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.
Water Pressure
The cracks happen because fiberglass pools rely on the pressure of the water in the pool to exert force against the pressure of the soil around them to maintain their structure.
The cons associated with fiberglass pools are primarily related to cost and installation issues. Contrary to popular belief, fiberglass pools aren't cheaper than traditional options like concrete (we'll provide more details in the “Costs” section later on).
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.
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.
Premature or uneven fading of the gelcoat surface of fiberglass pools is almost always due to improper care of the pool's water chemistry. This is especially true with salt water pools, as the chlorine generator often produces far more chlorine than needed.
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!
Fiberglass swimming pools were designed to be affordable, attractive, safe and easy to maintain. Polished concrete makes the perfect surrounds for fiberglass swimming pools, because it shares these same characteristics.
Luckily, heating is not only an option for fiberglass pools, it's actually a wonderful idea for them. Fiberglass pools are both the easiest type of pool to heat and the least expensive.
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.
When it comes to heat retention, inground pools will stay warmer for longer because of the insulative properties of the ground surrounding the pool.
Close the pool for winter – but don't drain it.
In winter, the water in your pool is still your friend. Especially when properly winterized, it helps to protect the pool liner, keep it clean and prevent unnecessary damage from debris, harsh weather and other factors.
The weight of ice or snow are common culprits of pool collapse. Draining your pool too much. An older inground pool may not be able to withstand the weight of dirt against it once it is empty or if the water levels are too low. Groundwater can also push against the pool walls and cause it to collapse.
In-Ground Pools
Drain the water down to no more than 6 inches from the bottom of the skimmer if you plan to use a standard floating winter cover. Use your pool filter, switched to the "Drain" setting, to empty the pool water.
Well, if you're considering a fiberglass pool, I have some good news for you. Fading and discoloration will almost certainly not be a problem for you as long as the pool manufacturer does their part and follows manufacturing best-practices, and you do your part by properly maintaining your pool water chemistry.
1. Calcium build-up on the pool surface. High pH levels will cause calcium carbonate in the water to precipitate or bond to the fibreglass surface. When this happens, it often leaves a white gritty layer that looks much worse when dry.
In general, quality fiberglass finishes will start to experience some fading at the 8–12 year mark, but if the pool is well maintained it will still continue to look great for decades.
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 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.
Fiberglass swimming pools are very compatible with salt water systems.
Pools with vinyl liners will last more than 20 years, as long as you replace your liner every 6-12 years. Concrete pools have exceptional longevity, but you need to resurface the concrete every 10 years or so. Fiberglass pools have the longest lifespans of any in-ground pool, often easily surpassing 30 years.
If you're ready for less maintenance and more relaxation in your fiberglass pool, opt for a salt water system for your new fiberglass pool. Call the experts at Narellan Pools to get started!