For most North Carolina homes, fiberglass pools are the better choice. They install faster (often in weeks, not months), cost less to maintain, and handle NC’s sandy soil and humid climate well. Concrete pools offer more custom shapes but come with higher upkeep and longer build times.
Thinking about adding a pool to your backyard? One of the first big decisions you’ll face is the material. Fiberglass and concrete are two of the most popular options for North Carolina homes, and each comes with its own strengths.
The right pick depends on your budget, your timeline, and how much maintenance you’re willing to take on. Your local soil and climate matter too, since NC’s sandy coastal ground and humid summers affect how each pool type performs over time.
At Ocean Blue Pools & Spas, we’ve helped families across Wilmington, Leland, and the surrounding areas build backyard retreats they love. In this guide, we’ll break down the real differences between fiberglass and concrete pools so you can make a confident choice for your home.
What’s the difference between fiberglass and concrete pools?
The main difference comes down to how each pool is built and what it’s made from.
A fiberglass pool arrives as a single, pre-molded shell. It’s manufactured in a factory, delivered to your property, and lowered into a prepared hole. Because the shell comes ready-made, installation is fast, and the surface is smooth from day one.
A concrete pool (sometimes called gunite) is built on-site from the ground up. Crews dig the hole, install steel framing, spray on concrete, and finish it with plaster or tile. This process gives you nearly unlimited design freedom, but it takes far longer to complete.
Both create beautiful, lasting swimming pools. The differences show up in cost, timeline, maintenance, and how each one holds up in North Carolina conditions.
How long does each pool type take to install?
Timelines are often the deciding factor for busy families who want to enjoy their pool sooner.
Fiberglass pools are the clear winner here. Since the shell is built off-site, the on-property work usually takes a few weeks upon getting an approved permit. Once the hole is dug and the shell is set, finishing touches like decking and landscaping move quickly. See our step-by-step guide to fiberglass pool installation for what each stage looks like.
Concrete pools take much longer, often two to three months or more. The on-site construction involves multiple stages, and the concrete needs time to cure properly before finishing. Weather delays, common during NC’s rainy stretches, can push the timeline even further.
Choose fiberglass if getting into the water before summer ends matters most. Concrete makes more sense if you’re planning well ahead and want a fully custom design.
Which pool is easier to maintain?
Maintenance affects both your time and your wallet for years to come.
Fiberglass pools have a smooth, non-porous surface. Algae struggles to cling to it, which means less scrubbing and fewer chemicals. Most fiberglass pool owners spend less on upkeep over the life of the pool.
Concrete pools have a porous surface that gives algae more places to grow. They typically need more frequent brushing, more chemicals to balance the water, and acid washing every few years. Concrete pools also require resurfacing roughly every 10 to 15 years, which is a significant added expense.
For homeowners who’d rather relax than scrub, fiberglass is the low-maintenance favorite. Whichever you choose, avoid these common pool maintenance mistakes NC homeowners make.
How do fiberglass and concrete pools compare on cost?
Cost breaks down into two parts: what you pay upfront and what you spend over time.
Upfront cost: Fiberglass and concrete pools often start in a similar price range, though concrete can climb higher with custom features and larger sizes. Fiberglass pricing tends to be more predictable because the shell is a fixed product. For a detailed breakdown, read how much a fiberglass pool costs in Wilmington, NC.
Long-term cost: This is where fiberglass pulls ahead. Lower chemical use, less energy for cleaning, and no resurfacing add up to real savings over the years. Concrete’s ongoing maintenance and periodic resurfacing make it more expensive to own long-term.
Choose fiberglass if lifetime value and lower upkeep matter more to you. Choose concrete if a one-of-a-kind design justifies the higher long-term investment.
To make either option more accessible, Ocean Blue Pools & Spas offers financing options that help spread the cost of your project into manageable payments.
Which pool handles North Carolina’s climate and soil best?
North Carolina’s environment plays a bigger role than many homeowners expect.
Coastal areas like Wilmington and Leland have sandy, shifting soil. Fiberglass shells are flexible, so they handle small ground movements without cracking. Concrete is more rigid, which means shifting soil can eventually lead to cracks that require repair.
