What are the pros and cons of fiberglass pools?
- Fiberglass pools are incredibly durable and are known to last longer than other pool types.
- Fiberglass pools are not a great idea for pool owners looking to install the pool themselves, as heavy machinery is usually required.
- Fiberglass pools come in various designs, but are not very customizable because they come premade.
How much does a fiberglass in ground pool cost?
Fiberglass pools are affordable and low-maintenance pool options. Fiberglass pools cost between $20,000 and $85,000, or $52,500 on average. The more budget-friendly options involve DIY installation and don’t include accessories like cement patios, while those on the higher end include all the bells and whistles.
How expensive are fiberglass pools?
The average size fiberglass pool is 16x32 and costs $59,900 on average to install. There are a few different fiberglass pool packages to choose from, with the most expensive being a turn-key fiberglass pool installation that costs $45,000 to $85,000.
Are fiberglass pools good?
Since fiberglass pools is a non-porous material it naturally impedes the growth and development of algae and other microbes making fiberglass swimming pools a healthier choice for you and your family. Overall, your fiberglass pool will be about 10% cheaper than a concrete or gunite pool but about 20% more expensive than a vinyl pool.
What is the downside of fiberglass pools?
The most significant disadvantage of a fiberglass pool is the limitation on pool shapes and sizes. If you are looking for a large pool with multiple bodies of water or want a swim-up bar with bar stools built into the structure, then the fiberglass pool may not be the right choice for you.
How long does a fiberglass inground pool last?
25-30 yearsA Pool That Lasts a Lifetime Most fiberglass pools are known to last 25-30 years, but we take that to the next level. Our manufacturer, Narellan Pools, makes the best fiberglass pools around. Their unique fiberglass formula results in a pool that can last as long as 50 years!
How well do fiberglass pools hold up?
Fiberglass pools are durable Both the structure and the surface of a high-quality fiberglass pool can last a long time, provided you take good care of it. A well-made fiberglass pool can last at least 50 years, with less maintenance required to keep it useful and enjoyable decade after decade.
Which is better Fibreglass or concrete pools?
Fiberglass pools are easy to maintain, quick to install, and very durable. They cost more upfront and aren't as customizable. Concrete pools are extremely durable and customizable but require heavy maintenance, the highest costs, and a slow installation.
Do fiberglass pools crack?
Fiberglass pools can craze or check crack from imprecise manufacturing or when the surface is not fully supported, like under the steps or areas where the backfill is eroded. Gelcoat can also crack during transport and installation if it gets bumped around too much.
Can fiberglass pool be heated?
Luckily, heating is not only an option for fiberglass pools, it's actually a wonderful idea for them. Fiberglass pools are both the easiest type of pool to heat and the least expensive.
What inground pool type is best?
A popular choice is a gunite swimming pool because it is highly durable and it can be created in just about any shape. Gunite pools use a rebar framework that is sprayed over with a concrete and sand mixture. Gunite is exceedingly durable, so swimming pools made of this substance are built to last.
Do fiberglass pools crack in cold weather?
Fiberglass Pools in Cold Climates Freezing and thawing won't strain or crack a fiberglass pool like it might with a concrete pool, so you shouldn't have to worry as much about your pool cracking or breaking.
Do fiberglass pools get slippery?
1:243:13Are Fiberglass Pools Slippery? San Antonio, Austin, New ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTools definitely have a much smoother surface than your typical concrete gunnite pools the smoothMoreTools definitely have a much smoother surface than your typical concrete gunnite pools the smooth surface is actually something that's quite a bit more desirable. It's skin friendly it's swimsuit
Is a vinyl pool better than fiberglass?
Fiberglass pools are exceptionally durable and can last the lifetime of a home. Vinyl liner pools can also last the lifetime of a home. However, the liner itself will need to be replaced on average every ten years, but provides a unique opportunity to completely refresh the look of your pool.
What does a fiberglass pool feel like?
Answer: Smooth to the touch. Fiberglass pools are the smoothest feeling out of all pool types. This is because of the gel finish they're coated with. Concrete pools can be rough, and plaster finishes can be smooth but bumpy.
How do you take care of a fiberglass pool?
Clean regularly, with products made specifically for fiberglass pools. Check water chemistry. Run the pool filter. Keep water level above the skimmer....All pools need the proper levels:Free chlorine.pH.Calcium hardness.Cyanuric acid (CYA)Total alkalinity.
How often does a fiberglass pool need to be resurfaced?
