5 Concrete Pool Considerations Many Homeowners Don’t Expect

When homeowners start researching inground pools, most quickly learn that there are three main options: concrete, vinyl liner, and fibreglass. Each has its place, and each comes with trade-offs that should be clearly understood before moving forward.

At Main Street Pool & Spa, we believe the best pool decisions are informed ones. Over the years, we’ve had many conversations with homeowners who were surprised by certain realities of concrete pool ownership, not because the information was hidden, but because it wasn’t always explained early enough.

Here are five important considerations about concrete pools that many homeowners don’t realize until after installation.

1. Resurfacing Is Inevitable

Concrete pools are typically finished with plaster or a cement-based surface. While these finishes look great when new, they don’t last forever. In most cases, homeowners should plan to refinish the surface every 10 to 15 years.

It’s common to see “lifetime structural warranties” associated with concrete pools, but these warranties almost never apply to the interior finish. Resurfacing is a significant expense and should be factored into long-term ownership costs from the beginning.

If you’re considering a concrete pool, it’s important to understand exactly what is, and isn’t, covered under warranty.

2. Saltwater Systems Can Accelerate Wear

Saltwater chlorine systems have become increasingly popular, and for good reason, they’re convenient and comfortable for swimmers. However, salt and concrete don’t always play nicely together.

Concrete and plaster surfaces are more susceptible to wear when exposed to salt over time. In practical terms, this often means faster surface deterioration and a shorter window between required resurfacing.

In climates like Ontario’s, where pools already deal with seasonal shutdowns and freeze-thaw cycles, this added stress can be an important consideration.

3. Surface Roughness Increases Over Time

Concrete pool surfaces tend to become rougher as they age. As plaster wears down, it can expose sharp or abrasive areas that are uncomfortable for bare feet and hands.

Many homeowners notice this most when kids are playing in the pool, sore feet, scrapes, and worn swimsuits become more common as the surface breaks down. While refinishing restores smoothness, it also brings added cost and downtime.

4. Higher Ongoing Maintenance

Concrete pools generally require more hands-on maintenance than other inground pool types. Because plaster is porous, it can harbour algae more easily, leading to more frequent brushing and closer attention to water chemistry.

Calcium levels, pH balance, and overall water chemistry need to be carefully managed to prevent surface damage. In some cases, acid washing is required during the off-season to restore appearance and performance.

For homeowners looking for a lower-maintenance ownership experience, this is an important factor to weigh.

5. Longer and Less Predictable Installation Timelines

Concrete pools are built entirely on site, which makes them highly dependent on weather conditions, crew scheduling, and multiple construction phases. In many cases, installation can take several months, and timelines can shift due to rain, temperature, or other unforeseen delays.

We’ve spoken with many homeowners who didn’t expect their backyard to remain under construction as long as it did. If timelines are a concern, it’s worth understanding how much variability can exist with on-site concrete builds.

Final Thoughts

Concrete pools offer unmatched design flexibility and can be a great fit for certain projects. However, they also come with long-term considerations around maintenance, resurfacing, and installation that aren’t always obvious at first glance.

At Main Street Pool & Spa, our goal isn’t to steer homeowners toward one option blindly, it’s to help you choose the pool that best fits your backyard, your expectations, and your long-term lifestyle. That’s why we spend so much time discussing not just how pools look on day one, but how they perform years down the road.

If you’re exploring inground pool options and want clear, honest guidance tailored to Ontario conditions, our team is always happy to help.