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Common Questions about Fiberglass Pools


Common Questions about Fiberglass Pools

Got Questions about Fiberglass Pools? We’ve Got Answers!

Fiberglass pools are steadily gaining in popularity, but they’re still only a recent addition to the current choices of pool surfaces such as vinyl liner and concrete pools.

But how well-informed are you about fiberglass pools? If you’re shaking your head, don’t worry. We’ll tell you everything you need to know.

Below are the most frequently asked questions about fiberglass pools:

  1. What is the cost of an in-ground fiberglass pool?
  2. How are they made?
  3. How are they installed?
  4. How long does installation take?
  5. Do they work in cold climates?
  6. What shapes can you choose?
  7. What sizes can you choose?
  8. Can you customize shapes?
  9. Do they float?
  10. How long do they last?
  11. Do they fade?
  12. What’s the warranty?
  13. Are they easier to maintain than vinyl liner or concrete pools?


  1. What is the cost of an in-ground fiberglass pool?

Most fiberglass pool projects typically cost $65,000–$85,000. (Vinyl liner pools range from $55,000–$75,000, while concrete pools range from $70,000–$150,000.) Factor in more for additional features and upgrades. Once the pool is ready to use, you won’t have to buy many chemicals or run your equipment to kill algae. Long-term pool maintenance will typically cost about $3,760 every ten years. (Compare this cost to $11,500 for a vinyl liner pool and $27,400 for a concrete pool over the same period)


  1. How are they made?

The manufacturing process includes:

  1. Spraying gelcoat onto the mold.
  2. Applying chopped fiberglass with 100% vinyl ester resin.
  3. Applying chopped fiberglass with polyester resin.
  4. Applying woven roving at stress points for extra strength.
  5. Applying structural honeycomb materials to support side walls.
  6. Applying final layer of fiberglass with polyester resin.
  7. Curing in the mold.
  8. Removing pool shell from mold.
  9. Trimming excess fiberglass
  10. How are they installed?


Our process for installing you pool includes:

  1. Excavating the soil.
  2. Setting and levelling the pool.
  3. Installing the pool’s plumbing and filter system.
  4. Backfilling the pool shell.
  5. Installing the coping and patio.
  6. Installing the pool fence.


Our installation technique combines innovative practices to prevent long-term issues such as leaks, separation, settling, and bulges.

How long does installation take?

Typical installation of a fiberglass pool is about 2-3 weeks, including the pool, patio, and landscaping. You can swim in your pool by the end of the second day, compared to 2–4 weeks for a vinyl liner pool and 3–6 months for a concrete pool. And in the meantime, your back yard is a war zone and you can’t use the pool during that time.


Do they work in cold climates?

It’s a myth that fiberglass pools crack in cold weather. The principle is the same as frozen water in an ice cube tray. It doesn’t crack, but expands a little upward, not outward. Now to prevent the pipes from freezing and possibly cracking, it’s important to winterize your pipes by blowing out the water and plugging them during the off-season.

 

Can you customize shapes?

There are four categories of fiberglass pool shapes:

  • Freeform (curvy or shaped like a lagoon)
  • Kidney
  • Rectangular
  • Roman (rectangular with arched ends)

Fiberglass pool shapes can’t be customized like concrete or vinyl liner pools because they’re built from existing molds. They also can’t be larger than 16’ x 40’ as they are delivered by road to your home. What are the biggest and smallest fiberglass pools?

However, there are still many options available. All fiberglass pool manufacturers produce different designs. Most customers find the perfect design they love that fits their budget.

What sizes can you choose?

Fiberglass pools can be as small as 10×20 and are the perfect choice for small yards.

They can be as large as 40’ x 16’, but not much more, again because of road transportation restrictions.

What are the biggest and smallest fiberglass pools?

Can you customize shapes?

Fiberglass pools are manufactured from moulds in a factory, so choices of size and shape are limited to prefabricated shapes.

However, it’s still a custom pool because you can just about customize everything else:

  • Gelcoat colour, a more vibrant colour than standard concrete pool colour finishes
  • Tile on the waterline or inlays, mosaics on steps and seats
  • Patio materials, including stamped concrete, brick pavers, coping stones, flagstones, and more
  • Water features, including cascades, deck jets, natural waterfalls, and more


Do they float?

 Properly installed and maintained fiberglass pools will never float or pop up if proper prevention methods are used.

It should always have a ground water management sump system. We provide a ground water management sump pump system, so you can monitor and remove groundwater. We also use Fiberglass Pool Fasteners and an extra-strong concrete bond collar to lock the pool and patio in place.

Always keep the pool filled with water as the water weight helps prevent the pool from popping up and floating.


How long do they last?

The structure of the pool should last at least 50+ years. We’re so confident in our pools that we offer a lifetime structural warranty indicating that the pool won’t leak as long as it’s used as a regular pool.

The gelcoat surface should also last decades as long as the pool is properly manufactured and maintained.


Do they fade?

All pools lighten to some extent. A gelcoat surface will lighten over time, but evenly and gradually. As long as the gelcoat surface is properly manufactured and maintained, it the most durable pool coating available in appearance and life expectancy.

If you compared a new colour sample to a 10-year-old pool, you may notice some difference but more likely you wouldn’t not be able to tell. Improper water chemistry is primarily responsible for premature or uneven fading of the gelcoat surface.


What’s the warranty?

Fiberglass pool manufacturers provide two warranties:

  1. The first to cover the structure of the pool shell
  2. The second to cover the gelcoat surface


The structural warranty outlines how long the manufacturer guarantees the pool will hold water, which typically lasts for the life of the pool, or as long as the pool is owned and in normal use.


The surface warranty must specifically cover osmotic blisters on the pool surface. Always ask pool manufactures specific questions such as:

  1. Can you transfer the warranty?
  2. What’s the warranty duration?
  3. What are the exclusions?
  4. What does the warranty actually cover?
  5. Are they easier to maintain than vinyl liner or concrete pools?


Fiberglass pools need less maintenance than other pool types. It requires only:

  • Weekly maintenance of water chemistry
  • And one circulation of the filter per day

Because the gelcoat surface doesn’t have the pores and cavities of concrete pool plaster, it remains smooth and algae-resistant. As long as a fiberglass pool’s gelcoat is properly manufactured and maintained, it should never need to be refinished.


Why are we different?

We pride ourselves on being an innovative industry leader both in product and customer service.

We install every pool in exactly the same way (Properly!), excavate to the exact manufacture’s procedures, and use a high quality HBP backfill.

We use only clean, crushed HBP stone for backfill. Unlike standard industry sand, when wet, crushed stone doesn’t move or change properties.

We use a super strong concrete collar to lock the pool in place to prevent it from moving and separating from your patio.

The sump pipe we provide allows you to access the bottom of the hole where your pool sits. This enables you to remove groundwater that collects there if a professional needs to drain your pool.

5 Reasons to Never Drain Your Fiberglass Pool




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