Prefab Pool Installation vs Concrete Pools: Time Comparison and Key Considerations

Installing a swimming pool is a major move for any homeowner. Though design, cost, and features are all important, one of the most popular questions that people ask is: How long is it going to take to install? With the rise of prefabricated fiberglass pools, many are now comparing them to traditional concrete pools—not just in terms of price or appearance, but how quickly they can be ready for use.

When deciding between the two, it is not all about the appearance and materials. It also impacts your project timeline, cost, and the time it will take you to enjoy your outside space. At the end of this guide, you will know why there is a shift towards prefabricated solutions and why experienced prefab pool installers are so important in making the process less complicated.

Understanding the Two Pool Types

Before we consider the time it takes to install each of the pools, it is good to know how they are constructed. The manufacturing process of prefab and concrete pools is very different, and this influences the amount of time, money, and effort required.

What Is a Prefab Pool?

A prefabricated pool is a pool that is pre-molded in a factory and shipped to the site as a single piece (or in different pieces, in case of modular pools). When it is delivered, it is either placed on the ground or gets inserted into an excavated hole and linked to plumbing and electricity, and finished with decking or landscaping. The whole process is efficient because it has an off-site production model.

What Is a Traditional Concrete Pool?

A concrete pool is an entirely new structure that is erected on the site of the installation and is usually made with the use of shotcrete or gunite. It needs digging, framing, laying rebar, spraying concrete, drying it, plastering, and laying tiles. Each phase is subject to specific weather conditions, availability of contractors, and drying periods.

Installation Timelines Compared

Since we have the distinction between the two types now, we can discuss how long each of them takes to be installed. Time matters, especially if you want your pool ready sooner rather than later.

Prefab Pool Installation Time

The installation of the prefab pool is much quicker. Depending on the complexity of the project and the accessibility of the site, it takes an average of 7-21 days to be excavated and completed. And if it is an above-ground prefab pool, it can be ready in less than 24 hours. Here's a simplified breakdown:

Excavation & Site Prep: 2–3 days

Delivery & Placement: 1–2 days

Plumbing & Electrical: 2–4 days 

Backfilling & Decking: 5–10 days

You can achieve such a quick turnaround because the pool comes as a complete shell. No on-site curing or structural forming is required. Credible fiberglass pool manufacturers ensure that every pool is thoroughly tested in the factory, thus reducing the chance of unexpected delays.

Concrete Pool Installation Time 

The average time to complete a concrete pool is between 8-12 weeks, depending on the complexity of the design and the weather conditions. Here's a typical timeline:

Excavation & Framework: 1–2 weeks 

Concrete Spraying: 1 week

Curing Time: 2–4 weeks 

Tiling, Coping & Plastering: 2–3 weeks

Landscaping & Decking: 1–2 weeks 

This is a tentative timeline, which can be delayed by unfavorable weather, contractor backlogs, and curing delays. In some areas, the whole project may extend to 4 months.

Other Key Considerations

The time of installation should be considered; however, it is not the only factor to consider. Costs, materials, and the strength of the pool in the long run also contribute significantly to your decision.

Cost Implications of Installation Time

Time affects cost in two ways: direct labor and indirect disruptions. The longer the installation takes, the more hours the contractors will have to spend, and it could even cost them more to pay for accommodation. Prefab pools are usually cheaper in all aspects of labor because the installation process takes days rather than months.

Also, faster set-up implies that you will not have to be so distracted by its installation. There is less noise, less mess, and your backyard can be fully functional earlier.

Material and Structural Reliability

While both fiberglass and concrete pools are durable materials, fiberglass pools come pre-finished, which ensures quality consistency. Top fiberglass pool manufacturers use automated machinery and controlled environments to avoid issues like structural cracks or uneven finishes.

Concrete pools can be customized, but they are dependent on the expertise of the labor on the site. Improper use at any stage, particularly in curing, may cause long-term maintenance problems.

The Role of Experienced Installers 

The efficiency and effectiveness of any prefab pool installation are also a matter of the expertise of your installation crew. Trustworthy prefab pool installers will take care of all aspects, including the evaluation of the logistics of the area and synchronizing the plumbing. They can also troubleshoot fast since they have the experience to do it in case there are any complications during placement or setup.

