Fiberglass vs Concrete Pools:
The Minnesota Truth
Concrete pools might seem like the premium choice—until Minnesota winters expose their weakness. Learn why fiberglass outperforms concrete in durability, cost, and time investment for our climate.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Fiberglass | Concrete/Gunite |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Cost | $55,000 - $100,000 | $75,000 - $150,000+ |
| Installation Time | 3-5 days | 3-6 months |
| 20-Year Total Cost | $80,000 - $130,000 | $130,000 - $200,000+ |
| Winter Durability (MN) | Excellent | Poor |
| Cracking Risk | Minimal | High |
| Surface Feel | Smooth | Rough/Abrasive |
| Algae Resistance | High | Low |
| Weekly Maintenance | 1-2 hours | 4-6 hours |
| Resurfacing Needed | Never | Every 10-15 years |
| Shape Options | 40+ designs | Unlimited custom |
Installation: Days vs Months
Minnesota's construction season runs May through October. Here's what that means for each pool type:
Fiberglass: 3-5 Days
- 1Day 1: Excavation & gravel base
- 2Day 2: Pool shell delivery & placement
- 3Day 3: Plumbing & electrical
- 4Day 4: Backfill & water filling
- 5Day 5: Final connections & swim!
Swimming by the weekend
Concrete: 3-6 Months
- 1Weeks 1-2: Excavation & forming
- 2Weeks 3-4: Steel reinforcement
- 3Weeks 5-6: Gunite/shotcrete application
- 4Weeks 7-10: Curing (weather dependent)
- 5Weeks 11-16: Plaster, tile, decking
Often spans two summers in MN
Minnesota Reality: Many concrete pool projects started in spring aren't completed until the following summer due to our short season and weather delays. Fiberglass pools can be installed and enjoyed within a single week—maximizing your swim season.
Minnesota Winters: The Ultimate Test
Our freeze-thaw cycles are brutal on pools. The ground freezes, expands, thaws, and shifts—over and over. Here's how each pool type responds:
Fiberglass: Flexes With the Ground
- One-piece shell moves as a unit
- Composite material designed to flex
- No cracking from ground movement
- Gel-coat surface stays intact
- Spring opening: typically problem-free
Concrete: Cracks Under Pressure
- Rigid structure can't flex
- Ground heave causes cracking
- Hairline cracks appear within years
- Plaster spalls and deteriorates
- Spring opening: often reveals damage
The Cracking Problem
Concrete pool repairs in Minnesota average $3,000-$8,000 per crack repair. Many owners face structural crack repairs every 5-10 years, plus the inevitable full replastering every 10-15 years at $10,000-$20,000. These costs are rarely mentioned during the sales process.
20-Year Cost: The Full Picture
Concrete pools have hidden costs that add up dramatically over time. Here's a realistic comparison for a typical Minnesota pool:
Fiberglass Pool — 20 Years
Concrete Pool — 20 Years
Fiberglass saves ~$77,000 over 20 years — that's enough to pay for a complete backyard renovation, heating system, or several family vacations. Plus, you'll spend hundreds fewer hours on maintenance.
Surface Comfort: Smooth vs Rough
Fiberglass Gel-Coat Surface
- Glass-smooth, non-porous finish
- Gentle on bare feet and skin
- Won't scrape knees or elbows
- Easy on swimsuits
- Doesn't harbor algae or bacteria
The smooth surface is especially important for families with children who play rough in the pool.
Concrete Plaster Surface
- Rough, textured, porous finish
- Can be abrasive on feet
- Scraped knees common for kids
- Wears through swimsuits faster
- Pores trap algae and stains
Even "smooth" plaster finishes are noticeably rougher than fiberglass gel-coat.
