Key Takeaways

• Industry sources typically cite fiberglass installation timelines of a few weeks versus several months for concrete, which also carries a periodic resurfacing cost.
• In Myrtle Beach's sandy, humid coastal climate, fiberglass resists algae and uses fewer chemicals than concrete.
• Concrete pools offer unlimited shape and size customization, but come with higher upfront and long-term costs than a fiberglass shell.
• For most Grand Strand homeowners, fiberglass is the better value — lower maintenance, faster to swim in, and built for coastal conditions.

Fiberglass vs Concrete Pools: Which Is Best in Myrtle Beach?

For most homeowners along the Grand Strand, a fiberglass pool is the better choice over concrete. Fiberglass typically installs faster, costs less to maintain over its lifetime, and is a popular choice in Myrtle Beach's coastal conditions. Concrete wins only when you need a fully custom shape or size that no manufactured shell can match.

Choosing between fiberglass and concrete is the single biggest decision you'll make when building an inground pool in South Carolina. Both build a permanent, in-ground swimming pool, but they differ in installation time, upfront cost, long-term maintenance, and how well they handle our coastal climate. Understanding those differences up front saves you money and frustration down the road. As a dedicated fiberglass pool builder in Myrtle Beach, Black Dog Pools sees these trade-offs play out in real backyards across Horry County every season.

How Long Does Each Pool Take to Install?

Fiberglass pool manufacturers typically cite installation timelines of 2 to 4 weeks, while concrete pools generally take 3 to 6 months to complete. Fiberglass shells arrive pre-molded from the manufacturer, while concrete pools are constructed entirely on-site with curing time between stages.

Weather delays, common during South Carolina's rainy summer months and hurricane season, can stretch a concrete build well past six months. Actual timelines for any project depend on the site, permitting, and weather.

Fiberglass vs Concrete Pool Cost Comparison

Fiberglass and concrete pools have similar starting prices in Myrtle Beach — roughly $45,000 to $85,000 installed — but concrete costs significantly more over time. A fiberglass pool's smooth gel-coat surface resists algae and has no plaster finish to redo, while industry sources put concrete resurfacing at roughly every 10 to 15 years and $10,000 or more.

Here's where the money really differs:

• Chemicals: Concrete's porous, alkaline surface raises pH constantly and feeds algae, so it demands more chemicals year-round. Fiberglass is non-porous and chemically inert, cutting chemical use noticeably.
• Resurfacing: Fiberglass has no plaster finish to redo, while a concrete pool's plaster or pebble finish wears out and typically must be redone periodically — a major recurring expense.
• Energy and cleaning: The slick fiberglass surface holds far less dirt and algae, so pumps and cleaners work less. Rough concrete traps debris and requires more scrubbing.

Over 20 years, fiberglass typically saves a Horry County homeowner tens of thousands of dollars in maintenance. If budget is a concern, many families spread the upfront cost through pool financing, then enjoy lower running costs from day one. For a full breakdown, see our guide on planning and getting started with your pool project.

Which Pool Handles South Carolina's Coastal Climate Better?

Fiberglass is a popular choice in Myrtle Beach's coastal environment. Its non-porous gel-coat surface resists the algae growth encouraged by our warm, humid summers, and manufacturers cite the material's flexibility as an advantage in coastal soil conditions.

Coastal Horry County brings specific challenges: high water tables, shifting sandy soil, salt in the air, and an active hurricane season. Manufacturers cite the slight flexibility of fiberglass shells as an advantage in these conditions, while industry sources note that rigid concrete finishes can develop hairline cracks as the ground moves.

Fiberglass is also the natural match for a saltwater pool system, which many coastal homeowners prefer. Salt is gentle on the gel-coat surface, but it slowly erodes concrete plaster and metal fittings. For beachside living in North Myrtle Beach or Pawleys Island, that difference adds up fast.

When Does Concrete Make Sense?

Concrete is the right choice when you need a completely custom shape, an unusually large pool, or specialty features that no manufactured shell offers. Because it's formed on-site, concrete can be built to any dimension, depth, or freeform outline — including vanishing edges, beach entries, and integrated spas designed from scratch.

If your dream is a one-of-a-kind pool larger than about 16 by 40 feet, or a highly sculptural design that no fiberglass mold matches, concrete gives you that freedom. That flexibility is concrete's real strength. For the vast majority of Grand Strand backyards, though, fiberglass shells already come in dozens of shapes and sizes — freeform, geometric, cocktail pools, and lap pools — with built-in tanning ledges, benches, and spa spillovers. You can browse the available shapes and features to see just how much design range fiberglass offers before assuming you need custom concrete.

Making the Right Choice for Your Backyard

For most Myrtle Beach families, fiberglass delivers the best combination of speed, value, and durability in our coastal climate. Concrete remains a solid option for fully custom projects, but it comes with longer timelines and higher lifetime costs. The right answer depends on your budget, your yard, and how soon you want to be swimming.

The best way to decide is to talk through your specific property and goals with a local builder who knows Horry County soil, permits, and codes. If you're weighing your options in Myrtle Beach, Conway, or anywhere along the Grand Strand, the team at Black Dog Pools is happy to help. Call (843) 732-1650 or reach out through our contact page to start the conversation, and take a look at our pool gallery for inspiration.

This article is general educational information about pool ownership. It does not describe the methods, specifications, or warranties of Black Dog Pools. Construction and installation practices vary by site and follow the pool manufacturer’s specifications.