Fiberglass vs. Gunite vs. Vinyl: Which Pool Belongs in Your Louisiana Backyard?

Every pool company will tell you the type they sell is the best type. We sell fiberglass — and we’re still going to show you where the other two win. Here’s the honest comparison, so you can decide with the whole picture.

Latham fiberglass pools, installed by a local Louisiana team — rated 5.0 stars on Google.

The Short Version

	Fiberglass	Gunite (concrete)	Vinyl liner
Install time	5–7 days (Precision installs)	Commonly 2–3+ months, built on site	Commonly a few weeks
Surface	Smooth, non-porous gelcoat	Rough plaster that wears	Vinyl liner that can tear
Big recurring cost	None — never replastered	Replastering as the surface wears	Liner replacement as the liner ages
Algae/chemicals	Resists algae; fewer chemicals	Porous surface holds algae; more chemicals	Moderate
Customization	Dozens of factory models; size capped by road transport	Unlimited — any shape, any size	Limited shapes and sizes
Typical installed range	$48,270–$88,970 (Precision’s published prices)	Commonly $49,000–$250,000+	Usually the lowest upfront

Fiberglass — The Case For It (and Against It)

For: the shell is built in a factory under controlled conditions, delivered finished, and set in days. No replastering, ever. The smooth surface is easier on feet, swimsuits, and your chemical budget. And because it’s factory-made, the quality doesn’t depend on the weather or the crew’s week.

Against: you choose from factory models — dozens of shapes and sizes, but if you want a freeform design wider than a truck can haul, fiberglass can’t do it. The largest shells top out where road transport does.

Gunite — The Case For It (and Against It)

For: total design freedom. Any shape, any depth, any feature — if you can draw it, a gunite builder can pour it. For a one-of-a-kind estate pool, it’s the right tool.

Against: it’s built in your backyard over months, the plaster surface is rough and porous (more algae, more chemicals), and the surface wears — replastering is a real, recurring cost of ownership. Installed prices commonly run from about $49,000 to $250,000 and beyond, and the timeline stretches with weather and scheduling.

Vinyl — The Case For It (and Against It)

For: usually the lowest upfront price, and a soft, smooth feel underfoot.

Against: the liner is the weak point — it can tear, wrinkle, and fade, and replacing it is a recurring cost of ownership. Shapes and sizes are more limited, and liners don’t love Louisiana sun and storm debris.

So Which One Is Right for You?

• You want to swim this month, not this season, and never think about resurfacing → fiberglass.
• You want a completely custom shape and budget and timeline are secondary → gunite.
• You want the lowest possible upfront number and accept liner replacements → vinyl.

Most Louisiana families who talk to us land on fiberglass for one reason: Louisiana’s swim season is long, and they want to spend it in the water — not managing a construction project or a maintenance schedule.

Keep Researching

• Louisiana Fiberglass Pool Cost Guide — real installed prices, from $48,270.
• Fiberglass Pool FAQs — 20 questions, answered.
• Browse the models: Milan Collection and Astoria Collection.