Inground Pool Type Quiz
Answer 7 quick questions to find out which inground pool type fits your budget, lifestyle, and backyard.
You’re a Gunite Pool Person!
Why Gunite Works for You
Why Gunite Works for You
- Custom Design Freedom: You prioritized unique shapes and features. Gunite offers nearly unlimited design possibilities, including almost any shape, size, depth, or feature you can imagine.
- Long-Term Investment: If you plan to stay in your home for 20+ years, gunite’s higher upfront cost can be worth it. With a 50+ year lifespan and timeless appeal, it’s built to last for as long as you own the home.
- Budget Supports Quality: 30+ years with minimal maintenance: #000000;">Your $150,000+ budget accommodates gunite’s premium pricing and allows for the custom features that make your pool truly unique.
- Timeline Flexibility: Your flexible 6 to 12 month timeline works perfectly with gunite’s 3 to 6 month construction process, allowing time for proper curing and finishing.
What to Expect with Gunite
- Cost Range: $50,000 to $200,000
- Construction Time: 3 to 6 months from excavation to swimming
- Lifespan: 50+ years with proper maintenance
- Customization: Unlimited. Any shape, size, depth, feature
- Best For: Custom designs, luxury features, long-term homeowners
Gunite Pool Features You Can Add
- Vanishing edges and infinity pools
- Custom depths for diving or beach entries
- Integrated spas with spillover waterfalls
- Grottos and caves
- Fire features and elevated walls
- Tanning ledges and sun shelves
- Unlimited tile and finish options
Maintenance Expectations
- Weekly: Test chemistry, brush surfaces, vacuum
- Monthly: Clean filter, inspect equipment
- Every 3 to 5 Years: Acid wash to remove stains
- Every 10 to 25 Years: Resurface interior ($10,000 to $30,000+)
Gunite requires regular brushing to prevent algae buildup, but proper maintenance keeps your pool looking pristine for decades.
Next Steps
Ready to explore gunite pool designs for your property?
Other Options That Might Work
Fiberglass
Vinyl Liner
Lower upfront cost ($40,000 to $90,000) but requires liner replacement every 7 to 10 years. Better for budget-conscious builds or shorter homeownership.
1800+ luxury inground pools built every year | Serving 16 cities across FL, VA, NC, SC, AL, TN, TX, AZ & CA.
You’re a Fiberglass Pool Person!
Based on your answers, a fiberglass pool is your ideal match
Why Fiberglass Works for You
- Fast Installation: You want to swim soon. Fiberglass pools install in 4 to 8 weeks from excavation to swimming. The fastest option available.
- Low Maintenance: You prioritized easy upkeep. Fiberglass has a smooth, non-porous surface that resists algae, requires fewer chemicals, and never needs resurfacing.
- Smart Budget Balance: At $55,000 to $130,000, fiberglass costs less than gunite while delivering better long-term value than vinyl liner pools.
- Standard Design Works: You don’t need a custom shape. Fiberglass manufacturers offer dozens of proven designs that fit most backyards beautifully.
- Best For: Fast installs, low maintenance, moderate budgetscolor: #000000;">Best For: Custom designs, luxury features, long-term homeowners
What to Expect with Fiberglass
- Cost Range: $55,000 to $130,000
- Construction Time: 4 to 8 weeks from excavation to swimming
- Lifespan: 25 to 50+ years with minimal maintenance, based on fibgerlass manufacturer
- Customization: Limited to manufacturer molds (30 to 50 shapes available)
- Best For: Fast installs, low maintenance, moderate budgets
Fiberglass Pool Benefits
- Smooth surface (comfortable on feet, resists algae)
- No resurfacing required (gelcoat lasts 30+ years)
- Lower chemical usage (saves $200 to $400 per year)
- Factory-built quality control
- Quick installation (3 to 8 weeks)
- Works in cold climates (flexible shell)
- Energy efficient (retains heat better)
Size and Shape Options
- Typical Sizes: 10×20 to 16×40 feet
- Shapes Available: Rectangle, kidney, freeform, L-shape
- Depth Options: 3.5 to 8 feet
- Features: Built-in steps, benches, tanning ledges
Note: Fiberglass shells can’t exceed 16×40 feet due to transportation constraints. For larger pools, consider gunite.
