Most Tulsa families choose between two pools: fiberglass or concrete. We build both fiberglass and custom gunite pools, so we have no reason to steer you either way.
The wrong pick costs you twice, because you pay for it on day one and then live with it for decades. This guide gives you our real prices, our real build times, and the honest trade-offs between the two.
One quick note on terminology: a concrete pool and a gunite pool are the same thing. Gunite is the sprayed concrete that forms the shell, so we use both words in this guide.
Fiberglass vs Concrete at a Glance
Here is the short version of the comparison. All prices below are Silverado Rock starting prices, and the sections that follow explain each row.
| Category | Fiberglass | Concrete (gunite) |
|---|---|---|
| Plunge pool starts at | $45,000 | $55,000 |
| Full-size pool starts at | $50,000 | $100,000 |
| Build time | 4 to 6 weeks, shell delivery included | 3 to 6 months from contract |
| Shape and size | Set by the factory mold | Almost any shape or size |
| Interior surface | Smooth gel coat | Plaster or pebble finish |
| Surface upkeep | Gel coat wears slowly | Plaster needs resurfacing over time |
| Equipment | Jandy equipment is standard | Jandy only, at least $12,000 of it |
| Heat and chill unit | Optional | Included on full-size builds |
| Crane | Only when access is tight | Not needed |
Once you sign, your quoted price is fixed, except in one case. If the excavator hits buried rock no one could see, the dig takes longer, and the price can change.
What Each Pool Costs in Tulsa
Price is the first question almost every family asks us, so here are our numbers with nothing hidden behind a phone call.
Fiberglass Pool Prices
We price fiberglass pools by length, because each shell comes from the factory in a set size.
| Size band | Pool length | Starting price |
|---|---|---|
| Plunge | Leisure plunge models | $45,000 |
| Small | Under 23 feet | $50,000 |
| Medium | 23 to 30 feet | $55,000 |
| Large | Over 30 feet | $65,000 |
Most of our fiberglass projects land between $45,000 and $90,000 once we add the yard and features. Each starting price includes installation, concrete work, plumbing, pool electrical, and waterline tile. It also covers Jandy equipment, pool startup, pool school, and a maintenance kit.
For a full breakdown by size, see our fiberglass pool cost post.
Gunite Pool Prices
Gunite pricing depends on size more than anything else. A gunite plunge pool starts at $55,000, and a full-size custom gunite pool starts at $100,000.
Every gunite pool we build gets an 8-inch shell, the highest-rated rebar, and at least $12,000 of Jandy equipment. We don't offer good, better, and best equipment tiers, so every gunite family gets the same top-line gear. Every full-size gunite pool also includes a Jandy VersaTemp heat pump, which heats the water in spring and fall and cools it in July.
From there, the price climbs with size, depth, and shape, so a beach entry, a vanishing edge, or a lap lane adds cost.
How Our Prices Compare to National Numbers
National cost guides show the same basic pattern. NerdWallet pulls data from several cost sites and lists national pool costs of $20,000 to $85,000 for fiberglass and $35,000 to $120,000 for concrete.
Treat those as national benchmarks, not Tulsa quotes. Two builders can include very different work in a starting price, so always compare what each quote covers.
What Is Not in Any Starting Price
A few costs sit outside every starting price, for both pool types:
- Permit fees: Each city sets its own fees, and amounts vary across the metro.
- Dirt hauling: A pool dig creates a large pile of dirt, and most yards can't accommodate it.
- An electrical panel upgrade: Some homes need a bigger panel to run pool equipment.
- Crane service: This applies only to fiberglass, and only when the shell must be lifted over the house.
Rain and permit delays work differently because they can cost you time but don't add dollars to your contract.
What Moves the Final Number
Your yard and wish list set the rest of the price, and they are the biggest drivers we see for both pool types.
A sloped yard: A full inground pool on a slope often needs a retaining wall and fill first. That work runs $10,000 to $15,000 on our builds, and we measure every yard in person since no two slopes are the same.
Extra decking: Each starting price includes some concrete work, and extra concrete decking costs $17 to $21 per square foot.
A spa: We sell Leisure Pools inground spas, starting at about $30,000 installed. A spa works with either pool type.
