Long-term care
Concrete vs Fibreglass: Maintenance
Fibreglass pools cost ~R5,000–R8,000 less per year to maintain than equivalent concrete pools, thanks to a smoother surface, fewer chemicals and lower pump runtime.
Maintenance side by side
All figures are Q2 2026 South African averages for a standard family-sized pool.
| Aspect | Concrete | Fibreglass |
|---|---|---|
| Surface texture | Slightly porous (marbelite/plaster) | Smooth, non-porous gel-coat |
| Algae resistance | Lower — pores host algae | High — algae cannot anchor |
| Monthly chemicals | R600 – R1,200 | R400 – R900 |
| Pump runtime needed | 8–10 hrs/day summer | 6–8 hrs/day summer |
| Acid wash frequency | Every 3–7 years | Not required |
| Resurface cycle | 10–15 years (R60k–R120k) | 15–25 years gel-coat (R45k–R90k) |
| pH stability | Plaster raises pH continually | Stable — easier to balance |
10-year lifetime maintenance cost
Concrete (10 yrs)
≈ R150,000 – R220,000
Chemicals + electricity + 1 acid wash + 1 partial resurface allowance.
Fibreglass (10 yrs)
≈ R90,000 – R140,000
Chemicals + electricity, no resurfacing typically required in this period.
See the pillar comparison or our dedicated guides for full numbers.