Fiberglass, vinyl and gunite compared
| Option | Fiberglass | Vinyl liner | Gunite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pool only, small to large (estimate) | $48,000–110,000 | $36,000–88,000 | $55,000–130,000 |
| Time on site | About 2–4 weeks (estimate) | About 3–5 weeks (estimate) | 8–10 weeks, per Blue Haven Dothan |
| Shapes | Set factory molds | Rectangles and simple curves | Any shape, spa, sun shelf |
| In sandy soil | Set on a gravel bed; backfill must be tight | Walls need firm, compacted backfill | Steel and sprayed shell handle loose sand well |
| Ten-year upkeep (TOH) | $5,000–15,000 | $11,000–17,000 | $27,000–40,000 |
| Who builds it here | Fewer crews; Cox lists fiberglass | Blue Haven, Mr. Pool and others | Blue Haven and other custom builders |
These are our estimates, not quotes. They cover the shell or liner, pump and filter, coping and start-up, and were set from This Old House, River Pools and Fixr figures (2025) and trimmed for the Wiregrass market. Checked November 2026. Decking, fencing, permits and extras are priced separately; a builder confirms after seeing the yard.
Setting a shell in sand
The crew digs a hole a little larger than the shell, lays a level bed of gravel and lowers the pool in by crane. As water goes into the shell, they backfill around it in step, so the pressure on each side stays even. In loose Wiregrass sand the backfill has to be firm, or the walls can settle. USDA describes the common Dothan soil as sandy on top with firmer sandy clay below (USDA), which gives a good base once the crew is through the loose layer.
Sizes and shapes
You choose from a maker's set of molds, from small plunge pools to lengths around 40 ft; anything wider than about 16 ft won't fit on a truck. Tanning ledges, benches and steps are molded in. If you want a freeform shape or a spa that spills over, gunite is the better fit.
Finding an installer
Most Dothan builders work in gunite and vinyl, so ask early who sets fiberglass. Cox Pools, which serves Dothan and Enterprise, lists fiberglass pools among its work (Cox Pools). Whoever you hire, check that the installer is certified by the shell's maker and holds an Alabama general contractor license.
Day-to-day care
The gelcoat surface is smooth, so algae has little to hold on to through a long Alabama summer, and there's no plaster to redo. A salt system pairs well with it. Keep water chemistry in range, because some chemicals can stain the finish over time.
Sources & further reading
- This Old House: inground pool cost (updated Jun 2025). Size and type ranges; add-ons; ten-year upkeep
- River Pools: fiberglass pool cost (Dec 2025). Base package, heat pump, salt cell
- USDA soil series: Dothan
- Cox Pools of the Southeast. Service area, pool types
Editorial note: General planning information, not engineering or legal advice. Prices are estimates; confirm current rules with your local officials and a qualified pro.