Thinking of Adding Fiberglass to Your Concrete Pool?

 Concrete pools can encounter a lot of problems as they age. They may experience failing tiles, roughness, and other issues. And, while there are many possible solutions to these problems, an increasingly popular option is to add fiberglass to the pool. This choice may not be right for everyone. But, to determine if it’s right for you, you need to know a few basic facts.  

Cost

Applying fiberglass to a concrete pool can definitely get expensive. Thus, you’ll need to consider your pool’s age, your reasons for applying fiberglass, and your budget to decide if it’s right for you. Generally, costs range from around $1,500 to $5,000 or more. You can get an estimate from a pool professional to determine your approximate costs and to decide whether or not you feel the expense is worthwhile.

Advantages

Despite the cost, there are definitely some advantages to adding fiberglass to your current pool. For one thing, you can greatly increase structural integrity and reduce the risk of cracking. You may also find that your pool becomes smoother, requires less maintenance, and uses fewer chemicals once a fiberglass shell is applied.

Disadvantages

While a concrete to fiberglass conversion can be helpful in many circumstances, it is not without its downfalls. You may discover issues with color deterioration, delamination of the fiberglass, and an increased risk of leakage. However, most of these issues can be remedied or avoided entirely by having a qualified pool professional perform the conversion and future upkeep.

Longevity

If the fiberglass conversion is enacted properly, you should enjoy around ten years of extended life out of your pool. Furthermore, you may be able to  extend this lifespan further by choosing to resurface the pool with fiberglass once more.

Ultimately, adding fiberglass to a concrete pool is a big decision. It can solve some pool problems, but it may create others. The key is to be informed of both the positives and negatives of this choice, to find a pool professional who will be honest with you about them, and who can enact the procedure correctly if you do choose to go ahead with it.

How Long Will My Pool Last?

 A lot of people ask their pool companies how long their pools will last. And, companies will give them different answers. Sometimes, these answers have more to do with selling the pool or with the warranty than with the truth. And, honestly, even the truth is variable. How long a pool will last is greatly dependent on the care and use it sees, as well as on the type of pool you choose. But with that said, here’s a basic rundown of approximately how long different pools should last.  

Concrete Pools  

You may have heard that concrete pools last forever, and that’s partially true. The overall structure of concrete pools is very sturdy and can last indefinitely. However, the surface and finish will need care and refinishing about every decade or so. If you keep up with those tasks, however, there’s really no telling how long your concrete pool will last.  

Fiberglass Pools  

Fiberglass pools are another very long-lasting option. And, even better yet, they don’t require any

special care to last indefinitely. They don’t require refinishing and, generally, as long as they’re installed properly and receive basic maintenance, they just keep on surviving!   

Vinyl Liner Pools  

Unfortunately, vinyl liner pools don’t tend to offer the same longevity as the other two options. For one thing, their liner needs to be replaced frequently, sometimes as often as every five years! For many people, the cost of replacements becomes too prohibitive, and they give up on their pools. Plus rusting, leaks, and broken wall problems are all common issues that can spell the end (or at least some serious, costly repairs) for these pools.  

If you just want a pool to enjoy for a few years, go for a vinyl liner pool. But, if you want a pool for a lifetime, this one may not be your best choice.  

The Bottom Line  

As you can see, different pools have different expected “lifespans.” So, when you choose your pool, you’ll want to keep this information in mind, especially if you plan on using your pool well into the future.  

However, remember that the better you care for your pool, no matter what type it is, the more likely it is to last you for quite some time.

Don't Make These Mistakes Putting in Your Fiberglass Pool

So, you’re in the market for a fiberglass pool! That’s great because you’ve already chosen one of the best pool options that money can buy. However, know that there is a lot of misinformation about fiberglass pools, so you’ll need to do your own careful research and take everything you hear with a grain of salt. Furthermore, you’ll also want to avoid some of the most common mistakes people make when buying these pools.  

