Fiberglass Pool Myths Explained

Fiberglass Pool Myths Debunked

When in the market for an in-ground pool, your first decision will be deciding what type of pool you’d like to install: concrete, fiberglass, or vinyl liner. Each class comes with its advantages. For example, a concrete pool may be ideal if you prioritize simplicity and customization. In contrast, Vinyl liner pools are the perfect option for those wanting a lower initial investment. Fiberglass pools, although offering limited customization and a significantly higher cost up-front, provide the quickest installation, lowest maintenance requirements, and are more energy efficient than concrete or vinyl liner options.

Many people; however, are unsure about choosing fiberglass pools due to myths and misconceptions regarding their implementation. Learning the truth about these common misconceptions can help you make a decision that leaves you happy and provides you with a beautiful new pool for your outdoor living space.

Myth #1: Fiberglass Pools are Prone to Floating, or “Popping Up”

Probably the most common myth regarding fiberglass pools is that they can float or pop-up out of the ground due to pressure built-up underneath the shell. While it’s true that pop-ups can occur in an empty pool shell; a properly installed and maintained fiberglass pool will not move.

If a large amount of water can collect where you intend to install your pool, ask your provider for installation over a sump system.

Additionally, keeping water in your pool at all times will help prevent any additional risk of floating or popping up.

Myth #2: Fiberglass Pools Look Ugly and Cheap

When fiberglass pools first came on the market, it may have been true that other pool options were more attractive. However, today’s fiberglass pools are designed with aesthetics in mind to provide you with a pool as stylish as any vinyl liner or concrete option.

Some options to consider when deciding on your pool’s aesthetic are coping, coloured finishes, tiles, lighting, and water features (covered below).

Myth #3: Fiberglass Pools Won’t Function in Ontario Climate

A common myth surrounding fiberglass pools is that colder climates can cause the shell to freeze and eventually shatter. Water expands upward rather than outward when it freezes, meaning that any ice formed in your pool will rise over the edge rather than press against the inside of the shell. This is similar to freezing ice in an ice cube tray; ice will begin forming along the top of the plastic instead of getting denser inside each cube.

That being said, you should winterize your pipes if you live in a colder region to allow water to flow throughout the year. Winterized pipes are required for any pool in colder climates, not just fiberglass pools.

Myth #4: Fiberglass Pools Are Significantly Pricier than Vinyl Liner

Fiberglass pools might not be the cheapest option on the market, but it doesn’t mean you have to break the bank if a vinyl liner pool is not your style.

First, the cost of installation can vary depending on factors such as the size of your pool, how much access you have to the yard, distance for the crane, the season in which your pool is installed, whether you perform the installation yourself, and any customization options you decide to add. To compare, let’s examine the most convenient installation option – professional installation through a turn-key pool package. For fiberglass pools, the majority of turn-key pool packages will cost $65,000 to $85,000 compared to $55,000 to $85,000 for vinyl liner pools. This means that unless you’re going all-out for a top-of-the-line fiberglass package, vinyl liners are priced similarly.

Something else to consider is the cost to build your pool. Building costs factor in electricity costs, chemical costs for maintenance, your pool’s lifespan, and any repairs you might need in the future. Over ten years, these costs add up to about $11,500 for vinyl liners compared to $3,750 for fiberglass.

Myth #5: Fiberglass Pools Can’t Be Customized

This last myth claims that once a fiberglass pool is installed, it can never be customized. There is some truth to this, as your options for shell size and shape may be restricted due to the current popularity of a given shell type on the market. However, if custom sizing isn’t a concern of yours, there are still many options to provide your fiberglass pool the unique feel and look you desire.

Coping

The material used to outline the top of the shell wall. They are available in a different colours and textures to personalize your pool.

 Pool Color

Pool shells come in a wide range of colours and shades to help personalize your pool.

 Shape

Various shapes for your pool shell are available at any given time, including circle, oval, rectangle, and square, among others.

 Size

Limited options for selection, but a wide enough variety that you can find a pool shell that fits your backyard or recreation area.

 Spas

Adding a spa to the side of your pool customizes the overall appearance, and can be further customized to match other components of your pool.

 Tanning Ledge

A smaller scale wet deck, adding a tanning ledge to your pool allows swimmers to sunbathe near the water.

 Tiles

Tiles around the edge of your pool can add to its aesthetic and set the feel you’re trying to obtain for your outdoor space.

 Water Features

Features like bubblers, waterfalls, or jets can be added to your pool to customize its appearance.

 Splash Pad or Family Fun Deck

A large deck filled up to a foot-high with water, adding a damp deck to your pool provides children with a safe space to play or non-swimmers to sit and enjoy the cool temperatures.



Important Takeaways

Fiberglass pools may require a high initial investment, but they can be a great addition to your home or outdoor recreation space and pay for themselves in the long run when compared to other pool options. If you follow proper installation guidelines and stay up-to-date on any maintenance concerns, these myths surrounding fiberglass pools will remain myths.