Maintenance: The Ongoing Battle
Concrete pools demand constant attention. The porous surface is a breeding ground for algae and requires aggressive chemical treatment. Here's what each pool needs:
Fiberglass Weekly Tasks
- Skim surface — 10 min
- Check chemicals — 5 min
- Empty skimmer — 2 min
- Vacuum (if needed) — 15 min
Total: ~30-45 min/week
No brushing needed—gel-coat resists algae
Concrete Weekly Tasks
- Skim surface — 10 min
- Check/adjust chemicals — 20 min
- Brush entire surface — 45 min
- Vacuum thoroughly — 30 min
- Check for cracks — 10 min
Total: ~2+ hours/week
Brushing required to prevent algae buildup
Concrete's One Advantage: Custom Shapes
Concrete pools can be built in any shape imaginable—this is their primary selling point. If you need a very unusual shape to fit an oddly-shaped backyard, concrete may be worth considering.
However, modern fiberglass manufacturers like Leisure Pools now offer 40+ shapes and sizes, including:
Classic Rectangles
Freeform Shapes
Lap Pools
Plunge Pools
Most homeowners find a fiberglass design that perfectly fits their backyard and vision. The savings in time, money, and maintenance far outweigh the minor limitations in shape options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a fiberglass or concrete pool better for Minnesota winters?
Fiberglass pools handle Minnesota winters significantly better. The one-piece composite shell flexes naturally with freeze-thaw cycles, while concrete is rigid and prone to cracking. Concrete pools in Minnesota frequently develop cracks, spalling, and surface damage from our -30°F winters, requiring expensive repairs. Fiberglass pools routinely last 50+ years without winter-related structural issues.
How much does a concrete pool cost compared to fiberglass in Minnesota?
Concrete pools cost $75,000-$150,000+ to install in Minnesota, compared to $55,000-$100,000 for fiberglass. But the real difference is long-term: concrete requires acid washing every 3-5 years ($500-$1,000), replastering every 10-15 years ($10,000-$20,000), and significantly more chemicals and maintenance. Over 20 years, concrete pools typically cost $40,000-$60,000 more than fiberglass.
How long does it take to install a concrete pool vs fiberglass in Minnesota?
Fiberglass pools install in just 3-5 days since the shell arrives pre-manufactured. Concrete pools take 3-6 months including excavation, forming, steel reinforcement, gunite/shotcrete application, curing time, plaster finishing, and deck work. Given Minnesota's short construction season (May-October), a concrete pool often can't be completed in a single season.
Do concrete pools crack in Minnesota winters?
Yes, concrete pools frequently crack in Minnesota. The freeze-thaw cycles cause the ground to heave, and concrete's rigid structure can't flex like fiberglass. Hairline cracks are common within the first few years, and structural cracks requiring $5,000-$15,000 repairs are not unusual. Even properly built concrete pools require ongoing crack monitoring and repair.
Which pool type requires more maintenance in Minnesota?
Concrete pools require substantially more maintenance. The porous plaster surface harbors algae, requiring daily brushing and 50-100% more chemicals. Concrete pools also need acid washing every 3-5 years and replastering every 10-15 years. Fiberglass pools' smooth gel-coat resists algae and requires minimal brushing, with owners spending 50-75% less time on weekly maintenance.
Is the surface of a concrete pool rough?
Yes, concrete pool surfaces (plaster, pebble, or aggregate) are rough and abrasive. Children often get scraped knees and elbows, and the surface can wear down swimsuits quickly. Fiberglass pools have a smooth, non-porous gel-coat surface that's gentle on skin and swimwear. This is one reason many families prefer fiberglass.
Can concrete pools be any shape?
Yes, concrete pools can be built in any custom shape—this is their main advantage. However, modern fiberglass manufacturers like Leisure Pools now offer 40+ shapes and sizes, from classic rectangles to freeform designs with built-in tanning ledges, benches, and spas. Most homeowners find a fiberglass design that fits their vision perfectly.
Which pool type adds more value to a Minnesota home?
Both add value, but fiberglass pools are increasingly preferred by buyers due to lower maintenance requirements. Real estate agents report that buyers are often wary of concrete pools due to the known maintenance burden and repair costs. A well-maintained fiberglass pool is seen as a turnkey amenity, while concrete pools may raise concerns about hidden problems.
Ready for a Pool That Lasts?
Visit our St. Cloud showroom to see Leisure Pools fiberglass models in person. We'll help you find the perfect pool for your backyard—one that will last for decades without the headaches of concrete.