The Three Main Pool Construction Methods

If you’re considering a custom pool in Utah, you’ve probably run into three main construction methods: gunite (concrete), fiberglass, and structural foam. Each one has real trade-offs — and the right choice depends on your lot, your budget, and how long you want your pool to last without major headaches.

Here’s an honest breakdown of all three, based on what we see building pools across the Wasatch Front and Utah County.

Gunite (Concrete) Pools

Gunite has been the go-to for custom pools for decades. A steel rebar framework is built inside the excavation, and concrete is sprayed over it at high pressure. Once it cures, the surface gets finished with plaster, pebble aggregate, or tile.

Where Gunite Shines

• Unlimited shapes and sizes — if you can draw it, it can be built
• Proven track record — contractors everywhere know how to build them
• Premium surface finishes — pebble, glass bead, and full-tile options

Where Gunite Falls Short

• Long build times — 3 to 6 months is typical in Utah, sometimes longer
• Higher maintenance costs — plaster surfaces need resurfacing every 8–12 years ($5,000–$15,000+)
• No insulation — concrete is a terrible insulator, so your heater works overtime, especially during Utah’s cold shoulder seasons
• Cracking risk — Utah’s freeze-thaw cycles and expansive clay soils put stress on rigid concrete shells
• Rough surfaces — plaster finishes can be abrasive on skin and swimwear

Fiberglass Pools

Fiberglass pools are pre-manufactured shells that get delivered on a truck and dropped into your excavation. Think of it like buying a bathtub — you’re choosing from existing molds, not designing from scratch.

Where Fiberglass Shines

• Fast installation — typically 2 to 4 weeks once the shell arrives
• Smooth, non-porous surface — resists algae growth and feels great underfoot
• Low chemical use — the gelcoat surface doesn’t interact with pool chemistry the way plaster does

Where Fiberglass Falls Short

• Limited shapes and sizes — you’re stuck with whatever molds the manufacturer offers (most max out around 16 feet wide due to highway transport limits)
• No true customization — no custom benches, tanning ledges in unique positions, or non-standard depths
• Spider cracking — the gelcoat surface can develop hairline cracks over time, especially in climates with big temperature swings
• No insulation — same heating cost problem as gunite
• Delivery challenges — getting a 40-foot shell through Utah neighborhoods with tight turns, power lines, and steep driveways can be a nightmare (and sometimes impossible)

Structural Foam (EPS) Pools

This is the newer method — and the one we build with at Advantage Custom Pools. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) structural foam panels are assembled to create the pool shell, then reinforced with steel and concrete. The result is a fully custom, insulated pool structure with a marble-clad finish.

Where Structural Foam Shines

• Built-in insulation — EPS panels insulate the pool shell on all sides, significantly reducing heat loss. In Utah where nighttime temps can drop 30+ degrees, this means lower heating bills and a longer swim season without cranking the heater
• Fully custom shapes — same design flexibility as gunite, without the limitations of fiberglass molds
• Faster builds — panels go up quickly, cutting weeks off the timeline compared to traditional gunite
• 40+ year structural warranty — the foam-and-concrete composite doesn’t degrade the way standalone plaster does
• Marble-clad finish — a durable, premium finish that doesn’t need resurfacing every decade
• Handles tough lots — the lighter panel system works well on slopes, tight access lots, and areas with challenging soil conditions that make traditional construction harder

Where Structural Foam Has Limits

• Fewer local contractors — not every pool builder has experience with EPS construction (we do — it’s our specialty)
• Higher upfront cost than fiberglass — though lifetime costs are typically lower because you’re not resurfacing or paying sky-high heating bills

How They Compare: Side by Side

Here’s the quick comparison for Utah homeowners:

• Customization: Gunite and structural foam offer unlimited shapes. Fiberglass is limited to pre-made molds.
• Build time: Fiberglass is fastest (2–4 weeks), structural foam is next (6–10 weeks), gunite is slowest (3–6 months).
• Insulation: Only structural foam has built-in insulation. Gunite and fiberglass have none.
• Longevity: Structural foam panels carry a 40+ year warranty. Gunite plaster needs resurfacing every 8–12 years. Fiberglass gelcoat can spider-crack.
• Utah climate fit: Structural foam handles freeze-thaw cycles and temperature swings better because the insulation protects the structure. Gunite is most vulnerable to cracking from thermal expansion.
• Difficult lots: Structural foam panels are lighter and easier to work with on slopes. Fiberglass shells are nearly impossible to deliver to some Utah properties.

Which Should You Choose?

If you want a small, simple pool installed fast and your lot has easy truck access — fiberglass might work fine. If you want unlimited customization and don’t mind resurfacing costs down the road — gunite is a solid choice.

But if you want the best combination of customization, insulation, durability, and long-term value — especially in Utah’s climate — structural foam is hard to beat. That’s why we build with it.

Want to see what a structural foam pool would cost for your specific project? Try our free budget calculator — it takes about 3 minutes and gives you a personalized estimate. Or reach out to us directly to talk through your project.