Fiberglass vs. Gunite: An Honest Comparison
We build both — so we don't have a horse in this race.
Most pool companies only sell one kind of pool, so their "comparison" articles read like ads. We're licensed and equipped for both fiberglass and gunite, and we'll recommend whichever actually fits your yard and budget.
Choose fiberglass if…
- You want to swim this season — 2–4 weeks from dig to swim.
- You want the lowest ongoing maintenance — the non-porous gelcoat resists algae, needs fewer chemicals, and never needs replastering.
- One of the 61 Latham shapes fits your yard — from an 8'×14' plunge to a 16'×40' entertainer, most yards have several candidates.
- You want warranty backing from a manufacturer — Latham's limited lifetime structural warranty on the shell, honored because we install to Latham's spec as a Grand Dealer.
Choose gunite if…
- You want a fully custom shape — vanishing edges, raised spas, freeform lagoons, beach entries beyond what molds offer.
- Your site is unusual — extreme slopes and tight crane access sometimes rule a shell out.
- You're comfortable with an 8–12 week build and periodic resurfacing over the pool's life.
The numbers side by side
Fiberglass runs $39,995–$93,995 turnkey. Gunite starts at $46,900 with a standard 15'×30' around $52,350, and custom features push upward from there. Full comparison table on the fiberglass page.