3 Different Types of Pools: How to Choose the Best Material

Are you looking at different types of pools for your home? There are lots of choices when it comes to installing a pool, from material and shape to color and more. I’ll explain one of the most important choices you’ll make–the overall pool type, which would be fiberglass, vinyl liner, or gunite. Each of these types of pools is installed differently. I’ll discuss your options and the overall look of each pool.

Fiberglass pool

1. Fiberglass pools

A fiberglass pool is one big shell. A hole in the ground is dug out and this shell is brought in with a big crane and inserted into the hole in the ground. If you have a backyard that’s tough to access, for example, this may be a tough type of pool to have installed. In addition, you should never have to replace a fiberglass pool–it should last forever unless someone puts a very big hole in it.

Vinyl liner pool

2. Vinyl liner pools

The installers will dig a hole and line it with plywood to keep the shape. Then, the vinyl liner is installed in the hole. The liner is extremely thick and it only becomes damaged by very large, sharp objects. However, you do have to replace the liner every five to seven years. Fiberglass and vinyl liner pools have relatively similar prices.

Gunite pool

3. Gunite pools

The installers will dig a hole and put rebar forms along the sides of the hole. They will spray the gunite into the form in the hole and then add in plaster. Gunite is a material that is a mixture of cement, sand, and water. Interestingly, they call it a gunite pool because it’s also plaster. A gunite pool usually costs double what a fiberglass or vinyl pool costs. A gunite pool needs to be resurfaced every 10 years on average.


Types of pools

There are plenty of factors that come into play when installing any of the above three types of pools. Location, size, and amenities will all factor into the cost.


I hope you can use this information about pool base materials and types of pools to see what makes the most sense for your yard and situation. Let me know if you have any of these types of pools and what important information you can add by leaving a comment below.

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 2 comments
  • All43254379 All43254379 on Jun 24, 2024
    Should also include pros and cons of each
  • Julie Julie on Jun 24, 2024
    We've had in ground vinyl lined pools in 3 of our houses and liked them. My in laws had a gunite pool. When they had it resurfaced, it cost several thousand dollars more than our pool. At the time, it was 35000+ to resurface.
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