Comparing quotes from other builders? Our free checklist of seven builder questions shows you what to ask before you sign. No email is needed, and you can print it for your meetings.
Build Time: Weeks vs Months
For many families, time matters as much as money, and this is the biggest practical gap between the two pool types.
How a Fiberglass Build Runs
A fiberglass build takes 4 to 6 weeks, including shell delivery. The shell is made in a factory, so most of the hard work happens before it reaches your yard.
We dig the hole, set the shell on a bed of 3/8 chip stone, and then backfill, plumb, tile the waterline, and pour the deck. We hold off on swimming until the whole job is done, so your first swim happens in a finished backyard.
How a Gunite Build Runs
A gunite build takes 3 to 6 months from the day you sign, including permits, and every step happens in your yard.
We dig, set the steel, spray the shell, and then let it cure. We wet it three to five times a day for the first week, then daily until plaster. Tile, coping, plaster, and the deck come after that.
When to Sign So You Swim on Time
Permits take one to four weeks, depending on your city. We also add a 30-day cushion to every schedule because Oklahoma weather doesn't care about your plans.
Here is a hypothetical example, not a real customer. Two families sign on the same day in early March. The fiberglass family can expect to swim by early summer, while the gunite family may not swim until late summer or fall. That gap is a whole season of cannonballs, birthday parties, and warm evenings in the water with your kids.
For a Memorial Day swim date, plan to sign a fiberglass contract by mid-February. A gunite pool needs about seven months, so sign by the end of October the year before.
Tulsa Clay Soil: The Build Decides
You may hear that clay soil is bad for one pool type and fine for the other, but that is not true. Any pool type can go into Tulsa clay.
Why Clay Gets So Much Attention
Clay swells when it gets wet and shrinks when it dries out. The USGS Swelling Clays Map shows where these soils occur across the country.
You can look up the soil on your own lot with the USDA Web Soil Survey. The tool is free, and it shows the soil types under any address you enter.
What Matters in Clay
Pool type doesn't determine how a pool handles clay; the base, backfill, drainage, and deck prep do. A careful build works in clay, while a shortcut build can fail in any soil.
How We Build Fiberglass for Clay
We set every fiberglass shell on at least 4 inches of 3/8 chip stone, and some spots get 5 to 7 inches. Then we backfill around the shell with the same stone and compact it dry, with no water jetting.
Small crushed stone locks together when packed, and water drains through it instead of sitting on top. A typical build takes 80 to 100 tons of stone.
Many builders use sand because it is cheap, but sand holds water, and wet sand can shift and wash out. We have replaced a deck around a sand-backfilled pool built by another company. You can see why we never use sand in our fiberglass backfill post.
How We Build Gunite for Clay
A gunite pool gets its strength from the shell itself, so we build every gunite shell 8 inches thick with the highest-rated rebar.
Both pool types get one more safeguard. We set a pipe in the chip stone at the deep end that runs up to a cap in the deck. If groundwater builds up under the pool, a pump can drop into that pipe and pull the water out.
Upkeep and Surface: Where the Long-Term Costs Hide
The price you pay on day one is only part of the story, because the pool surface drives much of what you spend later.
The Fiberglass Surface
A fiberglass pool has a gel coat surface that feels smooth to the touch and stays smooth for years.
We install Leisure Pools shells, which are built with vinyl ester resin. Leisure backs each shell with a lifetime structural warranty, a lifetime structural osmosis warranty, and the gel coat carries a 10-year warranty. You can read the details on the Leisure shell warranty page.
We tile the waterline on every fiberglass pool we build. Tile helps prevent fading and chalking along the waterline and guards the edge from dog claws.
The gel coat is the part that wears, and its quality varies from one maker to the next. If it ever wears out, we resurface the whole pool instead of patching it, because patches rarely match.
The Concrete Surface
A gunite pool is finished with plaster or a pebble finish. Concrete is porous and can harbor algae, so it takes more chemicals and more brushing than a gel coat surface.
Plaster also wears over time, and national cost data puts plaster resurfacing at about $5,500 per 1,000 square feet. HomeAdvisor gives two answers on timing. Its resurfacing cost data says a solid plaster job lasts 5 to 10 years. Its inground pool guide says to resurface every 10 to 15 years.
