Gunite, fiberglass and vinyl compared
| Option | Gunite | Fiberglass | Vinyl liner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pool only, small to large (estimate) | $55,000–130,000 | $48,000–110,000 | $40,000–90,000 |
| Who sells it here | Nearly every local builder | A few; ask around | Rare in the Golden Triangle |
| Shape | Anything: sun shelf, raised spa, benches | Set factory molds, up to about 16×40 | Mostly rectangles |
| On swelling clay | Heaviest; steel and a good base | Needs a firm, drained bed | Walls and liner can shift |
| Upkeep | New plaster every 10–15 years (estimate) | Lowest; smooth gelcoat | New liner every several years |
| Time on site (estimate) | 6–10 weeks | 2–4 weeks | 3–5 weeks |
Estimates for the pool shell, pump, filter, basic coping and start-up. Gunite is set against two Golden Triangle builders' published prices (Acadian Pools, Platinum Pools); fiberglass and vinyl follow This Old House and River Pools. Checked 1 November 2026. Decking, fencing, permits and add-ons are priced separately, and a site visit sets the real number.
Setting a shell on Beaumont clay
The shell arrives on a truck in one piece. The crew digs a little oversize, lays a compacted bed of crushed stone, and sets the shell level. They backfill with stone rather than the native clay, filling the pool with water as the backfill rises so the pressure stays even. Clay that swells when wet and cracks when dry (USDA) is the reason stone backfill matters here.
Finding an installer
Most Golden Triangle builders are gunite shops, and we couldn't confirm a dedicated fiberglass dealer in Beaumont. Ask any builder which manufacturer they install, how many shells they set last year, and whose crew does the backfill. Houston-area dealers do travel here; check that they'll come back for warranty work.
Sizes and shapes
Shells are made in fixed molds, from small spools to roughly 16×40 ft, the largest that can travel by road. Many include a tanning ledge, benches and steps in the mold. For a freeform shape or a raised spillover spa, gunite is the better choice.
Upkeep
The gelcoat is smooth and non-porous, so it uses fewer chemicals and resists algae through a long, humid swim season. There's no plaster to redo. One rule overrides everything: don't drain it without calling the installer.
Sources & further reading
- This Old House: inground pool cost (Jun 2025). Vinyl and fiberglass ranges; add-ons
- River Pools: fiberglass pool cost (Dec 2025). Fiberglass package, heaters, salt
- USDA soil series: Beaumont
Editorial note: General planning information, not engineering or legal advice. Prices are estimates; confirm current rules with your local officials and a qualified pro.