Maintenance Expectations
- Weekly: Test chemistry, skim surface, vacuum
- Monthly: Clean filter
- Annually: Professional inspection
Note: Fiberglass requires the least maintenance of any pool type. The smooth surface prevents algae and staining, saving time and money.
Next Steps
Ready to explore fiberglass pool options for your backyard?
Other Options That Might Work
Gunite
More expensive ($50,000 to $200,000) but unlimited customization. Choose this if you need a unique shape or custom features.
Vinyl Liner
Lower upfront cost ($40,000 to $90,000) but requires liner replacement every 7 to 10 years. Better if you’re on a tighter budget but higher long-term costs.
1800+ luxury inground pools built every year | Serving 16 cities across FL, VA, NC, SC, AL, TN, TX, AZ & CA.
You’re a Vinyl Liner Pool Person!
Why Vinyl Liner Works for You
- Budget-Friendly: At $40,000 to $90,000, vinyl liner offers the lowest upfront cost while still delivering a quality inground pool experience.
- Proven Value: Planning to stay 5 to 10 years makes vinyl liner a smart choice. You’ll enjoy the pool without committing to the higher costs of gunite or fiberglass.
- Flexible Design: Vinyl liner offers more custom shape options than fiberglass at a lower cost than gunite. You can get a custom shape without the premium price.
- Good for Your Situation: Your budget and timeline priorities align perfectly with what vinyl liner pools deliver.
What to Expect with Vinyl Liner
- Cost Range: $40,000 to $90,000
- Construction Time: 4 to 8 weeks from excavation to swimming
- Lifespan: Pool structure lasts 25+ years, liner needs replacement every 7 to 10 years
- Customization: Flexible shapes, moderate design options
- Best For: Budget-conscious builds, 5 to 15 year homeownership
Vinyl Liner Pool Benefits
- Lowest upfront cost ($40,000 to $90,000)
- Smooth surface (comfortable, no rough edges)
- Quick installation (4 to 8 weeks)
- Custom shapes available
- Easy liner replacement when needed
- Works in any climate
- Non-porous surface resists staining
What About Liner Replacement?
- Replacement Cycle: Every 7 to 10 years
- Replacement Cost: $4,000 to $8,000
- Why Replace: Liners fade, stretch, and can develop tears over time
- Plan for this cost: If you own the pool 20 years, expect 2 to 3 liner replacements at $4,000 to $8,000 each.
- Total Cost Over 20 Years:
- Vinyl Liner: $50,000 initial + $12,000 to $24,000 liners = $62,000 to $74,000
- Fiberglass: $65,000 to $130,000 (no liner replacement)
- Gunite: $50,000 to $200,000 + $10,000 to $30,000 resurface = $60,000 to $230,000
Care and Maintenance
- Weekly: Test chemistry, vacuum, skim
- Monthly: Clean filter
- Be Careful With: Sharp objects, dog claws, pool toys (can puncture liner)
Design Options
- Shapes: Rectangle, kidney, L-shape, freeform, custom
- Sizes: Any size (no shipping constraints like fiberglass)
- Steps: Built-in or drop-in options
- Liner Patterns: Tile looks, solid colors, mosaic designs
Next Steps
Ready to explore vinyl liner pool designs and pricing?
Other Options That Might Work
Fiberglass
Gunite
$30,000 to $100,000 more but 50+ year lifespan and unlimited customization. Choose this if you want a forever pool with custom features.
1,800+ luxury inground pools built every year | Serving 16 cities across FL, VA, NC, SC, AL, TN, TX, AZ & CA