Concrete pool or pool shell: which to choose

The choice between a concrete pool and a shell depends on the desired customization, associated costs, durability, and maintenance of your future pool. The pool shell is installed quickly and is easy to clean, while the concrete pool guarantees better longevity and more extensive customization.

The pool shell: simple, efficient, and durable

A polyester shell is manufactured in a factory as an indivisible whole, which significantly reduces installation time upon delivery. Installed by a professional, a shell is placed in a single block in just a few days, but it is necessary to prepare the ground before delivery.

Its Gelcoat coating makes maintenance easier. Less porous than a concrete pool, it reduces the proliferation of microorganisms and algae in the basin as well as on the walls. Cleaning a shell is easy and requires little daily attention. The lifespan of a shell coating is 15 to 20 years.

Available in numerous shapes, sizes, and colors for different atmospheres, shells integrate with most pool projects. Some models offer options such as beach areas and many other features; consult our guide to choose them well if you have doubts. The cost of manufacturing and installation is often lower than that of a concrete pool.

The concrete pool, the ultimate customizable option

Very robust, a concrete pool offers long-term durability superior to that of the shell. However, it requires more significant daily maintenance that must be performed with care and expertise to guarantee the integrity of the basin.

It is always equipped with a coating (liner or reinforced PVC) that will be in direct contact with algae. The quality and thickness of this coating directly influence the durability and cost of your pool. The lifespan…

of a concrete pool coating is 8 to 10 years.

Highly customizable, no shape or dimension is impossible to achieve with a concrete pool. However, each customization will result in higher construction costs compared to a shell pool.

Concrete or shell: let’s take stock

Whether you choose a shell pool or a concrete pool, building your pool will directly increase the value of your property.

Whatever your choice, having a pool built adds value when selling your property. Indeed, according to a study by the Federation of Pool Professionals (FPP), a house with a pool can increase the value of your property by 5% to 20% compared to a house without a pool. The price difference between a house with a pool and one without will largely compensate for the cost of building a pool.