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.
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.
Fiberglass is considerably stronger than concrete and will not require re-plastering or acid washes over time. Fiberglass has a smooth, non-porous surface that is very easy to clean and maintain. Fiberglass is an insulator that, coupled with an autocover, can help owners save big on heating costs and maintenance.
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.
One of the biggest gripes that we see have to do with the slippery surface of a fiberglass pool. The fact is, this material can be so slick that pool users can actually slip and fall. This can be a real problem for pool steps, where a slip-and-fall accident can be dangerous.
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 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.
Fiberglass pools that are 27' to 35' long have depths which range from 3 ½' to 6 ½'. Fiberglass pools that are 35' to 40'+ long the depths can go anywhere from 3 ½' to 8' deep.
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.
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 inground pools are manufactured in one, ready-to-install piece, which makes them easier to clean and maintain. The non-porous gel-coat surface of fiberglass pools also requires less frequent cleaning when compared to other pool types.
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.
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.
Fiberglass swimming pools are very compatible with salt water systems.
A fiberglass pool is not prone to growing algae, which is one of the main reasons why this pool is easier to maintain. Anyone who is looking for a pool that doesn't require a lot of maintenance may want to consider going with a fiberglass pool.
In contrast, fiberglass tends to be smooth to the touch. The flip side of that is that it can get slippery, a particular concern for pool steps where falls can happen. However, a slippery surface isn't necessarily a flaw in the pool shell, but an indication that there's an algae problem.
Back to the question, Are fiberglass pools rough? The answer is a resounding no. The gel coat finish of a fiberglass pool is a fantastic combination of non-skid and super smooth gelcoat, so it's safe for entering and exiting, in addition to being easy on your feet and swimsuits.
The short answer: No, they shouldn't be. The long answer: Fiberglass can be harmful if you breathe it in, and the raw material can be irritating to bare skin. The good news is, you're not going to be swimming in an exposed fiberglass pool.
Every fiberglass pool manufacturer has a spec sheet that shows exactly how much it is supposed to weigh. Depending on the size of the pool, most shells weigh between 2000–3500 lbs.