Concrete, Fibreglass, or Above-Ground? A Fair Comparison of Pool Types in Australia
By the PoolChoice team · Last updated February 2025 · 12 min read
Choosing the wrong pool type is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make — not because any type is bad, but because each one suits a different budget, backyard, and lifestyle. This guide gives you an independent comparison so you can make the right call for your situation.
In this guide:
1. The Quick Decision Guide
Not sure where to start? This table won't tell you what to choose — but it will help you narrow it down.
| If your priority is... | Consider... |
|---|---|
| Fully custom shape or large size | Concrete |
| Fastest install, lowest long-term maintenance | Fibreglass |
| Small backyard or courtyard | Plunge pool (fibreglass or concrete) |
| Lowest upfront cost | Above-ground |
| Swimming laps | Concrete or fibreglass (longer moulds available) |
| Adding a spa to the design | Concrete (easiest to integrate) |
| Resale value and long lifespan | Concrete or fibreglass |
2. In-Ground Concrete Pools
Concrete pools are built on-site using high-pressure hose-applied concrete over a steel rebar frame. You may hear the terms gunite and shotcrete used interchangeably — both are concrete applied this way, with the difference being where the dry and wet components are mixed (at the nozzle vs before). In practice, the quality difference is minimal; what matters far more is the skill of the applicator and the final finish.
Pro-tip: The terms "concrete," "gunite," and "shotcrete" are often used interchangeably by builders. They're all essentially concrete applied via high-pressure hose onto a steel rebar frame. Don't get too hung up on the terminology; what matters is the quality of the installer and the finish they specify.
Surface finishes for concrete pools
Render (pool paint)
Cheapest option ($2,000–$5,000). Needs repainting every 5–8 years. Not commonly recommended for long-term pools.
Pebblecrete / exposed aggregate
Textured finish. Very durable. Cost: $8,000–$18,000. Can be rough underfoot.
Tiles
Premium look. Partly or fully tiled. Cost for tiled waterline: $3,000–$8,000 extra. Full tile: $15,000–$40,000+.
Quartz/marble plaster (e.g. Pebble Sheen)
Popular mid-range option. Smooth, durable. Cost: $8,000–$15,000.
Advantages
- • Any shape, size, or depth
- • Integrate spa, water features easily
- • 50+ year lifespan with proper maintenance
- • Wide range of finish options
Disadvantages
- • Longest build time (3–6 months)
- • Higher upfront cost ($50k–$150k+)
- • Surface resurfacing required every 10–15 years
- • Higher chemical maintenance than fibreglass
3. In-Ground Fibreglass Pools
Fibreglass pools are manufactured in a factory as a single moulded shell, transported by truck to your property, and craned into the excavated hole. The shell connects to plumbing and equipment, and the space around the shell is backfilled with a stable material (typically aggregate or concrete slurry).
Because they're mould-made, shapes are limited to the manufacturer's available range. Most shells max out around 10m long and 4.5m wide. If you want a lap pool over 12m or a custom freeform shape, concrete is your only option.
Pro-tip: When getting fibreglass pool quotes, always ask whether the quote includes just the shell installation or the complete job — fencing, surrounds, equipment, and all. Many fibreglass builders quote shell-only, which can make their price look far more attractive than it really is when you add everything up.
The high-water-table issue
In areas with a high water table (coastal or low-lying areas), an empty fibreglass shell can "float" upward if the water level drops significantly. This is relatively rare, but worth asking your builder about if your site is in a low-lying area. A good builder will address this during installation with appropriate backfill and drainage.
Advantages
- • Faster installation (6–12 weeks from approval)
- • Smooth, non-abrasive gelcoat surface
- • Lower chemical usage than concrete
- • Lower lifetime maintenance cost
- • 30–40 year lifespan
Disadvantages
- • Limited to mould-available shapes/sizes
- • Crane access required
- • Gelcoat can fade over 20+ years
- • Can't easily add spa or water features
4. Vinyl Liner Pools
Vinyl liner pools are uncommon in Australia compared to North America. Australia's harsher UV environment and the preference for fibreglass have limited their market share. A steel or polymer frame is built in the ground, and a custom-fitted vinyl sheet is stretched over the frame and walls.
Advantages
- • Custom shapes available
- • Lower upfront cost
- • Smooth, comfortable surface
- • Faster than concrete to build
Disadvantages
- • Liner replacement every 8–12 years
- • UV degradation in Australian climate
- • Fewer Australian specialists
- • Can puncture or tear
5. Above-Ground Pools
Above-ground pools range from $3,000 basic steel-frame and inflatable pools to $25,000 semi-permanent structures with decking integration. They're a legitimate option for many households — not just a stopgap.
Entry level ($3,000–$8,000)
Inflatable or basic steel-frame pools. Seasonal use. Usually disassembled for winter.
Mid-range ($8,000–$15,000)
More robust steel or resin frame, better filtration, longer lifespan.
Premium above-ground ($15,000–$25,000)
Semi-permanent, can be integrated with timber or composite decking. Can look impressive.
6. Plunge Pools
"Plunge pool" is a marketing term for a small pool — typically under 20m² in footprint, often 1.2–1.6m deep, and designed primarily for relaxation rather than laps. They're the same construction types as full-size pools (concrete or fibreglass), just smaller.
Plunge pools have grown significantly in popularity over the past decade, particularly in inner-city areas of Melbourne and Sydney where backyards are small. They're often heated (extending year-round use), and the compact footprint means lower excavation and surrounds costs. Cost range: $20,000–$50,000 fully installed.
Pro-tip: If you're drawn to a plunge pool but want the option to swim laps, consider a pool with a swim jet, a small pool with a counter-current device that lets you swim in place. It's a good middle ground.
7. Full Comparison Table
| Type | Installed cost | Build time | Lifespan | Custom? | Common in AU? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete | $50k–$150k+ | 3–6 months | 50+ years | Yes | Very common |
| Fibreglass | $35k–$85k | 6–12 weeks | 30–40 years | No (mould-limited) | Very common |
| Vinyl liner | $30k–$70k | 4–8 weeks | Liner: 8–12 yrs | Some | Uncommon |
| Above-ground | $3k–$25k | Days–weeks | 10–20 years | No | Common |
| Plunge pool | $20k–$50k | 6–12 weeks | 30–40 years | Limited | Growing |
8. Interior Finishes and Colours
Many homeowners don't realise that the interior colour of a pool dramatically affects how the water looks. Water colour is the combined result of the pool interior colour, lighting, and the sky above.
White / light grey finish
Creates a bright, tropical-looking pool reminiscent of beach resorts. Popular in Queensland.
Pale blue / aqua
The classic pool look. Water appears a vivid turquoise.
Mid grey / slate
Contemporary look. Water appears a deep blue-green.
Charcoal / black
Dramatic, mirror-like effect. Striking in modern homes. Can look murky on overcast days.
Finish options by pool type
Concrete pools: Pebblecrete, exposed aggregate, render, glass tiles, natural stone tiles, or a combination. The finish is applied on-site and can be designed around your aesthetic preferences.
Fibreglass pools: The gelcoat colour is set at the factory. Most manufacturers offer 8–15 colour options. You can't change it after installation (short of a full gelcoat respray, which is expensive).
Pro-tip: If you're choosing a fibreglass pool colour, ask your builder to show you photos of the same colour in different lighting conditions — morning sun, overcast, and artificial light. Colours look very different in a finished pool than on a colour swatch.
Know what type you want?
Once you know what type of pool you want, you can search our directory for builders who specialise in it.
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