Getting a swimming pool is kind of a big deal. Not only is it an aspirational addition that brings lifestyle and value to your home, it takes up a significant part of your yard and is likely one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your property. 

Once your pool is in, it’s not something you can easily swap out—so doing your research upfront is essential. One of the most common questions homeowners ask is around fibreglass vs concrete pools, and which is the better fit for their space, budget, and long-term needs. 

Before developing Plungie, we took a deep dive into the Australian pool industry to understand what really works. We explored a range of materials and prefabricated pool construction methods—plastic, fibreglass, and concrete—evaluating each for strength, durability, and ease of installation. 

While we ultimately chose concrete for its structural integrity and design flexibility, fibreglass pools come with their own set of advantages. Here's a breakdown of how the two compare, so you can confidently choose what’s right for your home. 

What’s better for your budget? A Concrete or Fibreglass Pool? 

When comparing concrete vs fibreglass plunge pools, price is often one of the biggest deciding factors. Entry-level fibreglass pools typically start from $25,000 to $40,000, while premium models can reach $70,000 or more depending on size, features, and finishes. 

In contrast, concrete plunge pools generally come with a higher price tag—ranging from $50,000 to $80,000—due to their labour-intensive on-site construction, longer installation times, and additional material costs like waterproofing, tiling, and customisation. 

If you’re after the durability of concrete without the premium price, a Plungie pool could be the ideal solution. Our prefabricated concrete plunge pools deliver the same strength and style as traditional builds, minus the time-consuming construction, with costs starting from $42,500. And because they’re manufactured off-site, you’ll avoid the extra structural reinforcement that fibreglass pools often require—saving time, trades, and money. 

How does engineering differ for concrete and fibreglass pools? 

Like traditional pools, fibreglass pools require site and pool-specific engineering.  

All Plungie shells and the footing requirements have been pre-engineered to cover a range of soil classifications, which saves time on the certification process, reducing overall project timeframe 

How customisable are concrete and fibreglass pools? 

One of the biggest advantages of a fibreglass pool compared to a concrete pool is the variety of pre-designed shapes, step configurations, and built-in seating options available. However, once installed, customisation is limited, making it challenging to personalise the pool’s appearance to fully complement your outdoor space. 

In contrast, a concrete plunge pool offers more flexibility in exterior design. While the shell shape itself may have fewer pre-set options, choosing concrete allows you to enhance the aesthetics with waterline tiles, exterior tiling, rendering, painting, or cladding, ensuring your pool seamlessly integrates with your landscape and overall design vision. 

How does a Plungie compare? If you’re looking for a plunge pool that can be tailored to suit your style, a precast concrete option like Plungie gives you the freedom to create a look that perfectly complements your outdoor space. 

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How does installation differ for concrete and fibreglass? 

Both fibreglass pools and Plungie concrete plunge pools are prefabricated, meaning they are manufactured off-site and transported for installation. This significantly reduces on-site construction time, labour costs, and weather-related delays compared to traditional concrete pools, which require extensive on-site building. 

However, Plungie pools offer an even faster and more efficient installation process. Unlike fibreglass shells, which require careful excavation, structural reinforcement, and precise levelling, a Plungie needs far less complex footing preparation and reinforcement. This not only minimises the number of trades required on-site but also reduces potential delays caused by unpredictable weather conditions. 

Traditional concrete pools are built entirely on-site. This process is highly labour-intensive and time-consuming, often taking months to complete. 

What are the differences for interior surface texture? 

One of the key differences between fibreglass and concrete plunge pools is the interior surface texture. Fibreglass pools have a smooth, non-abrasive gel coat finish, which is softer underfoot and less likely to cause scrapes.  

In contrast, traditional concrete pools are often finished with Pebblecrete or tiles, which can be rougher on feet and hands. Pebblecrete surfaces, while durable, can sometimes feel abrasive and require more maintenance over time due to wear and algae build-up. 

Plungie’s alternative to pebblecrete is our ecoFINISH®—an advanced, high-performance polymer coating. This surface provides a texture similar to pumice stone, offering enough grip for safety but softer than traditional pebblecrete. 

What is more durable? 

When it comes to long-term durability, concrete plunge pools have a clear advantage over fibreglass. While the quality of fibreglass pools has improved, they are still more prone to surface wear and structural issues compared to concrete. Fibreglass shells can fade, peel, or develop cracks and blisters (osmosis) over time, particularly when exposed to harsh chemicals, fluctuating temperatures, or prolonged UV exposure. Additionally, fibreglass pools can be susceptible to "popping" or lifting if groundwater pressure builds up underneath them. 

Concrete is one of the most durable materials available, capable of withstanding decades of use without the risk of peeling or structural compromise. Unlike fibreglass, concrete won’t fade or degrade from sun exposure, is resistant to chemical wear and impact damage and remains structurally sound, even in extreme weather conditions. 

Plungie takes durability even further, each pool is built to strict engineering standards, ensuring superior strength and longevity. With Plungie, you get all the benefits of a traditional concrete pool without the extended construction timelines, making it a stronger and more reliable investment for your backyard. 

What requires more hands-on maintenance? 

Fibreglass pools require less maintenance due to their smooth, non-porous gel coat, which helps prevent algae growth and reduces the need for frequent scrubbing. They also require fewer chemicals to maintain water balance. However, over time, the gel coat can fade, peel, or develop blisters, requiring resurfacing or repairs that can be difficult to match. 

Concrete pools, while more durable, need regular brushing and chemical balancing to prevent algae buildup due to their porous surface. Traditional concrete pools often require resurfacing over time, especially with finishes like pebblecrete or tiles.  

Plungie pools minimise this issue with ecoFINISH®, a non-porous, slip-resistant coating that reduces algae growth and simplifies maintenance while maintaining concrete’s strength and longevity. 

Which is Better? Fibreglass vs Concrete 

The best choice depends on your priorities. Fibreglass pools are lower maintenance, quicker to install, and have a smooth, non-porous surface that resists algae. However, they lack design flexibility, can fade or peel over time, and may require costly repairs. 

Concrete pools offer greater durability, longevity, and customisation. If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, Plungie is your answer. Our pools provide the strength of concrete without the extended build time and thanks to our ecoFINISH® your upkeep and pool maintenance is greatly minimised.  

If you want design flexibility, long-term durability, and a fast, high-quality installation, Plungie is the ideal choice.