It varies depending on the type of pool, with plaster or cement pools needing to be resurfaced every 3-7 years while fiberglass pools can sometimes go as long as 15-30 years.
Which is better fiberglass or vinyl pool?
Fiberglass pools are exceptionally durable and can last the lifetime of a home. Vinyl liner pools can also last the lifetime of a home. However, the liner itself will need to be replaced on average every ten years, but provides a unique opportunity to completely refresh the look of your pool.
What is the lifespan of an inground pool?
Pools with vinyl liners will last more than 20 years, as long as you replace your liner every 6-12 years. Concrete pools have exceptional longevity, but you need to resurface the concrete every 10 years or so. Fiberglass pools have the longest lifespans of any in-ground pool, often easily surpassing 30 years.
What is the best material for an inground pool?
A popular choice is a gunite swimming pool because it is highly durable and it can be created in just about any shape. Gunite pools use a rebar framework that is sprayed over with a concrete and sand mixture. Gunite is exceedingly durable, so swimming pools made of this substance are built to last.
Why is fiberglass pool so strong?
The resin in fiberglass transfers the load between the fibers, which is why the material has such a high level of tensile strength. That means a swimming pool made from this material is exceptionally light without compromising on how strong the supports are for your installation.
How long does a fiberglass pool last?
Fiberglass pools also provide a long-term solution that can last for up to 40 years. Make sure that you receive recommendations from neighbors, friends, and pool specialists in your area before starting the project. You will also want to take the time to read manufacturing reviews for the industry before making a final decision.
Why do you need a multilayer top coat for a fiberglass pool?
Many homeowners choose a multilayer topcoat for the fiberglass swimming pool because it can create vivid colors, add metal flakes to the surface, and even offer a high-gloss finish.
How long does it take to build a fiberglass pool?
If you want an in-ground pool made from gunite or concrete, then it will take you up to 60 days to complete the project. Using fiberglass can cut the installation time by 50% – and sometimes even more.
How many different shapes of fiberglass pools are there?
Most of them involved some variation of the standard rectangle. Now manufacturers are creating as many as 40 different shapes that you can install on your property for an in-ground pool.
When did fiberglass become popular?
It wasn’t until the 1960s and 1970s that fiberglass reached the mainstream consciousness and became an option for swimming pools. The laminates used for boats were similar to what the swimming pool industry was using, allowing the manufacturers to create a niche industry where affordable installations could help homeowners enhance the look and feel of their property.
What is the best material for a swimming pool?
The purchase of a swimming pool is a significant investment for many families. If you want an in-ground pool, then one of your top options is to choose fiberglass. That’s because it is a material made from small strands of glass that are extruded into fibers. It is an option that first entered commercial production in 1936, with the material containing 60% resin.
What Are Fiberglass Inground Pools?
A fiberglass pool is simply a structure made entirely of fiberglass materials, and is similar to your bathtub or shower. The pool shell is about 3/8 inches thick. We can compare this to a concrete inground pool which is normally 5-6 inches thick, and a vinyl liner inground pool where the walls are about 4 inches thick. Don't let this throw you off. Fiberglass inground pools are tough and stand withstand years and years of use.
What are the benefits of inground fiberglass pool?
So let's discuss some benefits of owning an inground fiberglass swimming pool. 1. Fast and Easy Installation. The weather needs to be right when installing a vinyl liner due to the fact the ambient temperature has to be a certain temperature for the liner to properly fit and not wrinkle when installed.
How Are Fiberglass Pools Made?
Fiberglass inground pools are constructed from an actual mold and reinforced with steel bars to make them more durable. All this is done in a climate controlled factory. The mold can be underneath and then the pool shell is placed on top of that, or the construction of a fiberglass pool can have the shell on the inside of a mold.
What is the glue used in fiberglass pools?
Fiberglass inground pools use chopped fiberglass which is mixed with a vinyl ester resin or polyester resin. Both resins work as a glue, or adhesive , that binds the fiberglass to itself and to the surrounding layers of the pool shell. Some fiberglass pool manufacturers will use both kinds of resin. The first layer is the waterproof vinyl ester ...
How much does a 25,000 gallon pool cost?
This means a 25,000 gallon pool will be approximately $25,000. Fiberglass inground pool have a slightly higher initial price and you can expect to pay about $1.25 per gallon of pool water. This equates to about $31,250 for the entire installation of a 25,000 pool.
What is added to fiberglass mold?
