How long does a concrete swimming pool last?

You can expect a concrete swimming pool to last about 25 to 40 years, average 30 years. The quality of construction and maintenance, specifically maintaining balanced pool chemistry, are the variables that affect pool lifespan the most. For a comparison with fiberglass and liner pools, see our blog post What are the pros and cons of vinyl liner vs fiberglass vs concrete in-ground pools? 

    Here’s a bar graph comparing the life expectancy of concrete to other types of pool construction.
   Go to our blog post What is the average lifespan of the parts of a house? for rating of other house components. To understand the basis, potential use, and limitations of lifespan ratings, see our blog post How accurate are the average life expectancy ratings of home components? Are they actually useful? 

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 
Field Guide for Home Inspectors, a quick reference for finding the age of 154 brands of HVAC systems, water heaters, and electrical panels, plus 210 code standards for site-built and manufactured homes, and the life expectancy rating of 195 home components. Available at amazon.com for $19.95.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 

Also, here’s links to a collection of some of our other blog posts about pools and spas:

• How can I tell if my pool is leaking?

• Does an above-ground pool require a building permit? 

• How long does a pool finish last?

• How can I tell if my pool is no longer level? 

• Does an above-ground pool have to comply with code requirements for a swimming pool barrier? 

• Can a pool with green, cloudy water be inspected?

• Should I refinish-resurface my pool with paint or plaster?

• Why are pool pumps now required to be variable speed? 

• What are the clearance requirements for an overhead electric service drop that is directly over or near a swimming pool?

• Is the deteriorated finish of a concrete pool shell only a cosmetic problem?

 
• When was pool bonding first required by code? 

• When was it first required for pool pumps to have GFCI protection?

• How do I determine the age of an AquaCal pool/spa heat pump from the serial number?

• When  were receptacle outlets near a pool first required to be GFCI?

• What is the code requirement for ceiling (paddle) fans near or above a swimming pool? 

    Visit our POOL AND SPA and LIFE EXPECTANCY pages for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.

NOTE: These life expectancies are based on data provided by InterNACHI, NAHB, FannieMae, and our own professional experience. Because of the numerous variables that can affect a lifespan, they should be used as rough guidelines only, and not relied upon as a warranty or guarantee of future performance.