Pool Cost

• In-ground swimming pools vary widely in cost, with concrete pools generally being the most expensive. At the other end of the price spectrum, a vinyl liner in-ground swimming pool of standard size is usually the least costly pool to buy. Fiberglass swimming pools fall between concrete and vinyl-lined swimming pools in terms of cost to purchase and install. The initial price of a swimming pool, though, isn't the only consideration.
  
  

Pool Design

• If you want an unusual in-ground swimming pool design, a concrete pool will be best for you.Thomas Northcut/Lifesize/Getty Images
  
  In swimming pool design, both vinyl-liner and fiberglass pools are limited to an array of standard sizes and shapes. Concrete swimming pools, on the other hand, are only limited in size and shape by a pool owner's budget. Concrete pools can be made to nearly any design specification and size that's desired. If design or shape in a swimming pool isn't that important, you'll likely be happy with a fiberglass or vinyl-liner model.
  
  

Maintenance Factors

• Concrete, fiberglass and vinyl-liner swimming pools all have different maintenance needs. Concrete pools are the most maintenance intensive, though they're very long lasting. Fiberglass swimming pools, once installed, only require standard water chemistry maintenance and occasional cleaning of pool surfaces for quite some time. Vinyl liner swimming pools also fall on the lower maintenance side as long as their vinyl liners aren't exposed to sharp or abrasive objects. Vinyl pool liners need replacing every 10 to 15 years on average.
  
  

Best Pools

• The best in-ground swimming pool for you is the one that you can afford. Also pick your best in-ground pool based on your particular size and shape requirements and your tolerance for maintenance of your new pool. If you're on a budget and you can live with a lower-maintenance, standard-shaped pool, vinyl-liner pools are for you. If money isn't a concern and you want a truly unusual swimming pool, a concrete in-ground pool is the best.
  
  

Pool Prices

• An in-ground swimming pool will vary greatly in price, with some do-it-yourself kits going for a few thousand dollars. As of June 2011, a 20 x 40-foot concrete pool costs about $39,000. A 20 x 40-foot vinyl-liner swimming pool costs about $19,000. Fiberglass pools are closer to concrete swimming pools in price. Options like landscaping, decking, fencing and the like can easily double the initial quoted price of your swimming pool.