Fiberglass inground swimming pools cost about 30k less than gunite (cement) pools, and about 5-15k more than a vinyl inground pool. The best is definitely gunite if you have the budget, then fiberglass, then vinyl. Why do I say this? I say it because I don’t have an agenda. I sell them all, and I want you to be as informed as possible.
As a company that offers all three, I wanted to talk about a trend I’ve seen in the last three years or so. Some pool companies are charging cement pool prices for vinyl pools.. Lets be clear, people buy vinyl because they cant afford better, or they don’t see the value in spending more. All pools get you wet.
I can even see an argument for buying vinyl on a value basis, because then depending on your budget, you can afford all the the cool stuff that make a swimming pool really great,,, like: Waterfalls, Heaters, attached Jacuzzi’s, Automatic Cleaners, Slides and High-end landscaping, auto cover. Not to mention maintenance free sanitation and automation.
Fiberglass Vs. Cement Pools Cost Basis
So, you can buy a basic cement pool without all the bells and whistles, or a Fiberglass Pool with all the bells and whistles for the same price (more or less). I’m not writing about the great attributes of fiberglass, I think the internet is littered with them. But be clear, Cement is better, then Fiberglass, then vinyl.
Cement is going to take about a month or three longer to install, it is defiantly going to defiantly cost more (30k on average), and the cement pool surface will get rough and need resurfacing in 9-12 years.
Fiberglass pools install fast, plus, you can get so much more design, color and function with a fiberglass pool without all the extra cost.
We now supply: Latham, Glimmerglass, Swim USA & Genesis Pool Shells
Inground Pool Cost
Now we are going to really compare apples to apples. A basic 16×32 vinyl pool kit installed cost about 40k, Fiberglass 55k, and cement 80k. Then you can start adding… 15-25k for a patio, 6-8k for a fence around the pool. Add a heater and salt system for 6-7k. Electrical, Lights, Landscaping, you name it. And believe me you can spend a lot more just for accessories.
Inground pool costs will vary from region to region. I’m here in Massachusetts. and we serve neighboring states. The further west you go the more you might expect to spend.
Low Cost Inground Pool Option
There are two great inexpensive inground options I almost overlooked, and if your retirement savings is not on track, you might want to consider them. We sell what are called garden patio pool kits. These are inexpensive vinyl pools with no deep end. Typically they are 52 inches deep, and come in round, oval, rectangle and Grecian. We sell these kits nationally with a 17×32 costing 22k installed. We only install them locally. If you’re interested you can see them for sale here.
Wrapping it Up
I’ve been working in and around pools most of my life. I think you will find most pool builders will not argue with anything I’ve said here. Please don’t pay cement pool prices for a vinyl pool. If your in the area I love a chance to give you a fair estimate on a new inground pool. Mike – MGK Pools (978) 710-8667
