The fiberglass type is so durable and flexible that it can bear immense pressure. Naturally, even after carrying so much water weight, the fiber does not show signs of crack. However, if you do not maintain the pool properly, there is barely a chance of your pool cracking.
Your fiberglass pool can handle winter temps and conditions with ease. Wondering WHY fiberglass pools are so dependable? It's because fiberglass is a material that's exceptionally suited to this application.
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.
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.
Water Levels: How Far Down Do You Drain Your Pool for Winter? As a general rule, you want to lower the water level to approximately 1” beneath the skimmer. You never want to drain your pool completely. If you feel there's a need to drain your pool, contact a pool professional.
This being said, with a fiberglass pool, more often than not, if there is a problem with too much pressure from ground water, structural damage can occur to the pool's floor, which is why most manufacturers say in their warranty that the pool must remain full of water at all times.
Although pools require maintenance, draining them every year or even every month isn't necessary. Most pool professionals suggest draining in-ground pools every five to seven years. Depending on a pool's condition, this may vary.
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.
Lifetime costs: The lifetime costs for a pool consist of the total costs divided by its service life. To figure this out, we need to know how long each pool lasts. Here the difference seems to be significant. Fiberglass pools are good for around 25 years while concrete pools can last 50 years or more.
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 will break down over time for one of several reasons. The sun's heat and ultraviolet rays can eventually cause fiberglass to get brittle. If the gel coat surface is cracked or damaged due to impacts or vibrations, water seeps in through the cracks and damages the structure.
Continual exposure to elevated temperatures reduces the strength of plastics and glass reinforced fiberglass.
Cracks in your fiberglass tub are more than an aesthetic issue. If you don't get the cracks repaired, they can spread throughout the tub, allowing water to seep through and damage the underlying materials, including your home's structure.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Improper Installation
If a fiberglass pool is not installed properly, it can be more susceptible to popping out of the ground. For example, if the pool is not level or if the soil is not compacted properly before installation, it can shift or settle over time and cause the pool to pop out of the ground.