Tremendous flexibility. Surprising for a substance that is so strong, fiberglass is very flexible compared to other pool materials. This means that while the soil around a pool may expand, contract, and move as it freezes and thaws, a fiberglass pool can handle the changing pressure without cracking.
Believe it or not, fiberglass swimming pools are one of the best pool material options for cold climates. The strength of our fiberglass pools makes them highly resistant to cracking, despite repeated exposure to the wintertime dance of freezing and thawing.
Improper installation is one of the most common reasons your fiberglass pool may crack. If the fiberglass pool manufacturer of your choice installs the swimming pool poorly, there is a fair chance of numerous complications and damage.
The pool water may begin to freeze on those 30-degree days, thaw on a 50-degree day, and freeze again when the temperature drops. As a result, the concrete and plaster can begin to crack as well.
Many people wonder if their fiberglass pools are strong enough to withstand the extremes of winter weather. The answer is a resounding “Yes!”
Durability and Potential Damage
—and fiberglass pools, unfortunately, aren't immune to these issues. For example, fiberglass pool gel coat problems can arise in the form of discoloration due to improper water chemistry and balance. That's why we step up on our soapbox to stress the importance of pool maintenance.
If you purchase a high-quality fibreglass pool, you can expect them to last for more than 30 years. Unlike vinyl and concrete, they don't need replacing or resurfacing.
Some of the most common include that this pool type floats or pops up, that they look cheap, that they only work in warm climates, that they are are lot more expensive than vinyl liner pools, and that they cannot be customized. Unfortunately, many people shy away from fiberglass pools because they believe these myths.
Pool shell too thin or just too weak.
Some manufacturers build weak shells, it's bad for the industry as a whole. But unfortunately that's just how it is. If the shell is too thin or flexible it will flex past the ability of the gel coat to flex and cause a spider crack.
Check the temperature. If it is below 55 degrees, you may run into curing problems.
Due to ground pressure, most fiberglass pools can experience damage when drained without taking proper measures. This could include buckling, bulging or cracking in the walls or floor.
Your Fiberglass Pool: Much more than a shell holding water
Not only does it look great, but it's going to be a little easier to vacuum and maintain a fiberglass pool. It's not maintenance-free, but it is the lowest maintenance and lowest maintenance cost pool option.
Fiberglass Pools in Cold Climates
Freezing and thawing won't strain or crack a fiberglass pool like it might with a concrete pool, so you shouldn't have to worry as much about your pool cracking or breaking.
While you will need to seal and properly care for these concrete areas to prevent cracks, such risks are not present for the pool itself, which contains no concrete elements for its actual structure. For this reason, fiberglass is the best choice if you want to prevent any cold-weather risks like cracking or leaking.
Can cause injury – Fiberglass pools can become chalky and have strands start to delaminate from the surface, which can injure swimmers. This is accelerated due to the harsh Florida sun.
Setting up the forms, pouring the concrete, and letting it settle can take anywhere from 2-3 days, depending on the weather. While the concrete is curing, the construction team will clean up the site and make sure that your in-ground fiberglass pool and all equipment is operating properly.
Fiberglass pools last more than 30 years, easily
Of course, despite their toughness, fiberglass pools do require some maintenance. While they don't have to replastered or re-lined, they do need a gel coating replacement every 15 years.
A kit for fiberglass pool repairs may shop at a swimming pool supply store near you which includes multiple components: a paste or putty, a gel coat, a bonding coat, a sealant, and fiberglass replacement. Follow the instructions on the repair kit. Apply the bond coat first to coat the area you just removed.
The National Association of Realtors has said that a concrete or fiberglass pool may add roughly 5% to a home's value, but again, this number can vary. In other words, although you will get some returns (financially speaking) for your swimming pool, they likely won't match the overall cost of the pool project.
To keep your pool water crystal clear it's best to shock your pool once a week rather than waiting for the water to turn. This will ensure your pool's water chemistry balance is maintained at optimal levels.
Fiberglass pools are easier to maintain than gunite pools because they are smooth and non-porous. This means that they resist algae growth and require fewer chemicals than gunite pools. Gunite pools are more difficult to maintain because they are porous, so they require more chemicals to keep the water clean.
Because of that, saltwater systems have been a top choice for fiberglass pool owners for years. They are the ideal option for those looking for an alternative to traditional chlorine. Note: Be sure that if you are installing handrails or a cover system, its components are compatible with saltwater systems.
If you're looking to install a pool that is the most cost-effective over time, a fiberglass pool would be the best investment! Vinyl pools are generally considered to be the cheapest pool option, whereas fiberglass pools can cost up to a third more upfront.