Pebble finishes, such as Pebble Sheen, cost more up front but last longer than plain plaster. Pebble finishes also feel textured, which some families like for grip, while others find them rough on bare feet.
What Is the Same on Both
Power costs are about equal because the pump is the biggest power draw on any pool. We use Jandy variable-speed pumps on both types, and we program the pump speeds before handoff.
At 600 RPM, our pumps draw about 39 watts, and at 1,200 RPM they draw about 95 watts. At low speed, that is less power than an old 60-watt light bulb.
Winter care is the same for both types. We close pools for winter starting at $350, which includes blowing out the lines and putting on your existing cover.
The 10-Year Picture
Here is a hypothetical 16x32 pool, not a real customer, to show how the costs stack up. Our prices are starting prices, and the resurfacing figure is a national benchmark, not a Tulsa quote.
| Cost over 10 years | Fiberglass, 16x32 | Gunite, 16x32 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $65,000 | $100,000 |
| Resurfacing | None expected | About $3,300, once |
| Chemicals | Lower | Higher, due to the porous surface |
| Starting total | About $65,000 | About $103,300 |
HomeAdvisor lists about $3,300 to resurface a 16x32 pool, which is where that figure comes from. If the plaster lasts more than 10 years, the gunite pool skips that cost. If it wears fast, it could need two resurfacings in the same span.
We didn't include dollar figures for chemicals because water care costs vary too much from one family to the next. The direction is clear, though, since a porous surface needs more sanitizer and more brushing.
Design Freedom: Where Gunite Wins
This is the one category where concrete has a clear edge. If your dream pool does not exist in any factory mold, gunite is the answer.
What Gunite Can Do
Gunite pools are built in place so that they can take almost any shape, size, or depth. A long lap lane, a beach entry, a deep end for diving, and benches anywhere are all on the table.
Sloped yards are where gunite really shines, because a Tulsa lot that falls away can hold a vanishing edge that spills toward the view. Many builders see a slope as a problem, but we see a design feature.
What Fiberglass Can Do
A fiberglass shell is built in a factory and shipped by truck, so the mold sets the shape and road limits cap its width.
Even so, choices are wide, since Leisure Pools makes plunge pools, family pools, and long rectangles with built-in steps and benches. Some fiberglass makers even sell infinity-edge models, so a vanishing edge isn't limited to gunite.
A Note on Spas
You can add a spa to either pool type, but we suggest keeping the spa separate from the pool. A separate spa stays open all winter after the pool closes, and it provides real hydrotherapy that an attached spa cannot match.
Lifespan: What Lasts Longest
Both pool types are built to last decades, so the real difference is which parts need work over time.
A fiberglass shell should last 50 years or more when installed right, and the installation determines that number. A shell on packed chip stone has firm support for life, while a shell on washed-out sand does not.
On a gunite pool, the shell is built to last, while the plaster or pebble surface needs work over the years. Plan for at least one resurfacing in your budget if you choose gunite.
Two Myths We Hear
Families bring a lot of advice to our first meeting, and some of it costs people money. These two myths come up more than any others.
Myth 1: Concrete is always the premium choice. Gunite costs more because you build it by hand in your yard, not because it is the best pool for every family. A fiberglass pool that fits your yard is not a step down.
Myth 2: Fiberglass pools are small. Plunge pools get a lot of attention, but fiberglass shells also come in long family sizes, and our large band covers pools over 30 feet.
How to Compare Fiberglass and Gunite Quotes
Two quotes for the same pool can differ widely because they cover different work. Lay them side by side and ask these seven questions.
- Is this the full pool or just the shell? A shell price is not a pool price, so make sure you compare full builds only.
- What goes under and around the pool, and how is it packed? For fiberglass, you want compacted stone, not sand. For gunite, ask about shell thickness and rebar.
- How will you handle groundwater under the pool? A good builder has a plan to relieve pressure if water builds up below the shell.
- What brand of equipment, and which pump? Get model numbers, not just the words "variable speed."
