Fiberglass vs Concrete vs Desjoyaux Pools
Three main pool types dominate the market. Each has pros and cons. Let's break them down.
Gunite (Concrete) Pools
Pros
- Infinite design flexibility
- Customizable to any shape
Cons
- 2-3 months construction time
- Underground pipes (future repairs needed)
- Higher energy costs
- Regular resurfacing every 5-7 years
- More maintenance labor
Fiberglass Pools
Pros
- Fast installation (1-2 weeks)
- Smooth surfaces
- Lower maintenance
Cons
- Limited size/shape options
- Still buried pipes in most designs
- Can't customize finishes
- May need resurfacing after 15 years
Desjoyaux Pools
Pros
- Zero buried pipes
- 4-8 week installation (faster than gunite)
- 30-40% lower energy
- Custom design flexibility
- Proven in 500,000+ installations
- Minimal maintenance
Cons
- Less familiar to some contractors (choose experts!)
- Requires specialized installation
Total Cost of Ownership
Gunite: $80k initial + $15-25k/decade maintenance = ~$180k over 20 years
Fiberglass: $60k initial + $12k/decade = ~$120k over 20 years
Desjoyaux: $75k initial + $5k/decade = ~$100k over 20 years