When it comes to making a long-term investment in your property, you can’t do much better than a concrete swimming pool. There are many factors to consider before beginning your concrete pool build — project timeframes, budget, and design aesthetics, just to name a few. Possibly, the biggest decision you’ll need to make is whether you want a custom concrete pool or a precast concrete pool. Each construction method has its own unique advantages and drawbacks, depending on your overall goals for the project. Let's dive in and compare prefabricated concrete pools and custom concrete pools so you can make an informed choice for your backyard!

Prefab Concrete Pool Benefits

Fast, Affordable, And Easy To Install

When compared to a traditional concrete pool, precast concrete pools are much faster to install because you don’t need to wait for the concrete to cure on site. Instead, precast pools are ready to install on delivery day. We’ve made installation so efficient that you don’t even need to hire a specialized pool builder to manage this — you can bring your own builder (BYOB), choose an existing Plungie installing customer, or install as an owner-builder to streamline the process. 

If you’ve read our prefab and traditional construction cost comparison, you know that labor costs are not cheap. This fast installation is going to help save you some pennies throughout your project. You may also find that the cost of the pool itself is cheaper with prefab. At Plungie, we’ve achieved construction efficiencies that help us price our premium concrete pools competitively against a traditional concrete pool.

Suitable For Difficult Blocks 

Plungies are engineered to suit difficult sites, including sandy soil and sloping blocks. Our four pool models are designed to suit a range of backyard sizes, from suburban front yards to inner-city rooftops. No matter what your backyard is like, you can find a perfect fit with Plungie.

Fits Seamlessly Into All Projects

Our precast concrete pools have been featured in some seriously impressive properties. The classic, clean lines of the Plungie Max helped it fit seamlessly into the backyard of this Lake of the Ozarks project without detracting from the impressive lake views. The versatility of a Plungie means it can just as easily be the focal point of the backyard, as highlighted by the stunning Plungie Original installed by Lone Star Builders.

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Prefab Concrete Pool Disadvantages

Limited Personalization Options

Precast concrete pools are formed in standardized molds, so you’re not able to customize the shape or size of the pool. With four sizes to choose from, we’re sure you’ll find a Plungie to suit your backyard. The same goes for our ecoFinish interior coating — you’re not able to select a custom color, but there are six versatile shades to choose from. If you have your heart set on custom interior tiling, we can leave the interior of the pool bare so you can customize the finish after installation.

Must Be Lifted Into Place

Plungies are monolithic swimming pools, meaning they are one complete concrete structure. In other words, there’s no other way to install your Plungie than to lift it into place with a crane. You will have to factor crane hire costs into your budget and ensure your property is easily accessible. 

If you are installing a pool on an existing property, there is an incredibly slight risk of damage to the house as the pool is being lifted over. With our detailed Studio, Original, and Max lifting guides and a reputable crane hire company, this won’t be an issue, though.

Custom Concrete Pool Benefits

Choose Your Shape, Size, And Finish

The primary benefit of a custom concrete pool is the ability to choose the shape, size, and finish. This is great if you have a larger backyard that lends itself to a free-form pool design. 

Designed For Your Purpose

If you have a specific use in mind for your pool, a custom pool can be designed around this. For example, if you want to use your pool for exercise, you can choose to build a lap pool. If you want your pool to be used for entertaining, you could choose to incorporate a swim-up bar.

Custom Concrete Pool Disadvantages

Time-Consuming

Custom concrete pools must be built from scratch on-site, which can take months. The strength and quality of concrete can also be impacted by cold and wet weather, so it’s possible for custom pool projects to be delayed further. On top of this, custom pools must be built by a specialized pool builder, so your project completion date will be dependent on the pool builder’s availability.

Expensive

A custom pool comes with a custom price tag. This takes into account initial site visits, the pool design and plans, constructing a customized shape (which is more challenging than your traditional rectangular pool), and adding your finishes — not to mention the additional labor required on site. Custom pool projects can add up quickly, especially if they run over schedule.

Which Pool Is Right For Your Build?

At the end of the day, either option is going to help improve your lifestyle and add value to your property. The decision is entirely up to your personal preference. If saving time and money is appealing to you, a prefab concrete pool is certainly the way to go. Browse our gallery and Projects in Focus today to see how great a precast Plungie could look in your outdoor living space.