Is a concrete pool right for you? If you want a completely custom shape, personalized finishes, and a lifespan measured in decades, poured concrete is the most premium option on the market. It also requires a higher initial investment compared to a fiberglass pool, and the construction process takes longer. The choice comes down to this: are you looking for a quick, durable, turnkey pool, or a unique creation designed to blend perfectly with your property? Here is some information to help you make an informed decision.
What exactly is a concrete pool?
The term “concrete pool” encompasses two distinct construction methods, both carried out directly on-site. The first—the steel-panel and liner concrete pool—is the standard option: a steel-panel structure forms the pool walls, and a liner is installed inside to ensure watertightness. The second, the “solid pool,” represents the high-end category of concrete pools: a slab is poured, a block structure is erected, and concrete is then poured into the walls to create a completely rigid, monolithic shell—with no liner. In both cases, unlike with prefabricated shells, nothing is delivered ready-made; this offers almost total freedom regarding shape, depth, steps, and finishes. That is why most architectural pools and truly unique projects are built using concrete.
Here is how these two options differ.
| Critères | Steel panels and canvas | Solid pool |
| Structure | Steel panels + waterproofing membrane | Concrete slab + block structure + concrete poured into the walls |
| Interior finish | Fabric, to be replaced periodically | Render, tiling, or aggregates cast into the concrete |
| Customization | High | Total |
| Lifetime | Durable structure; fabric to be replaced approximately every 10 to 15 years. | Structure and finish can last more than 50 years. |
| Positioning | Standard concrete option | High-end concrete |
| Ideal for | For those seeking freedom of concrete form at a lower cost | For those who want the most enduring and personalized version |
Concrete, fiberglass, or steel pools: a comparison
Each type has its own rationale. Concrete—particularly in the case of solid pools—focuses on customization and longevity; fiberglass on speed and low maintenance; and steel on a cost compromise. Here is how they compare.
| Criteria | Cast concrete (solid pool) | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Customization | Complete (shape, depth, finishes) | Limited to hull models | Limited |
| Lifetime | Several decades | Long | Average |
| Installation timeframe | The longest | Fast | Average |
| Surface maintenance | Periodic refinishing | Very low | Average |
| Initial cost | The highest | Medium to high | The most affordable |
| Ideal for | Unique and sustainable project | Enjoy it quickly and hassle-free. | Tighter budget |
En bref : si votre priorité est d’installer vite et de profiter sans entretien lourd, la fibre de verre est un excellent choix, et nos articles Quel budget prévoir pour une piscine creusée en fibre de verre ? et Piscine en fibre de verre : quand commander pour être prêt avant l’été ? vous guideront. Si votre priorité est une création sur mesure faite pour durer, le béton prend l’avantage.
In short: if your priority is a quick installation and enjoying the pool without heavy maintenance, fiberglass is an excellent choice—and our articles What budget should you plan for a fiberglass inground pool? and Fiberglass pools: when to order to be ready for summer? will guide you. If your priority is a custom-made design built to last, concrete has the edge.
Why does concrete last so long?
Reinforced concrete forms a monolithic structure: once poured and properly maintained, it does not deform and withstands ground movement better than many other types of installations. Pool industry associations estimate that a well-built and well-maintained concrete pool can last more than 50 years. While the surface finish (plaster, tile, or aggregate) may need refreshing over the decades, the shell itself endures. This longevity is particularly true for solid concrete pools. The steel-panel and liner option also offers a durable structure, but the liner—which ensures watertightness—must be replaced periodically.
In what context is concrete really worth the investment?
Concrete is particularly well-suited for the following situations: an irregularly shaped plot that cannot accommodate a standard pre-molded shell, a project where the pool is the centerpiece of a comprehensive landscaping design, or a clear desire to make a one-time investment in a long-lasting installation. Conversely, if you want a functional pool offering the best balance between cost and installation time, fiberglass remains unbeatable.
“Concrete allows for total creativity. We start with a site and an idea, design the pool in 3D with the client, and build exactly what we presented. When someone wants a shape that no one else will have, concrete is the only solution,” explains Pier-Olivier Grandmaison, head of the Pool and Landscaping divisions at 360 Fonda Pro.
Do not neglect the fencing and landscaping.
A swimming pool is part of the overall landscaping of your yard. In Quebec, the law requires a compliant enclosure around the pool; consider this during the design phase so you can integrate the fence into the overall look rather than adding it as an afterthought. A glass fence, for example, provides safety without obscuring the pool (see 12mm Glass Fencing: Is It Worth the Investment? [link]). Landscaping the area around the pool is also part of the project, and having a single team coordinate the work helps avoid unpleasant surprises caused by miscommunication between different trades.
Choosing between concrete and fiberglass means choosing between a custom-designed build and a quick, hassle-free installation. Both are excellent options, but for different reasons. The 360 Fonda Pro pool division designs your project in 3D, shows you the result before excavation begins, and coordinates the pool, compliant fencing, and landscaping using a single team. Request your free quote, and let’s explore together what works best for your backyard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Water maintenance is comparable to that of other types of pools. The main difference lies in the surface finish, which requires refreshing after several years, whereas fiberglass does not.
It takes longer than a prefabricated shell, as everything is built on-site. The timeline depends on size, complexity, and the season; that is why planning should begin early in the season. A solid pool—which requires assembling a block structure before the concrete is poured—generally takes more time than the steel-panel and liner option.
The main differences lie in watertightness and longevity. Steel-panel pools are lined with a membrane that ensures watertightness and requires periodic replacement. In contrast, a solid pool is cast as a single unit; no liner is needed, making it the most durable and customizable option.
Practically speaking, concrete allows for free-form shapes, varying depths, and integrated steps—features that standard pre-molded shells do not offer.
A concrete pool that is well integrated into a high-quality landscape design adds lasting value, precisely because it is perceived as a permanent, custom-built feature.
