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).
Fiberglass pools are the smoothest feeling out of all pool types. This is because of the gel finish they're coated with. Concrete pools can be rough, and plaster finishes can be smooth but bumpy. Aggregate finishes are textured for grip (and style), and vinyl-lined pools feel smooth but slippery.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fibreglass last a long time, it can be coloured, shiny or dull. It is low maintenance, anti-magnetic, fire resistant, good electrical insulator and weatherproof. The disadvantages is that it needs to be re-gel coated about every five years and can result in airborne fibres which may be an issue to asthma sufferers.
Fiberglass pools are both the easiest type of pool to heat and the least expensive. 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.
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.
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 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.
Fiberglass pools tend to be the least problematic in freezing conditions. This is because the materials used in the surface and structure of the pool are flexible and can withstand both high and low temperatures.
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.
A Common Gripe About Fiberglass Pools
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, 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.
Data numbers are based on sales in areas requiring pool permits, which necessarily excludes large market regions where permits are not required — there is ample evidence of a surge in fiberglass popularity.
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.
Fortunately, fiberglass pools are much more resistant to fading than some other types of pools — if they're well constructed like a Narellan Pools fiberglass pool, that is. The quality of the finishes used makes a huge difference to how well the color of your fiberglass pool will hold up.
Stains can appear in fiberglass pools. They are often caused by imbalanced minerals or chemicals, foreign objects, or high amounts of metals. Sun block and suntan oils can cause that bathtub ring. Water balance is crucial.