or other expenses.
• The warranty is prorated—some credit toward a new liner during the first 2-3 years, but very little after that.

Conclusion

Vinyl liner pools are cheaper upfront and may be the better option if you’re on a budget and can avoid the long-term costs. Fiberglass is a bit more expensive initially but costs much less in the long run. Winner: Fiberglass

Interior surface texture

Fiberglass

The interior surface of a fiberglass pool is called the gelcoat. It’s smooth to the touch.

Steps or tanning ledges are designed to have an anti-slip texture, but even that’s not rough.

Vinyl Liner

The vinyl liner is smooth other than the ridge where one piece meets another. Just be sure to repair any damage and replace the liner on schedule.

Conclusion

Both surfaces are super smooth as long as they’re well maintained. Winner: Tie

Durability

Fiberglass

If the gelcoat is done correctly, you’ll never need to refinish it.

The layers of fiberglass in the pool shell provide it with a lot of flex strength.

A salt chlorine generator improves your water quality and the salt won’t damage the pool.

Vinyl Liner

Vinyl liners for inground pools are usually 20, 27, 28, or 30 mils thick—less than a millimeter. Dog claws or a broken branch can tear that pretty easily.

Weird fact: bugs such as ants and termites can actually chew through a vinyl liner. Ew.

1. Hire an exterminator to treat the ground when building a new pool.
2. Verify that your liner warranty covers insects.
3. Try not to think too hard about creepy little bug mouths.

You can use a salt water system if your vinyl liner pool has polymer wall panels, but not if you have metal wall panels. The salt corrodes the panels and any handrail and ladder anchors made of galvanized steel.

The liner doesn’t last long overall. You need to replace it every 5–9 years. Even without any major punctures, regular wear-and-tear takes a toll.

Underneath that liner, your wall panels lead a dangerous life. Over time, metal wall panels corrode (and even disintegrate), and polymer wall panels become brittle and break.

Conclusion

The pieces that put together a vinyl liner pool are relatively fragile and need a lot of TLC. In contrast, the fiberglass pool shell and gelcoat are solid and built to last. Winner: Fiberglass

Hands-on maintenance

Fiberglass

The gelcoat is inert, meaning it doesn’t affect the water pH. You still need to test your water chemistry each week, but you’ll rarely need to add acid to balance the water.

Vinyl Liner

You need to replace the liner every 5–9 years. You can do this yourself, but we recommend hiring a professional. It can be difficult to get every edge and corner in perfect position.

Wrinkles in your vinyl liner won’t hurt anything, but if you choose to smooth them out, that takes significant time and effort.

Divots and dents are usually cosmetic issues as well, but a bump due to a rock or pebble could lead to a tear in the liner. For these issues, you have to drain the pool and remove the liner for repairs.

Conclusion

Regardless of pool type, you need to test the water chemistry regularly. Outside of that, a fiberglass pool requires less overall maintenance. Winner: Fiberglass

Algae

Fiberglass

The gelcoat of a fiberglass pool is smooth and algae-resistant.

Vinyl Liner

The surface of a vinyl liner pool is also relatively algae-resistant.

However, algae can grow in submerged areas that don’t circulate water, like the seams around the pool steps.

Conclusion

Both surfaces lack the algae-friendly pores of concrete pools. However, the vinyl liner seams can present a problem. Winner: Fiberglass

Chemicals and electrical energy

Fiberglass

Fiberglass pools use fewer chemicals because, again, little to no algae. Depending on the system, you can also run the pump and filter in shorter cycles or at lower speeds. Hurray for energy savings!

Vinyl Liner

Vinyl liner pools also require less time and money to keep the chemistry in balance. Still, be sure to regularly measure and maintain your pool’s alkalinity, pH, calcium hardness, and chlorine levels.

A vinyl liner pool’s pump/filter system requires less energy than a concrete pool’s. It’s actually closer to a fiberglass pool’s energy bill. However, you do still have to spend a little extra effort to avoid algae in the poorly-circulated corners.

Conclusion

Both types have lower energy needs than a concrete pool, but a fiberglass pool is the lowest of all three. Winner: Fiberglass

Which should I choose?

Only you know your priorities for your new pool. We can only provide different aspects to consider as you determine the best fit for you and your family. Maybe the pool needs to fit your specific aesthetic regardless of cost. Or maybe you’d prefer low costs over customization.

Vinyl Liner Pools typically fit those who:

• Have a budget of $25,000–$35,000
• Want to make the pool a DIY project
• Will only live in the home for two or three years (and can avoid the first liner replacement)
• Want the biggest pool for the cheapest price

Fiberglass pools work well if you:

• Have a budget of $45,000 or more
• Need a small-to-medium pool (16’x40’ or smaller)
• Can find a fiberglass swimming pool design that meets your needs
• Want the least maintenance possible
• Need the pool to have flex strength against constant ground vibration
• Want a pool with low long-term costs
• Want a quick, easy installation

Unlike vinyl liner pools, fiberglass pools look lovely, can last a long time, and can be customized with cool features.

At River Pools we offer both freeform and linear fiberglass pools in Virginia and Maryland (and in other areas of the country through our dealers). If you think a fiberglass pool might be the right choice for you, we're here to answer any questions you have.

Looking for more information on vinyl liner vs fiberglass pools? Want to compare them both to concrete pools? Download our free ebook below for an in-depth look at all three inground pool types.

Up Next: 

What Type of Inground Pool Is Best for Me?

How Long Do Vinyl Liner Pools Last?

What Is the Life Expectancy of a Fiberglass Pool?

Editor's note: This blog article was updated on February 1, 2019.