Which is better?
Concrete vs. Vinyl Pools
Considering a new pool? Here’s why more homeowners in St. Louis are choosing custom concrete pools from Pool Tron.
If you’re exploring your options for installing a new pool, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is the type of construction:
Should you go with a vinyl liner pool or invest in a custom in-ground concrete pool?
At Pool Tron, we’ve built countless custom pools across the St. Louis area — and while vinyl liner pools may seem like an easier, more affordable option, the long-term advantages of concrete pools are hard to ignore.
Below, we break down the differences to help you make the smartest investment for your home, lifestyle, and future.
🆚 Vinyl Liner Pool vs. Concrete Pool: A Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Vinyl Liner Pool | Concrete (Shotcrete) Pool |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | Lower upfront cost | Higher initial investment |
| Lifespan | 7–12 years per liner | 30+ years with proper care |
| Customization | Limited shapes/sizes | Fully customizable design |
| Durability | Vulnerable to punctures & tears | Extremely durable & weather-resistant |
| Surface Feel | Softer, but less durable | Solid, long-lasting surface |
| Maintenance | Lower short-term cost | Easier to upgrade & resurface |
| Resale Value | Minimal or none | Adds significant property value |
| Aesthetic Appeal | Basic look | High-end finishes & elegant design |
| Long-Term Cost | Frequent liner replacements | One-time investment with long-term return |
🧱 Why Concrete Pools Outperform Vinyl Liner Pools
1. True Customization
Concrete pools give you complete design freedom. Want a vanishing edge? A tanning ledge? A built-in spa? A freeform shape that wraps around your patio? With concrete, it’s all possible.
Vinyl liner pools, by contrast, are limited to pre-manufactured shapes and sizes. If your vision includes a one-of-a-kind backyard escape, vinyl simply can’t deliver the design flexibility that concrete offers.
2. Built to Last for Decades
A well-built concrete pool can last 30, 40, even 50 years with proper maintenance. The surface may need to be refinished every 10–15 years, but the structure itself is incredibly strong and permanent — especially important in the St. Louis climate with freeze-thaw cycles.
Vinyl liners? You’re looking at replacing the liner every 7–12 years, often at a cost of several thousand dollars — not to mention the risk of punctures from pets, toys, or sharp objects.
3. Higher-End Look & Feel
Concrete pools are synonymous with luxury. From elegant tile finishes and natural stone coping to sleek modern shapes, a concrete pool elevates your backyard into a true outdoor living space.
Vinyl liner pools can’t match the upscale look or durability of premium finishes. You’re limited in texture, color, and detailing — and the liner seams are often visible.
4. Greater Property Value
A professionally designed and installed concrete pool is a permanent home improvement that adds real, measurable value. It enhances curb appeal, increases buyer interest, and serves as a long-term asset.
Vinyl pools, being more temporary in construction and limited in aesthetic value, rarely add meaningful equity to your property.
5. Better for St. Louis Weather
Our region experiences hot summers, cold winters, and everything in between. Concrete pools are structurally superiorfor handling seasonal shifts and ground movement. Vinyl liner pools, with their flexible structure, are more prone to wrinkles, bulges, and liner issues in the long run.
So… Are Vinyl Liner Pools Ever the Right Choice?
If your main priority is upfront cost, or you’re looking for a quick and temporary solution, a vinyl liner pool may fit your needs. But if you’re planning to stay in your home long-term — or want a pool that looks stunning, lasts for decades, and adds real value — a custom concrete pool is the smarter investment.
Why Choose Pool Tron?
At Pool Tron, we specialize in building custom in-ground concrete pools for homeowners across St. Louis and the surrounding areas. From design to construction, our team handles every detail with unmatched craftsmanship and a commitment to quality.
✔ 100% Custom Design
✔ Durable Shotcrete Construction
✔ Luxury Finishes & Features
✔ Full Outdoor Living Design Available
Ready to Build the Pool of Your Dreams?
Let’s create a pool that’s built to last — and designed to impress.
📞 Call Pool Tron at (314) 428-1971
📩 Request a free consultation today
📍 Proudly serving St. Louis, St. Charles, Chesterfield, Wildwood, Ladue, Creve Coeur, Lake St. Louis, O’Fallon and beyond
Pool Tron – St. Louis’s Trusted Custom Concrete Pool Builder