Concrete Pool or One-Piece Pool; Which is the Better?
The biggest question that arises as far as designing your dream swimming pool main concern is, should you decide on a concrete pool or a one-piece pool?
Although the two have their own advantages, Luxpool being a master’s in swimming pools construction and we have discovered that concrete pools are much more versatile, sturdy and offer the best long-term advantages, particularly to clients who desire to have a real masterpiece of a swimming pool.
To make the right decision, we will discuss the most significant distinctions between the concrete pools and one piece swimming pools include fibreglass and stainless steel, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
Types of Pools.
Concrete Pools
The concrete pool is constructed on site using reinforced concrete. This is the free-form pool method with complete freedom of form, size and depth, which is why it is the preferred option of luxury pool builders and homeowners who desire a complete bespoke design.
High end options with concrete pools are marble, mosaic tiles or natural stone and can be infinity edged, sun shelves or inbuilt spa.
They suit best in the properties that require customized applications, difficult topography, or architectural integration, which is where the swimming pool builders like Luxpool are truly at their best.
One-Piece Pools
A one piece swimming pool is pre-made in a factory and sent at the location as one piece which is ready to be installed. These come in two main types:
a. Fibreglass One-Piece Pools
Fibreglass pools are composed of fibreglass resin-coated that has a gelcoat surface. They are portable, easily installed, and their surface is low-maintenance and smooth.
Nonetheless, they have certain disadvantages:
- The liner to the pool also may fade or crack or even chip with time, particularly under the influence of the UV or bad chemistry in the water.
- One-piece are restricted to pre-shaped and pre-sized forms hence less freedom in design.
- Repairing is a difficult task and is noticeable when refined.
- Fibreglass one-piece pools are preferred when the client is more interested in speed and simplicity rather than in design.
b. One-Piece Pools made of Stainless Steel.
The use of stainless steel swimming pool is a relatively new product in the construction industry of the swimming pools. They are thick, smooth, modern in appearance and more expensive than fiberglass pools.
Pros:
- Rigid but lightweight material.
- Resistant to corrosion and strong when well looked after.
- Premade design is easily installed.
Cons:
- Very costly as compared to fibreglass or concrete.
- Limited shapes and sizes.
- Scratches or water stains can be on reflective surfaces.
- Can rust unless high marine grade Stainless steel is used
- Cut into multiple pieces for site access
Stainless steel pools look different, as they are a modern finish, but they do not give them the same design freedom and integration as concrete pools.
Key Comparison Table
| Factor | Concrete Pool | Fibreglass One-Piece Pool | Stainless Steel One-Piece Pool |
| Flexibility in Design | Complete customisability | Restricted to moulds | Restricted to factory forms |
| Installation Time | 6–8 weeks | 2–3 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
| Sturdiness | Very tough, long-lasting | Surface may fade, crack, or chip | Strong but can scratch |
| Maintenance | Simple cleaning and easy refinishing | Low maintenance, difficult to repair | Easy cleaning but may leave marks |
| Aesthetics | Endless design options (tiles, stone, marble) | Smooth contemporary appearance | Sleek, metallic appearance |
| Cost | Higher initial cost, long-term value | Lower cost, shorter lifespan | Highest total cost |
| Lifespan | 15 years | 5 years | 7 years |
Why Concrete Pools Stand Out
As the foremost swimming pool builders and swimming pool installers at Luxpool, we have observed that concrete is the surest and aesthetics-oriented product to consider when owning a home in the long term.
Here’s why:
Complete Design Liberty: Concrete pools are constructed to any shape, size or depth, perfect when properties have complicated layouts, or when a custom landscape is required.
Limitless Finishes: Select premium materials such as natural stone, porcelain or glass mosaics.
Durability: Reinforced waterproof concrete pools are durable and have a life of decades without much structural problem.
Architectural Integration: Concrete has been able to integrate perfectly with patios, terraces, and landscaping which are very important regarding the amenities of a modern living.
Personal Touches: Infinity edges, steps, LED lighting and spa areas – anything can be built and install in a concrete pool.
Concrete cannot be compared to other materials when it comes to craftsmanship, elegance and value among the clients who seek these aspects.
When a One-Piece Pool is to be considered.
We do understand that one-piece pools may be the right choice with some clients.
You could think of a one-piece pool when:
- You want a pool to be installed fast.
- You have got a small-medium budget to work with.
- You don’t mind ordinary shapes and sizes.
- You want minimal surface finishing or tiling work.
- You don’t want much customization.
- You don’t need long-lasting.
One piece swimmings pools are prefabricated and in this case; you cannot customise at all. They must be fitted in the way they are made, and you are restricted to the shapes, sizes and characteristics that the factory has to offer.
The reasons why Concrete Pools.
Luxpool being the experts in the construction of swimming pools in the UK and have won the multiple awards in pool industry in UAE and UK, we design and construct a concrete swimming pool, which is custom-made to your property and lifestyle. Our design-and-build project comprises all phases including architectural plans and 3D designing, swimming pools construction and completion.
We specialize in production of not only functional but also beautiful pools, which is a long-term investment, which brings beauty and value to your home.
Concrete pool is not simply a place of swimming but luxurious, skilled and individual construction of your swimming pool vision and dream.
Conclusion
There is a place of each type of pool: concrete, fibreglass, or stainless steel swimming pool. However, as far as homeowners interested in luxury, long-term and full-customised pool, the concrete pool is the obvious choice.
Luxpool is a blend of architecture and professional pool construction that produces the result based on your lifestyle and the improvement of your home. This begins with designing your swimming pool in 2D and 3D that provides you with a clear picture of how it is going to appear. After you are completely satisfied with the design we proceed to construction. We do it all in one roof, the initial design idea to the last construction would be your one point of contact.
Contact us today to talk with your project with reputed swimming pool builders, which specialises in custom made concrete pools.
FAQ’s
Concrete pools are longer lasting, personalised, and elegant whereas the one-piece pools are less expensive and faster to set up but not very flexible and reliable.
Concrete: premium, long, homogeneous finishes. Fibreglass: readymade, quick, restricted design. Stainless steel: recent, powerful, costly, restricted forms.
Concrete pools: (6-8 weeks), One-piece fibre glass or steel pools (2-4 weeks) – factory time is not considered.
Concrete pools are the best choice because they have complete design, superior finishes and last long hence are suited in luxury houses and are fully customised.