Humidity is another factor. NC summers are warm and damp, creating ideal conditions for algae. The smooth surface of a fiberglass pool resists algae better, giving it an edge in our climate. Storms matter too, so here’s how to prepare your pool for hurricane season in coastal NC.
For most coastal and inland NC properties, fiberglass offers a durable, worry-free fit.
When is a concrete pool the better choice?
Fiberglass wins in many categories, but concrete still has its place.
Concrete is the better option when you want a truly custom shape, an unusually large pool, or specialty features like a vanishing edge, tanning ledge, or attached spa built into a unique layout. Fiberglass shells come in set shapes and sizes, so if your vision goes beyond what’s available, concrete gives you full creative freedom.
Choose concrete if a fully bespoke design is your top priority and you’re prepared for the added maintenance and cost that come with it.
What pool and spa brands does Ocean Blue Pools & Spas offer?
As experienced swimming pool contractors in North Carolina, we work with trusted, high-quality brands so you get lasting value.
Our fiberglass pool lineup includes respected names like Leisure Pools, Aviva, and Tallman, giving you a range of styles and sizes to fit your backyard and budget.
For relaxation and therapy, we carry top spa and swim spa brands including BullFrog Spa, PDC Swim Spas and Cold Plunges, and Viking Swim Spas and Chillers. Whether you want a hot tub to unwind in or a cold plunge for recovery, we can help you find the right fit.
Why choose Ocean Blue Pools & Spas?
Ocean Blue Pools & Spas is a family-owned business rooted in Wilmington, NC. Originally from Ireland, our family lived in New York for years before settling in North Carolina in 2009. From our first visit to Wilmington, we knew it was the perfect place to raise our family and build our dreams.
Today, our whole family is involved in the business. That personal touch shapes everything we do, from careful pool installation North Carolina homeowners can rely on to thoughtful pool landscaping and hardscaping for Wilmington, NC properties. We’re a licensed and insured pool contractor serving Wilmington, Leland, and surrounding communities. As a trusted pool builder in North Carolina, we handle everything from in-ground pool installation to complete backyard transformations with patios, walkways, and outdoor living areas.
If you’re searching for a reliable pool builder in Leland, NC, or a licensed and insured pool contractor near you, we’d love to help bring your vision to life.
Ready to build your dream backyard?
Choosing between fiberglass and concrete comes down to your priorities. Fiberglass offers speed, easy maintenance, and a great fit for North Carolina’s soil and climate, making it the best choice for most homes. Concrete rewards those who want a fully custom design and don’t mind the extra care.
The best next step is a conversation. Our team can walk your property, listen to your goals, and recommend the right pool for your space and budget. Take a look at our project gallery to see the backyard transformations we’ve created for families across the region.
Contact Ocean Blue Pools & Spas today to start planning your backyard paradise.
Frequently asked questions
Are fiberglass pools cheaper than concrete pools?
Upfront, fiberglass and concrete pools can start in a similar price range. Over time, fiberglass is usually cheaper to own because it needs fewer chemicals, less cleaning, and no resurfacing. Concrete pools cost more long-term due to ongoing maintenance and periodic resurfacing.
What is the best fiberglass pool for a North Carolina home?
The best fiberglass pool depends on your backyard size, budget, and design goals. Ocean Blue Pools & Spas offers trusted brands like Leisure Pools, Aviva, and Tallman. Our team can help match you with the right shell shape and size for your property.
How long do fiberglass pools last?
A quality fiberglass pool can last 25 years or more with proper care. Its non-porous surface resists wear and algae, and it doesn’t need the resurfacing that concrete pools require every 10 to 15 years.
Do I need a licensed pool contractor in North Carolina?
Yes. Hiring a licensed and insured pool contractor protects your investment and ensures the work meets local codes. Ocean Blue Pools & Spas is a licensed and insured pool builder serving Wilmington, Leland, and surrounding areas. Here’s what to look for when choosing a pool builder.
Does Ocean Blue Pools & Spas offer financing?
Yes. Ocean Blue Pools & Spas offers financing options to help make your pool project more affordable by spreading the cost into manageable payments. Contact us to learn which options fit your budget.