- Is waterline tile included? On a fiberglass pool, tile protects the gel coat along the waterline from fading and chalking.
- Which costs are left out? Permits, dirt hauling, crane service, and electrical panel work are the usual ones to look for.
- What can change the price after I sign? A good builder gives a short, specific answer in writing.
A builder who answers all seven with ease has done this many times. A builder who dodges the questions is telling you something too.
Which Pool Fits Your Family?
Most families can tell which side they are on after reading the two short lists below.
Choose fiberglass if:
- You want to swim this summer, not wait until next year.
- A factory shape fits your yard, your family, and the way you plan to use the pool.
- You want a smooth surface that never needs plaster work.
- Your budget for a full-size pool is below the $100,000 starting price for gunite.
- You have dogs and want the steps closest to the house.
Choose gunite if:
- You want a shape, size, or depth that no factory mold offers.
- You have a sloped lot and want a vanishing edge built to fit it exactly.
- You want a deep end for diving or a long lap lane for exercise.
- Design matters more to you than speed or starting price.
- You are comfortable waiting three to six months for the finished pool.
Still not sure? That is normal, and the quiz at the end of this page takes about 90 seconds to point you toward the right type.
What I Recommend
I build both, and I'll quote you both. I don't care which one you pick. What I care about is that the pool fits your yard, your budget, and your family.
Pick gunite for the right reason: Choose gunite because you want something a mold can't give you. Don't choose it because you think concrete is tougher. Both pools last a long time when they're built right.
Pick fiberglass for the right reason: If a factory shape fits your yard, fiberglass gets you swimming months sooner for less money. That's more summer evenings with your kids.
Ask about the base, not just the brand: The install decides how any pool ages. Ask every builder what goes under and around the pool, and listen closely.
Start simple on water care: I suggest Pristine Blue for the first year. If you still want salt after that, we can add it.
Sign early: Winter is the best time to plan a summer pool. You get your pick of dates and room for bad weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, a fiberglass or concrete pool?
It depends on what you want from the pool. Fiberglass is better for most families who want a proven shape, a faster build, and less surface upkeep. Concrete is better when you want a custom shape, size, or depth that no mold offers.
Is a fiberglass pool cheaper than a concrete pool in Tulsa?
Yes, in most cases. At Silverado Rock, fiberglass pools start at $45,000, and most full-size fiberglass pools start between $50,000 and $65,000. A gunite plunge pool starts at $55,000, and a full-size custom gunite pool starts at $100,000.
Is a gunite pool the same as a concrete pool?
Yes. Gunite is sprayed concrete that forms the pool shell, so people use "gunite pool" and "concrete pool" to mean the same thing. Shotcrete is a close cousin that is also sprayed concrete.
How long does it take to build each pool type?
A fiberglass pool takes 4 to 6 weeks to build, including shell delivery. A gunite pool takes 3 to 6 months from the day you sign, including permits. Permits take one to four weeks, depending on your city.
Which pool type is better for Tulsa clay soil?
Neither pool type wins on clay, and any pool type can go into Tulsa clay. The base, backfill, drainage, and deck prep determine how well a pool handles clay soil over time.
Which pool costs less to maintain?
Fiberglass usually costs less to keep up because its smooth gel coat surface never needs plaster work. Concrete is porous, so it needs more chemicals and brushing, and its plaster needs resurfacing over time.
How long does a fiberglass pool last?
A fiberglass shell should last 50 years or more when installed correctly, and the gel coat is the part that wears. Leisure Pools backs its shells with a lifetime structural warranty and a 10-year gel coat warranty.
Can a fiberglass pool have a vanishing edge?
Yes, in some cases, because some fiberglass makers sell infinity edge models. A gunite pool gives you more freedom, though, because you can build the edge to any length to fit your slope.
Does Silverado Rock build both fiberglass and concrete pools?
Yes. We build fiberglass pools with Leisure Pools shells, custom gunite pools, and semi-inground vinyl liner pools. We serve Tulsa and the nearby cities, and we quote both types side by side.
Find the Pool That Fits Your Yard
Still deciding between fiberglass and concrete? Find your perfect pool. Answer a few quick questions about your yard, and we'll show you the pool type and features that fit your plans.
