The “backyard boom” in Wesley Chapel is moving fast. With new construction in Wiregrass Ranch and Epperson, many homeowners are rushing to get a pool in the ground. You might be tempted by the promise of a “2-week installation” from fiberglass pool dealers.
However, a swimming pool is a permanent modification to your property. It is not something you should rush.
While fiberglass swimming pools have gained popularity for their speed, concrete (shotcrete) pools remain the gold standard for Florida homeowners who prioritize structural integrity, resale value, and true customization.
Before you drop a pre-made shell into your backyard, you need to understand why New Pool Construction experts in Tampa Bay overwhelmingly prefer concrete.
The primary selling point of a fiberglass pool is speed. A shell is delivered on a truck and dropped into a hole. You could be swimming in a month.
But ask yourself: Are you building a pool for this summer, or for the next 20 years?
Fiberglass pools are manufactured in a factory using a limited set of molds. Because they must be shipped on highways, they are restricted in width (usually 16 feet max).
This is the “dirty little secret” of the pool industry in Florida. Wesley Chapel and Pasco County have high water tables and sandy soil that shifts during our heavy summer rains.
It does not float, bulge, or shift. In Florida’s swampy soil, weight is safety.
Walk barefoot into a fiberglass pool, and then into a concrete pool. The difference is instant.
When you sell your home in a premium neighborhood like The Ridge at Wiregrass and The Esplanade, buyers expect luxury.
Pro Tip: A concrete pool can be fully renovated in 15 or 20 years to look brand new. You can change the tile, the finish color, and even add features like sun shelves. A fiberglass pool is a permanent mold; you cannot change its shape or features once it is in the ground.
Is a concrete pool really that much harder to maintain than fiberglass?
While concrete is porous, modern interior finishes like PebbleTec are dense and resistant to staining. With modern salt systems and automation, maintaining a concrete pool takes just minutes a week.
Why do fiberglass pools cost nearly the same as concrete now?
Fiberglass prices have skyrocketed due to shipping and manufacturing costs. You are often paying the same price for a pre-made plastic shell as you would for a custom-built, steel-reinforced concrete pool.
Can you build a concrete pool in a small backyard?
This is where concrete shines. We can build a “cocktail pool” or “spool” that fits perfectly into small lots in high-density areas like Chapel Crossings, maximizing every inch of space.
How long does a concrete pool take to build in Wesley Chapel?
Typically 3 to 5 months. While this is longer than fiberglass, the curing process ensures your pool is structurally sound for decades. Good things take time.
Why Choose Larsen’s Pool & Spa?
We don’t sell “shells.” We build outdoor environments.
At Larsen’s Pool & Spa, we have chosen to work exclusively with New Pool Construction using concrete (shotcrete) because we refuse to compromise on quality. We know the soil conditions in Tampa Bay, and we know that a steel-reinforced concrete structure is the only way to guarantee a pool that lasts a lifetime without bulging or floating.
Don’t settle for a pool that comes on a truck.
Get a Free Quote today and let us design a custom pool that is built for your home, not just dropped at it.
