So, you’ve decided to pull the trigger on a pool. Congratulations! You’re about to make one of the most exciting upgrades to your home and your daily life. But now you’re facing the question that trips up almost everyone: which type of pool is actually right for you?
There’s certainly no shortage of options—fiberglass, vinyl liner, concrete—and each one comes with its own set of pros, cons, and salespeople swearing theirs is the only way to go. I want to do things a little differently here. My team and I at Master Pools by Gress Inc. have been building pools in the Raleigh area for over 20 years. I truly believe an informed homeowner is the best kind of homeowner, even if that means you decide a concrete pool isn’t for you.
That said, after two decades in the industry, I genuinely believe concrete pools are the single best long-term investment for most Raleigh families. Here’s exactly why I feel that way.
First, Let’s Be Real About Your Options:
Before I dive into why I love concrete, I want to give you my honest take on the other two types.
Vinyl Liner Pools usually have the lowest upfront cost, which is great if your main focus is the initial budget. They go in relatively fast and look sharp—at first. The catch is the liner itself. You’ll need to replace it every 5 to 10 years, which costs several thousand dollars. They can also tear or fade and aren’t the best choice if you have pets. Over time, those recurring costs really start to add up.
Fiberglass Pools are pre-made shells that get dropped into a hole in your yard. They’re quick to install, low maintenance, and easy to clean. If you want something fast and “low-fuss,” and you’re happy with a standard shape from a catalog, fiberglass is a solid choice. The trade-off is that you have zero customization. You have to make your backyard work around the pool, rather than building a pool that works for your yard.
Concrete Pools (you might hear them called gunite or shotcrete) are built entirely on-site to your exact specs. They take longer to build, cost more upfront, and need a bit more brushing than fiberglass. But they also last longer, look better, and give you design freedom that the other options just can’t touch.
Now, let’s talk about why that matters so much specifically for us here in Raleigh.
Raleigh’s Climate Is Tough—Concrete Handles It Best
Living in the Triangle means dealing with weather that can’t make up its mind. We get those brutal, humid summers followed by occasional hard freezes in the winter. That constant temperature swing puts a lot of stress on pool materials.
Concrete is the toughest material out there. It’s built with a reinforced steel skeleton and a high-pressure application of concrete that creates an incredibly strong shell. Unlike fiberglass, which can flex or even “pop” in North Carolina’s heavy clay soil, a properly built concrete pool is a permanent structure. It moves with your yard, not against it.
A concrete pool built the right way can easily last 50 years or more. That’s not a sales pitch; it’s just what happens when you use quality materials and real craftsmanship. We have pools that are old enough to drink and they still look beautiful!
The Freedom to Build Exactly What You Want
This is where concrete really shines, and honestly, it’s the main reason my clients choose it.
With fiberglass, you’re picking from a mold. If your yard has a weird slope, a unique layout, or a beautiful old tree you want to keep, you might find that none of the catalog options actually “fit.” You end up compromising your vision to make the product work.
With concrete, there are no catalogs. We draw up your pool based on how you live and how you entertain. Want a vanishing edge that looks out into the woods? Done. A tanning ledge for the kids, a deep end for diving, and a raised spa in the corner? No problem. We love the challenge of building a pool that follows the natural curves of your landscape.
This freedom extends to the finish, too—and I want to be straight with you here, because not all finishes are created equal.
At Master Pools by Gress Inc., we exclusively use PebbleTec finishes. Why? Because they’re the best, period. These are premium finishes made from natural stones that are troweled into the surface. They are beautiful, textured, and built to last in ways that standard plaster simply isn’t.
Standard marcite plaster is cheaper upfront, but it’s smooth and porous. It stains and fades—often within just a few years. PebbleTec, by contrast, is naturally resistant to algae and wear, and holds its color and texture beautifully for years. It’s also backed by a 15-year manufacturer’s warranty — something you simply won’t find with standard plaster or tile finishes. The interior finish is the surface your family will touch and look at every single day; cutting corners there is something I’m just not willing to do.
Let’s Talk About the Real Cost Over Time
It’s easy to look at the “sticker price” and make a decision, but that’s not the whole story. Here is how I look at the lifetime cost:
- Vinyl: Low upfront, but constant liner replacements and potential structural issues mean the costs compound over time.
- Fiberglass: Mid-range upfront and low maintenance, but you’re stuck with a finite lifespan and limited style.
- Concrete: Higher upfront investment and moderate maintenance, but it lasts for 50+ years. When you look at a 30-year horizon, concrete often comes out ahead. Sometimes a concrete pool is comparable to a fiberglass in cost too!
And don’t forget home value. In our growing Raleigh market, a custom concrete pool is a massive asset. It’s a signal of quality to future buyers and helps your home sell at a premium.
The Design Trends Working in Concrete’s Favor
If you’ve been looking at pool designs lately, you’ve probably noticed that the most coveted styles—vanishing edges, integrated spas, dark dramatic finishes—are almost exclusively concrete builds.
People today want a pool that functions as a full backyard environment. They want it to work with an outdoor kitchen, a fire feature, or a pergola. They want it to feel intentional and custom, not like something that came off a factory line. Concrete makes all of that possible.
Is a Concrete Pool Right for You?
If I’m being honest: it depends.
If you have a standard backyard, a tight budget, and just want a simple pool with minimal effort, vinyl or fiberglass might be a great fit for you. They certainly are faster to install as well. I’d rather tell you that than sell you something you don’t need.
But if you’re planning to stay in your home for the long haul—if you want a pool that fits your life and your yard—concrete is definitely the way to go.
At the End of the Day, What Matters?
YOUR BUILDER MATTERS! Whether it’s vinyl, fiberglass, or concrete, the quality of the builder makes all the difference. Look for a company who uses quality products, takes pride in their work, and has been around long enough for their reputation to be tested over time. A beautiful pool on day one is easy, regardless of type — building one that lasts years is what separates great builders from the rest.
My team and I have spent over 20 years building these pools for families all over Raleigh. Just check out the map on our Home Page! We know the soil, the climate, and the neighborhoods. If you’re curious about what a custom pool might cost for your vision, try our Pool Pricing Estimator. It will give you a great cost starting point.
Or, if you’re ready to chat about your ideas with someone who knows Raleigh pools inside and out, schedule a free consultation. I’d love to help you design something you’ll enjoy for decades.