If you’re considering installation options, AUpool.net offers a curated range of fiberglass and acrylic pools to choose from. Couple them with professional installation services to ensure both speed and quality.

Maintenance and Lifespan Considerations

Installing a pool is one thing; the performance of the pool over the years is another. Some pools require regular maintenance, and others are less demanding and require less maintenance. Let’s talk about the maintenance requirements of some of the popular pool types.

Fiberglass Pools

Fiberglass pools are characterized by low maintenance and a long lifetime. According to a 2023 industry report by PK Data, fiberglass pools have an average lifespan of 25–30 years with minimal upkeep, mainly because their smooth surfaces prevent algae growth and resist staining.

Concrete Pools

Concrete pools have the longest life spans- approximately 40 years; however, these types of pools are much more labor-intensive to maintain. They are more expensive in the long run as they require acid washing, resurfacing (every 10-15 years), and increased use of chemicals. They have a porous surface, which promotes the accumulation of algae, and hence, it has to be cleaned frequently.

Resale and Property Impact

A pool does not have to be a relaxation point only; it may also influence the value of your home. Depending on the kind of pool you select, it could make your property look unique or, if it is not well-maintained, become a liability. It is worth considering the role of each choice in terms of future resale value.

Nonetheless, a Home Light (2022) survey revealed that houses with a well-maintained fiberglass pool would sell more quickly than houses with deteriorated or damaged concrete pools. Fiberglass is usually favored by buyers because it is easy to maintain and has a contemporary finish.

Environmental Impact

Prefab pools tend to be more environmentally friendly since production is controlled in a factory. Waste is minimized, and quality control ensures that fewer materials are used inefficiently. Moreover, the installation requires less water in the course of construction because it does not require various surface treatments.

Concrete construction at the site may be more wasteful. Too many materials, construction delays, and the number of contractor visits to the site increase the carbon footprint.

Realistic Expectations and Site Conditions

Although prefab pools tend to take less time to construct, the site conditions may affect the schedule. Other factors need to be considered, like the availability of cranes, the stability of the soil, and the approval of the local permits.

This is where the experienced prefab pool installers come in handy. They conduct site checks at the initial stage and make modifications. Concrete pools, in contrast, offer more flexibility in design for unusual or sloped sites but at the cost of added time.

FAQs

How much does a 10x10 inground pool cost?

A simple 10x10 fiberglass pool can be $20,000 to 35,000, depending on site preparation, material, and other features. Concrete choices can be a little bit expensive because of the extra labor.

What is the most expensive part of installing a pool (prefab vs traditional)?

The most expensive work in prefab pools is site preparation and crane delivery. Because of their time-consuming nature, labor and tiling work are the most costly in conventional concrete pools.

How long do fiberglass pools last?

The fiberglass pools tend to be 25 to 30 years old, but it depends on how well they are kept up and whether they are affected by any structural shifts.

Can I install a fiberglass pool myself?

Technically, it can be done, but it is not advisable. The process of installation includes excavation, the use of cranes, plumbing, and electrical work, all of which require permits and specialized skills. Even if it’s an above-ground pool, you will still need to level the ground, connect plumbing and electric supplies. So, it is safe and compliant to hire prefab pool installers who are qualified for the job.

Which is cheaper, gunite or fiberglass pools?

When including the cost of installation, time, and long-term maintenance costs, fiberglass pools are usually 10-25 percent less expensive than gunite pools. They also consume fewer chemicals in their lifetime.

Conclusion

To round up, the prefab pool installation provides a much-reduced time compared to the traditional concrete pool. Although both types of pools are beneficial in their way, the prefab pools are much faster, consistent, and require less maintenance, which makes them a wise option to choose as a homeowner.

If you want to reduce disruption and achieve quicker outcomes, a prefab solution is worth considering seriously. Quality products and installation experience, offered by professional suppliers, contribute to the smooth and timely makeover of your backyard.

With proper preparation and a crew of qualified installers, your pool may only take a few days to complete, which means that you can spend more time enjoying less time waiting around.