Buying a Fiberglass Pool
So you’re thinking about installing a pool in your back yard? Great idea! What better way to get exercise, entertain guests, and keep the kids occupied in healthy activities than with your own backyard pool? Picture yourself floating on water with a cold drink in your hand and your kids splashing and playing on a warm summer afternoon…
Another day in paradise right in your own backyard!
But before you get there you have to answer the most important question: what kind of pool do you want installed, concrete, vinyl liner, or fiberglass?
Many people are opting to choose fiberglass pools due to the advantages they offer compared to vinyl or concrete models. First, fiberglass is more durable and sturdy than vinyl or concrete. The fiberglass pool does not use a liner that can wear out, and it won’t crack like cement and require patching. These pools are faster and easier to install since the pool shell is pre-fabricated. Although you can’t create any size or shape pool that you want, there are many shapes and sizes available from which to choose.
It is true that the initial installation of this type of pool is more expensive than vinyl or cement pools, but you save money in the long run with fewer maintenance costs. Vinyl liners need to be replaced every 5 to 7 years and cement pools require periodic resurfacing. With fiberglass you can easily clean your pool and it will never need to be resurfaced. Also, you won’t need to worry about using harsh chemicals or an acid wash to remove serious stains, as occurs with concrete. There are gentle cleaners that will take care of all of your cleaning needs.
Fiberglass is very resistant towards mold, bacteria, and algae. Because the surface is non-porous there is no where for mold and algae to grow. Therefore you need far fewer chemical treatments and you don’t have to invest a lot of hours doing clean-up. Concrete is highly porous and interacts unfavorably with water, which requires a lot of careful maintenance. Concrete pools need to be completely drained to be properly maintained, while fiberglass models must be kept partially full at all times. This makes cleaning the pool much easier.
Another great advantage to fiberglass is the fact that it bends with the ground. Concrete can crack when the ground swells and contracts with the weather, or with earthquakes, or if a tree root grows up against it. Fiberglass is more flexible and can handle these kinds of structural issues.
Another major problem with gunite (concrete) pools is that the rough surface of cement can rub skin raw or snag bathing suits. The smooth surface of fiberglass makes for a more pleasant overall swimming experience.
The only major drawback to pre-fabricated fiberglass shells is that you can’t custom-build your pool. With concrete and vinyl liner pools you can design exactly what you want. However, there are a great variety of shapes, sizes and depths available, and there is bound to be one that suits all of your needs perfectly.