Many people wonder if their fiberglass pools are strong enough to withstand the extremes of winter weather. The answer is a resounding “Yes!” Cold temperatures are not a problem for fiberglass pools, so long as you properly care for them.
In contrast to vinyl and concrete pools, which have little to no ability to retain warmth, fiberglass is an insulator so it holds heat in your pool. Fiberglass pools heat up much faster than other kinds of pools and hold onto that heat for much longer.
Fiberglass is an insulator – this means a longer swimming season. As a matter of fact Owens-Corning invented fiberglass in 1938 to be used as insulation. This property is great news to fiberglass pool owners in the northeast because it allows you to use much less energy to keep your pool at a comfortable temperature.
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! Plus, these pools are notoriously easy to maintain.
While they are easier to install, fiberglass pools are nowhere near as durable as a gunite inground pool. The inside surface of this type pool is a gel coat on which the fiberglass has been laminated. The walls of the pool are only ½ to ⅜ inch thick compared to the 8 to 10 inch thickness of a gunite pool.
Fiberglass swimming pools are very compatible with salt water systems. If you are using a vinyl liner pool, you must be careful as those pools tend to have metal parts or connections which salt will eat through and corrode.
If you are looking to install a fiberglass pool for the lowest time, both the fall and winter are the best times to achieve this. Most people want a pool installed in the spring or early summer months so they can use it right away and receive fast gratification.
When it comes to heat retention, inground pools will stay warmer for longer because of the insulative properties of the ground surrounding the pool.
Fiberglass pools are durable
Both the structure and the surface of a high-quality fiberglass pool can last as long as you want them to, 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.
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.
Concrete pools don't heat up as quickly or retain heat like fibreglass variants. Since the liner and shell are made to ensure that heat absorption is lower, you'll find that the water heats up quickly and stays warmer for a longer time as well.
Inground swimming pool LED lights will add a truly breathtaking nighttime appeal to your pool. Providing a luminous setting for impromptu get-togethers and evening swims, inground pool LED lights impart an enchanting ambiance to any style of pool.
Inhaled slivers of fiberglass irritate the alveoli and can cause lung disease. There is some data which suggests fiberglass in the lungs may cause cancer, by slicing DNA and causing cell mutation, in the same way as mineral wool. Some fiberglass still uses formaldehyde as a binder, which leaks out into the air.
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.
While there are many myths about fiberglass pools, the one thing you should NEVER EVER do is DRAIN your fiberglass pool without professional help. Let me say that again, NEVER drain your fiberglass pool for any reason. In fact, we recommend NEVER letting the water level drop more than 2-3 inches below the skimmer!
This is the Regular Gizmo. It is designed to absorb the expansion of winter freeze-up in swimming pool skimmers. The Regular Gizmo is 9 Inch long and installs in short skimmers found in both above ground and in-ground swimming pools.
As the water freezes, it expands and can start pushing against the skimmer and tiles of your pool causing them to potentially chip, break or fall off completely. It is important to keep water flowing as long as possible to avoid potential damage caused by ice.
In fact, compared to other kinds of pools, fiberglass is very resilient to changes in pressure in and around it. It also doesn't contract or expand much itself due to changes in the temperature around it. So a cold and rainy climate isn't an issue.
Do NOT let your pool freeze.
While a thin layer of ice is unlikely to damage your pool, if you live in an area with continuous below-freezing temperatures, we highly recommend you winterize and close your pool at the end of swimming season. Keeping your pool open all year long is also an option.
12x24 Inground Pool Cost
The cost for this size, on average, will be between $26,000 and $38,000, depending on the type of material used. Materials and their average associated costs are as follows: Concrete, $38,000. Fiberglass, $34,000.
Saltwater pools offer a better swimming environment, and while it might feel better on the skin and does not cause eye irritation, it's not without its problems. Saltwater is corrosive to metal and tends to corrode any metal objects near the pool such as outdoor furniture and even nearby grills.
Pros of Saltwater Pools
There's less chlorine and less of the heavy chemical scent and content. They're gentler on the skin, with less irritation to the eyes, hair and swimsuits. The water has a softer, silkier feel to it compared to chlorine water. They have lower maintenance costs than chlorine pools.