DIY Pool Construction Costs

[mshumack]

As I see it, I have three options (above ground need not apply): plastic liner (not my first choice), concrete (too much $$$), or fiberglass. Bb

When I went through the decision process I found that the fiberglass was more expensive than concrete for the same size pool. I originally wanted fiberglass because it is supposed to use less chemicals and it has a smoother finish. I also heard the fiberglass fades where it is above the water line.
Anyway it turned out that I was able to do a larger pool in concrete. I was only looking at quality fiberglass pools such as San Juan. There may be cheaper pools available by smaller, less known, companies.
My main problem with going fiberglass is that it is limited in size to what can be shipped on a tractor-trailer. I think the max size was 18x36 (which is still plenty big but more $$$ than gunite).
If you go fiberglass I suggest you use the company that sells it to install it since a bad installation may lead to a cracked shell. If you do the install yourself and anything goes wrong your out of luck.
Good Luck

[cgc2]

When I went through the decision process I found that the fiberglass was more expensive than concrete for the same size pool. I originally wanted fiberglass because it is supposed to use less chemicals and it has a smoother finish. I also heard the fiberglass fades where it is above the water line.
Anyway it turned out that I was able to do a larger pool in concrete. I was only looking at quality fiberglass pools such as San Juan. There may be cheaper pools available by smaller, less known, companies.
My main problem with going fiberglass is that it is limited in size to what can be shipped on a tractor-trailer. I think the max size was 18x36 (which is still plenty big but more $$$ than gunite).
If you go fiberglass I suggest you use the company that sells it to install it since a bad installation may lead to a cracked shell. If you do the install yourself and anything goes wrong your out of luck.
Good Luck

Ditto what he said regarding cost of fiberglass vs. concrete pool. In my neck of the woods (central Calif.), fiberglass would have cost me more, for less pool.

I have no regrets.