Mistake #1: Not Getting a Manufacturer’s Warranty  

Because swimming pools are very expensive purchases, you need some kind of protection to ensure your money doesn’t go to waste. Luckily, that’s exactly what a good fiberglass pool warranty should provide. Thus, only choose pools with a manufacturer’s warranty included, and make sure you read through the whole warranty carefully to verify it’s really as good as it sounds.  

Mistake #2: Not Requesting (Or Following Up On) References 

Finding the right pool company feels wonderful, but don’t just “go with your gut” to make this big decision! With any pool company, no matter how great they seem, always ask for a reference list, and then actually take the time to follow up with those references and ensure they have positive things to say about their experience with the company. You’d be surprised at how many people skip one or both of these steps . . . only to pay for it later on down the line.  

Mistake #3: Cutting Corners  

Because putting in a swimming pool is costly, a lot of people are tempted to cut corners in order to try and save money. And, while there’s nothing wrong with being cost-conscious, make sure you consider the long-term impact of each decision you make. You might, for example, think you’re saving money by opting for a cheaper pump, only to realize it’s a lot less efficient than the more expensive option. By all means, save money, but do it in ways that affect your long-term savings and value, instead of just focusing on the upfront cost.  

As you can see, it’s very easy to make a mistake when buying a pool. But, it’s also quite easy to avoid mistakes too, at least if you’re making a conscious effort to be smart and informed throughout the buying process. And, avoiding these mistakes is a great way to start!

Fiberglass Pools - A Great, Long-Lasting Option

Today’s swimming pool shoppers have no shortage of options to choose from. However, more and more frequently, they choose to go with fiberglass pools, and for good reason. These pools are designed to be incredibly durable and to reduce the amount of maintenance their owners will have to perform over the pool’s lifetime. With that said, however, all fiberglass pools are not created equally. And, to ensure you get one of the great ones, you need to be cautious and careful during the selection process.  

Manufacturers Matter  

Whether you choose a full-service pool company, which is highly recommended, or buy your fiberglass pool directly from the manufacturer, it’s important to ensure the pool is well-manufactured and quality-made from the start. Ask your pool seller about the types of materials used and then do research on these materials and their quality. Find out how thick the materials are and even the exact workmanship process used to craft your pool. Yes, you might have to be a bit pushy and ask a lot of questions, but if it will get you a great pool in the end, it’s worth it!  

Installation Counts Too!  

Whether your pool manufacturer is also the one installing your pool or you’re using two separate companies, it’s vital to inquire about how the pool is installed. Most importantly, you need to know what will be done during the installation process to guard against common issues, such as leaks, settling, and shifting. If your pool installer can’t give you good, solid answers that you can verify through your own research, then it’s probably not a company you want to work with.  

Learn About Maintenance  

Finally, once you’ve found a great pool manufacturer and/or installer, it’s up to you to help your pool last as long as possible. That means reading up on the proper care and maintenance of fiberglass pools and then following suit accordingly. The good news is that these pools typically require much less care than other pool options, but they still do need some care. Whether that means learning and doing it yourself or hiring a pool company, taking good care of your pool is of the utmost importance.

Are Abice Gound Fiberglass Pools Possible?

While fiberglass pools were created to be used as in-ground pools, there are still people out there who are interested in installing them above-ground. Whether you’re one of them or you’re just curious, you may be wondering if this is even possible. And, believe it or not, it is!  

This is not to say, of course, that you can just take a fiberglass pool shell, put it on the ground, and fill it with water. Instead, you’d need to have a professional company add in backfill material and take other steps to support the pool and make above-ground or at least partial above-ground installation possible. However, before you take this step, make sure you consider a few key facts.  

It Won’t Necessarily Be Cheaper  

One of the main reasons that people opt for above-ground fiberglass pools is because they think it will save them money. Unfortunately, however, savings are not guaranteed and would be minimal at best.  

Yes, you’d likely pay for less backfill than you would with an in-ground pool, but you’d also have to pay for framed decking, which is quite costly. So, typically, the costs run about the same whether you install your pool in-ground or above-ground.  

