Frequently Asked Questions
About Fiberglass Pools
A fiberglass pool is a type of swimming pool constructed from a reinforced fiberglass shell. Unlike traditional concrete or vinyl liner pools, fiberglass pools are pre-manufactured and delivered in one piece to your home.
The shell is made by layering fiberglass strands and resin, which creates a strong, durable, and flexible structure. This method of construction makes fiberglass pools resistant to cracking and other common issues seen in concrete pools. As a result, this makes them a long-lasting investment for your home.
The pool’s structure is designed to endure for the lifespan of the home, easily up to 50 years. The gelcoat surface will last decades as well, if properly maintained.
We stand by the durability of our pools. Our lifetime structural warranty guarantees that the pool will remain leak-free when utilized as intended.
I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Fiberglass pools generally come in a few main shapes:
- Freeform (curvy)
- Kidney
- Rectangular
- Roman (rectangular with rounded ends)
Fiberglass pools are constructed from a mold in a factory, so you have fewer options to customize the size and shape. While you’re limited to prefabricated shapes, you can customize literally everything else:
- Gelcoat color (much more vibrant than your standard concrete pool color finishes)
- Tile (on the waterline or inlays and mosaics in the steps and seats)
- Patio materials (stamped concrete, brick pavers, coping stones, flagstones, etc.)
- Water features, if you want them (cascades, deck jets, natural waterfalls, and more)
Unlike concrete or vinyl liner pools, fiberglass pools can’t be customized since they’re made from pre-existing molds. Plus, they need to be 16 x 40 ft or smaller to be transported on highways to your place. But don’t worry, you still have plenty of choices! Each fiberglass pool manufacturer has its own unique designs. Most folks end up finding a fiberglass pool design they really like that suits their needs.
All pools will experience some degree of lightening. Will the gelcoat surface fade over time? Yes, but this occurs slowly and uniformly. When manufactured and maintained correctly, the gelcoat surface of a fiberglass pool is the most resilient pool coating in terms of both aesthetics and longevity. If you were to compare a new color sample with that of a pool that is ten years old, you might observe some differences; however, in most cases, it would be difficult to distinguish between the two. Premature or uneven fading of the gelcoat surface is typically a result of incorrect water chemistry.
Fiberglass pools are easier to maintain than vinyl liner or concrete pools.
- Maintain water chemistry weekly
- Filter needs one circulation per day
If manufactured well and maintained properly, a fiberglass pool’s gelcoat should never need to be refinished. Algae isn’t a problem because the gelcoat doesn’t have the pores and cavities of concrete pool plaster—it’s smooth and algae-resistant. There’s nowhere for the algae to live.
Fiberglass pools are resilient in cold climates as long as they receive proper maintenance. With the right care, they can endure low temperatures without issue.
Fiberglass pools vary in depth. We stock Latham fiberglass pool shells which can reach a depth of 8 feet. However, you can find fiberglass pool options ranging from 3′ 6″ to 8′.
Absolutely! It might cost more to install a fiberglass pool with a vanishing edge, but it is an option. Fiberglass pools can also be installed semi-inground or fully above ground (both will cost more than an inground installation because the pool will require structural modifications).
Pool Installation
The installation process is pretty simple. First, they dig out the area to match the size of the pool shell. Then, a layer of gravel is put down to create a solid base. Next, the pre-made fiberglass shell is brought in and gently placed into the hole. Once everything is level, they backfill it with gravel or sand while filling the pool with water to keep the pressure even. To wrap things up, they landscape the area around the pool and add any extra features like decking or fencing.
Installing a fiberglass pool usually takes around 3 to 6 weeks. This timeframe covers everything from the pool installation to the patio and landscaping. Believe it or not, you can dive into your pool by the end of the second day! In comparison, a vinyl liner pool can take about 4 to 8 weeks, while a concrete pool might stretch to 3 to 6 months.
The settling period for a fiberglass pool is a crucial phase that requires careful monitoring and adjustments to ensure a stable and durable installation. Typically, the initial settling period lasts 2 to 4 weeks, with complete settling taking several months to a year.
Fiberglass pools can be installed in backyards as well as indoors and on rooftops. We’ve also installed fiberglass pools along waterfront properties.
About Fiberglass Pools
The price of an inground fiberglass pool can vary significantly based on several factors, including size, shape, and design features.
On average, homeowners can expect to spend between $40,000 and $100,000 for the installation of a fiberglass pool. Customization options, such as built-in spas, waterfalls, or unique finishes, can further increase the total investment required for the pool.
Blue Water Pools offers a wide range of options including different fiberglass manufacturers to help you meet your budgeting needs. We encourage you to call our team to chat about your project parameters to see how close we can get to curating your dream backyard.
We offer a fantastic limited lifetime warranty through Latham Pools with every pool purchase.
For the exact terms of the included warranty, visit:
https://www.lathampool.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024-Latham-Fiberglass-Warranty.pdf
For your convenience, you’re able to file all limited lifetime warranties with Latham Pools directly.