Creating inviting spaces for relaxing or entertaining outdoors continues to be a major focus for today’s homeowners. And when it comes to designing an alluring—and refreshing—focal point, it’s hard to beat an inground pool.
With growing demand, today’s pools come in a wide range of shapes, materials and customizable features. Pool styles include: Rectangular pools for fitness swimmers and lap swimming. Freeform pools for a natural, resort-inspired look with distinct activity and lounging areas. Plunge pools that maximize smaller spaces with a compact, deeper design.
- Rectangular pools for fitness swimmers and lap swimming.
- Freeform pools for a natural, resort-inspired look with distinct activity and lounging areas.
- Plunge pools that maximize smaller spaces with a compact, deeper design.
The primary materials are:
- Concrete/gunite: Highly customizable in size, shape and depth, but requires periodic resurfacing.
- Vinyl liner: Built with a metal or polymer frame and custom liner, offering the lowest installation cost, though liners typically need replacement every five to 10 years.
- Fiberglass: A pre-molded shell installed in one piece. It features a smooth surface, minimal maintenance requirements, and no need for resurfacing.
“Years ago, people thought these were small pools in basic shapes. But more and more people are discovering the range and benefits of fiberglass,” says Chase Keller, regional operations manager for Leisure Pools Cincinnati.
Installation is one advantage. Once excavation begins, many families can be swimming within a month. Although initial costs are similar to concrete, fiberglass generally costs less to own over the long term because it never requires resurfacing. Its smooth, non-porous gelcoat surface also resists algae growth, reducing chemical use. In climates with freeze-thaw cycles, fiberglass’ flexible vinyl ester resin construction helps it withstand ground movement without cracking.
Make it your own
Homeowners can personalize their fiberglass pools with features such as tanning ledges, spas, heaters for extended-season use, built-in bench seating, waterfalls, fountains, jets, slides, and custom lighting.
Safety is another consideration. Keller notes that every one of his company’s pools includes a swim out ledge around the perimeter, giving swimmers a place to rest while providing children and less confident swimmers with an easy exit and an added level of safety.
To complete the project, homeowners should also choose decking materials—such as concrete, pavers or natural stone—as well as covers, automation systems, fencing and landscaping to complement the finished design.
Article originally appeared in the August 2026 HOMEARAMA® Show Guide,