A gelcoat is sprayed into the mold, and then resins are added to the chopped fiberglass. Stress points are checked and strengthened, the walls are honeycombed to increase their durability, and finally a layer of polyester resin is added.
Can a plaster pool get too hot?
And plaster pools cannot be too hot as it may cause the plaster to crack. A fiberglass pool is created in a controlled environment and can be installed the same day. 2. Low Maintenance. Fiberglass pools are easy to maintain and the dreaded black algae is rare.
What is a fiberglass pool?
Fiberglass pools are one-piece units created using a mold in a factory. This mold renders the sides and bottom of a swimming pool in various shapes and sizes, which get placed in the ground. These fiberglass pools feature other materials aside from fiberglass, and they get shipped anywhere people live.
How Long Does a Fiberglass Pool Last?
The gel coating may need resurfacing every ten years or so, but a properly maintained fiberglass pool can last for 2-3 decades or longer. The average lifespan is around 25 years, which is far longer than the ten years you can expect from a concrete pool or 6-10 years for a vinyl liner.
Why are there more size restrictions on fiberglass pools than concrete?
There are also more size restrictions on fiberglass pools than there are for concrete or vinyl because they get manufactured in one molded piece. Concrete and vinyl don’t have this kind of size restrictions but often take longer to install, and have a different finished look.
What are the benefits of concrete pools?
Concrete pools offer a number of benefits to homeowners, including: 1 Choose any custom shape or size and alter the appearance to suit your needs and space 2 Unlimited ways to configure your pool and choose the surface texture you want which can vary from one area to another 3 Very durable and lasts a long time when properly cared for in all seasons 4 You can add a variety of unique features 5 Increases the resale value of your home
What are the different shapes of fiberglass pools?
You can find fiberglass pools in many shapes such as circles, rectangles, kidneys, oval, and combination shapes.
How long do vinyl pool liners last?
Vinyl pools can also feature custom sizes and shapes and will last 10-18 years on average, but liners might need replacing sooner.
How long does it take to set up a fiberglass pool?
It’s also important to remember that your fiberglass pool gets delivered as one piece and gets set into place in a prepared location, and this process can take days to weeks.
What are the drawbacks of fiberglass pools?
1: SIZES. The biggest drawback of fiberglass pools is that we are limited by the DOT to pools that are only 16’ wide. This can be a significant drawback if you are looking for a large and wide pool.
How much stronger is a fiberglass pool than a concrete pool?
1: Fiberglass Pools are up to 17 times stronger than concrete pools
Is fiberglass pool better than inground pool?
As you can see Fiberglass Pools have their drawbacks but when compared with the advantages fiberglass pools are the better pool and it's overtaking the in-ground pool market. From a 5 percent market share in 2008 to an 18% market share in 2017, fiberglass pool sales have more than tripled in just under 10 years.
Can you bring a fiberglass pool with you?
6: If you move you can bring your pool with you? Yes, we can remove your fiberglass pool shell and move it to your new home. READ MORE!
Is fiberglass pool good for everyone?
First and foremost, fiberglass pools are not for everyone! You’re probably thinking why would a fiberglass pool builder tell anyone that fiberglass pools aren’t for everybody? Well, because it’s the truth. I don’t sugar coat anything about the pool industry. There are definite drawbacks to fiberglass pools, but there are many more reasons why they can suit anybody. Let's get the disadvantages out of the way so we can focus on why you should have a fiberglass pool.
What is fiberglass pool?
Fiberglass pools have long held a reputation as an easy-to-install, faster alternative to traditional concrete and gunite pool construction. What might surprise many homeowners is that fiberglass pools are fast gaining recognition as a high-quality option for higher-end installations, as well. Just what do fiberglass pools have to offer if you’re thinking about installing a new swimming pool on your property? In this segment of Pros, Cons & Costs, we’ll examine the benefits of this often overlooked pool option, its downsides, and what you should expect to spend if you think a fiberglass pool installation may be in your future.
How long does it take to install a fiberglass pool?
A concrete or gunite pool can take as long as two months to install, while a month is standard for fiberglass pools.
Is fiberglass pool cheaper than concrete?
Contrary to popular belief, fiberglass pools aren’t cheaper than traditional options like concrete (we’ll provide more details in the “Costs” section later on). Furthermore, finding a contractor who is experienced in installing fiberglass pools is critical if you want to avoid future problems caused by poor installation.
Fiberglass pools last more than 30 years, easily
Remember how we mentioned that fiberglass pools didn’t come around until the 60s? Well, a lot of those same pools are still being used today.
