Concrete vs fibreglass pools: which is right for your Mallorca home?

Once you decide to build a pool in Mallorca, the first big choice is the type: a concrete (gunite) pool or a fibreglass one. Both can look beautiful and last for years. They simply suit different priorities. Here is a clear comparison to help you choose.

Key takeaways

• A concrete gunite pool of 8×4 metres, fully tiled, costs 18000 to 30000 euros in Mallorca and takes 6 to 10 weeks to build.
• A fibreglass shell of 7×3 metres costs 12000 to 20000 euros installed and is usually swim ready in 2 to 3 weeks.
• Rocky ground, very common on the island, can add 2000 to 6000 euros in excavation costs for either pool type.
• Permit fees run 300 to 1500 euros, plus ICIO tax of 3 to 4 percent of the build budget.

Concrete (gunite) pools

Concrete pools are built in place, so they can be any shape, size or depth you like. That design freedom is why most high-end and custom pools in Mallorca are concrete. They are extremely durable, take premium finishes such as natural stone and glass mosaic, and can include features like infinity edges, beach entries and integrated spas.

The trade-offs: they cost more and take longer to build, usually several weeks of on-site work, and they need a quality finish and proper care to stay looking their best.

Fibreglass pools

Fibreglass pools arrive as a pre-moulded shell that is craned into place. That makes them much faster to install, often within a week or two, and usually cheaper for small to mid-sized pools. The smooth surface resists algae and is gentle underfoot.

The trade-offs: you are limited to the manufacturer’s shapes and sizes, very large designs are not possible, and your plot has to allow a large shell and a crane.

Which suits a Mallorca home?

If you want a bespoke design, a large or unusually shaped pool, or premium finishes and features, concrete is usually the answer. If you want a quality pool installed quickly and cost-effectively in a standard shape, fibreglass is hard to beat. Your plot matters too, as tight village access can favour one over the other.

Still not sure?

You do not have to decide alone. Use our cost calculator to compare estimated prices for each type, then let us connect you with vetted Mallorca pool builders who will look at your plot and advise honestly. Get a free quote and compare your options with no obligation.

What each pool type costs in Mallorca in 2026

Budget is where the two options separate most clearly. For a concrete gunite pool of around 8×4 metres with a full tile finish, most Mallorca projects land between 18000 and 30000 euros. A fibreglass shell of roughly 7×3 metres typically costs 12000 to 20000 euros installed, which makes it the entry point for many first time pool owners. Ground conditions matter on this island: if the digger hits solid rock, and in many municipalities it will, expect an extra 2000 to 6000 euros for rock breaking regardless of which shell you choose.

For a fuller breakdown of every line item, from crane hire to coping stones, see our pool cost guide.

Permits and build timelines on the island

Whichever type you pick, the paperwork comes first. Municipal licence fees in Mallorca range from 300 to 1500 euros, and on top of that you pay ICIO, a construction tax of 3 to 4 percent of the declared build budget. A straightforward pool on urban land is often processed as obra menor and approved in 1 to 3 months. Larger projects, or anything on rustic land, usually need an obra mayor licence and 3 to 6 months of patience. Factor this into your season planning: a fibreglass pool ordered in winter can be ready for early summer, while a concrete build approved in spring may only open in late summer. Our guide to pool building permits in Mallorca explains the process town by town.

Running costs after the build

The purchase price is only half the story. Owners who look after the pool themselves spend about 650 to 1100 euros per year in Mallorca: roughly 300 to 500 euros on chemicals, 200 to 400 euros on electricity for the pump, and 100 to 200 euros on top up water. A professional service costs 150 to 250 euros per month during the season, which many non resident owners consider money well spent. Fibreglass surfaces are less porous, so they tend to consume slightly less chlorine than tiled concrete. If you want to reduce chemical handling further, a salt chlorinator costs 1200 to 2500 euros fitted. Compare plans on our pool maintenance service page, or request a quote for your specific plot and we will price both pool types side by side.

Conclusion

Concrete gives you full design freedom and the longest lifespan, while fibreglass gets you swimming sooner at a lower entry price; the right choice comes down to your plot, budget and timeline in Mallorca. Whichever way you lean, request free quotes from vetted builders and compare both options on real numbers.