When we first decided to put in a pool, I knew I was taking on a major project. I spent countless hours researching, weighing pros and cons, and deliberating between the three main pool types: concrete (gunite), vinyl liner, and fiberglass.
Now, eight seasons into having our pool fully installed and tested, I can comfortably say we made the best choice possible. We went with a custom fiberglass insert from Viking—complete with a lifetime shell warranty—and wouldn’t change a single detail.
Here is why we chose fiberglass, how our custom design works for our family, and what eight years of real-world ownership has taught us.
1. Custom V-Shape Design: The Ultimate Volleyball & Game Setup
Standard pools often have a shallow end that slopes continuously down into a deep end, leaving a huge portion of the pool unusable for standing social games.
We went with a custom V-shape design where the shallow ends sit at both sides, sloping down to about 6 feet deep right in the center. This design completely changes how we use the pool:
Fair Play Volleyball: Both teams stand comfortably in equal, shallow waters on either end.
Challenging Net Play: The center under the net is the deepest part (6 ft), making it tough to guard the net without treading water or swimming. It balances the game and keeps it fun for everyone.
Built-in Seating: Benches on the ends offer perfect spots to kick back, relax, and stay near the action without blocking swimmers.
2. Low Maintenance & Easy Cleaning (No Algae Hassles)
Growing up, I knew plenty of people with liner or concrete pools, and algae always seemed to be a constant struggle. Concrete is porous, and vinyl liners have seams where algae loves to hide and cling.
Fiberglass gelcoat is smooth and non-porous:
Fewer Chemicals: Because algae and debris don’t stick to the smooth finish, we use significantly fewer chemicals to keep the water balanced.
Robot-Friendly: Our pool vacuum robot glides over the smooth surface effortlessly, lifting away any loose debris.
Stain-Resistant: After 8 seasons, we’ve never had a stubborn stain stick to the shell.
3. Paws, Claws, and Durability: A Dog-Friendly Choice
Like many families, our dogs love to swim. While pets can challenge your water chemistry a bit, the physical pool itself is never a concern with fiberglass.
With a vinyl liner, dogs are a constant anxiety source—one quick scratch or snag with a claw can rip the liner, leading to expensive repairs or a total replacement every 5 to 7 years. The thick fiberglass shell takes paw traffic easily without a scratch.
4. Unique Color Choice: Pebble Beach with a Hint of Green
Most pools you see are bright traditional blue. We wanted something distinct, so we chose Pebble Beach with a subtle green tint.
Unique Aesthetic: It gives the water a natural, resort-style look rather than the standard blue box look.
Temperature Balance: The lighter tone doesn’t absorb excess solar heat as rapidly as dark finishes, keeping the water comfortable throughout the hottest stretches of summer.
Fiberglass vs. Concrete vs. Vinyl Liner
When comparing options, fiberglass stands out for its ultra-smooth, non-porous gelcoat finish, which prevents algae buildup, uses far fewer chemicals, and won’t scratch or tear under dog claws like vinyl liners often do. Vinyl liner pools require expensive liner replacements every 5 to 7 years and easily trap algae along their seams, while concrete pools feature rough, abrasive surfaces that require aggressive chemical balancing, frequent scrubbing, and costly replastering every decade. While concrete allows for unlimited sizing and vinyl offers a lower upfront price, fiberglass provides the absolute best long-term durability, lowest lifetime maintenance, and fastest installation, with its main limitation simply being the 15- to 16-foot width maximum required for highway shipping.
Final Thoughts After 8 Seasons
Eight years in, this pool has been worth every ounce of research. From dog swims to intense pool volleyball matches, the custom Viking fiberglass shell has handled everything with minimal upkeep and zero structural issues. If you are on the fence about what type of pool to install, fiberglass is well worth the investment.
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