Fiberglass pools are the most low maintenance
Of all the swimming pool types, fiberglass pools require the least maintenance. And by a large margin.
Fiberglass pools are made up of 6 different layers
We’ve mentioned the gel layer of fiberglass pools a few times already. And while it’s definitely one of the most prominent layers of the pool, there are at least 5 more layers behind it;
Fiberglass pools are pre-made in a factory and shipped to the location
While concrete and vinyl pools are built on site, fiberglass pools arrive ready for installation.
Fiberglass pools have the shortest installation time (3-6 weeks)
Typically, installing a pool takes months and involves several steps. And usually, it’s building the pool itself that takes the longest amount of time.
Fiberglass pools are the most durable and damage resistant
Concrete pools look beautiful, and they can take a myriad of shapes. But they’re susceptible to one very pesky problem: cracks.
Fiberglass pools require the least electricity and chemicals
You really get what you pay for with fiberglass pools. While they cost you a bit more up front than a concrete pool, they make up for it by requiring low maintenance.
Why put a fiberglass pool in your backyard?
And, with most of us still practicing social distancing, it is the perfect solution for cooling down after a hot summer day. Besides providing you with a way to relax and exercise, it will also increase the overall value of your property.
How long does it take to install a fiberglass pool?
On the other hand, with fiberglass ones, you can reduce the installation process by more than 50 percent! In some cases, the project can be done in around 2 weeks. If you want to see what services you can opt for, check out localpools.com.au for additional information.
Can you get a fiberglass pool shaped like a palm tree?
Yes, there are various sizes and shapes that you can choose from, but, you should know that you cannot, for example, get a fiberglass pool that is shaped like a palm tree. The reason for not being available in all shapes is that it comes in a one-piece shell, hence, choose wisely when looking at all the options.
Is fiberglass topcoat eco friendly?
If you are environmentally conscious, you’ll be happy to hear that choosing one made from fiberglass is the most eco-friendly option. You won’t need to buy the maintenance kits, chemicals, the installation process is easier and needs less time, and most of them are insulated which means that the temperature retention is better. Additionally, the topcoats act as barriers against absorbing moisture, hence, you’ll need to refill it less often.
Is fiberglass a durable material?
Various studies concluded that fiberglass is a surface that is extremely durable. Besides it being long-lasting and sturdy, there is also a wide range of products that you can utilize for easily refinishing the surfaces if there are ever any damages caused by a storm or other events.
Is fiberglass safe for swimming pools?
But, by choosing fiberglass as the material, you won’t need to worry about this happening to you. This also means that it is safe for children as well.
Does a pool affect pH?
It Won’t Impact The pH Levels. Although it is a luxury to have a swimming pool in your backyard, the decreased maintenance needs and expenses mean that you can cover the cost of installing it in the first place. With this option, you’ll also be less exposed to harmful chemicals.
Why is fiberglass pool less maintenance?
Less maintenance – If you’re the type that wants something that is not hard to clean or you’re worried of repairs, you will be satisfied with the less maintenance advantage of fiberglass backyard pools. The advantage is brought about by the use of gel in the finishing. This type of finishing is more resistant to algae growth.
How long does it take to install a fiberglass pool?
Fast installation – The biggest selling point for these pools is that they are very easy to install. Whereas other types take about two months, you can have a working fiberglass pool in just one month. Some installers even brag about being able to install one within two weeks instead of two months.
What does it mean when a pool is heavily supported?
The insides of the pool are heavily supported with strong gel coating which means you will have less maintenance and expense for repairs. Big stone blocks line the pathways, so it is unlikely that you will have algae buildup there. That translates to less time cleaning.
What are the handrails on a pool made of?
You can see the two handrails on this pool. They are made of quality metal materials that can survive hard beating of the weather. For anyone out there looking for a pool with high level of durability, get this pool.
What is Imagine Pools?
They are an Australian-based pool manufacturer specializing in creating composite pools. Their Riviera, Eclipse and Pinnacle models are the bestsellers in the market. If you find none of their models to your liking, you still have more options from their sister company Imagine Pools.
What is the best pool for a backyard?
This pool’s most striking appeal is its curved shape . The curves around invite people to have a more relaxed time doing different activities. Still with the curves, you can choose the specific location where you can feel more natural and at ease.
Where are San Juan pools made?
They have factories everywhere with their headquarters in Lakeland, Florida.
