The short comparison
| Vinyl liner | Fiberglass | Concrete or gunite | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installed cost (national) | $20,000 to $40,000 | $20,000 to $85,000 | $35,000 to $120,000 |
| Longevity stated | 10 years | 25 years | 50 to 100 years |
Source: NerdWallet, updated August 26, 2025, citing HomeAdvisor, HomeGuide and Angi. National figures. NerdWallet adds that more expensive options tend to last longest without replacement.
How the three are built
Vinyl liner. A frame holds a flexible vinyl sheet that sits inside the excavation. The liner is the part that eventually needs replacing. Colonial Pool & Spa in Fort Myers lists both new vinyl liner pools and liner replacements on its website.
Fiberglass. A shell is made off site and set into the excavation. Because the shape comes from a mold, you choose from the shapes a manufacturer offers.
Concrete or gunite. The pool is formed on site with steel and sprayed concrete, then finished with plaster or another interior. This gives the most freedom in shape and size, and it is usually the most expensive option in the table above.
Questions to ask a Fort Myers builder
- Which of these types do you build yourselves, and which do you subcontract?
- What is the warranty on the shell, the liner or the finish, and who honors it?
- What will resurfacing, a new liner or major repairs cost later, and how often do they happen?
- How does the design handle the Southwest Florida water table and rain? Ask them to explain it in writing for your lot.
- Does the quote include the safety feature required by Florida law?
The right type depends on your budget, your lot and how long you plan to own the home. A builder who only sells one type will naturally recommend it, so ask at least one who builds more than one.