It’s a Good Solution in Areas Prone to Flooding  

While an above-ground fiberglass pool may not be the money-saving option you dreamed of, it can be a great solution if you live in an area that is prone to flooding. In these cases, a standard in-ground pool may get overly dirty after heavy rains and cause you problems. Having the pool above-ground or partially above-ground, on the other hand, can keep these issues at bay, making this one instance in which this choice actually makes sense. 

Ultimately, above-ground fiberglass pools are not common. They’re also not really necessary in most situations. However, if you do live in a flood-prone area or would otherwise be forced to install your pool very low to the ground, you may want to inquire about this option. And, if you just have your heart set on it, for whatever reason, it’s at least worth discussing with your pool company to see if it’s feasible.

The Basics of Fiberglass Pools

Are you thinking about installing a fiberglass pool? If so, you probably have a lot of questions and concerns.  That’s completely normal and actually a good thing since it shows you’re putting some real thought into your decision, rather than making it on a whim.   

Fortunately, most of your questions are probably pretty common. And, while you can find answers to some of those more common questions here, remember that nothing beats finding and working with a professional pool contractor. After all, they’re the ones who will be able to truly answer your questions.

How Long Does Installation Take?

Everyone (especially those people who’ve waited until the last minute!) typically wants to know how long pool installation will take.

Unfortunately, the answer can vary a lot based on where you live, your contractor, and even the weather. In general, though, you can expect the installation process, on average, to take about two to four weeks.

How Much Will it Cost?

This question is even tougher than the last! As you can imagine, there are all kinds of factors that go into determining fiberglass pool costs. Things like the size of your pool, what features you’re adding, and where you live all play a role.

However, most people who get a medium-sized fiberglass pool installed will spend at least $30,000.

Will it Work for Me?

Finally, many people are curious about whether or not a fiberglass pool is right for them.

They might want to know if it will work with their property, with the budget they have available, or even with the plans and designs they have in mind.

And, unfortunately, this is one question that can’t be answered here. It can only be answered by an experienced contractor who is briefed on your situation.

However, reaching out to such a contractor is the perfect next step. Not only can they help you choose the right pool for you and your family, whether it’s fiberglass or not, but they can also get the process started. That way, before you know it, you’ll be swimming and splashing in your very own pool!

Is it Time to Resurface Your Fiberglass Pool?

Do you have a fiberglass pool? If so, you may have heard that, from time to time, these pools will require resurfacing. And, you may be wondering if that’s the case with your pool.

In truth, if you have a very high-quality fiberglass pool and you take good care of it, you may never have to worry about resurfacing.

If your pool is lower quality, however, or if you do something to wear down the gelcoat, such as using too-harsh chemicals, then you may need to resurface it. You just need to know what signs to look out for and, if you notice them in your own pool, then you can get busy with resurfacing.

Blistering

One thing to look out for is blistering, commonly known as osmosis.

Blistering occurs in fiberglass pools when outside water filters into the fiberglass and damages the top-coat, leading to unsightly blisters on the surface of the pool.

This problem not only affects the beauty of your pool, but it also makes your water less safe and clean, so you’ll want to address it through resurfacing quickly. The problem does tend to spread, so the sooner you take care of it, the easier it should be to get under control.

Staining

Be wary when new stains show up on your pool. While some staining is normal, it’s cause for alarm if your stains won’t wash away even with thorough cleaning or if they’re growing and spreading.

Pool stains can have all kinds of causes from using the wrong pool chemicals to algae contamination. Thus, you must understand the cause to determine if the issue is serious enough for resurfacing.

If it is, be sure to eliminate the source of the problem before you resurface. That way, you won’t end up with the same issue all over again!

Hopefully, you will never have to resurface your pool. If you take great care of it, this might be the case. If, though, you do notice these or other problems, take care of them for good with quality, professional resurfacing of your fiberglass pool.