What’s the Pros and Cons of Fiberglass Pools

What’s the Pros and Cons of Fiberglass Pools 

Fiberglass Pools Advantages:

Low maintenance: The gel coat surface of the fiberglass chopped strand mat pool shell is nonporous.  This inhibits the growth of algae and reduces the amount of sanitizing chemicals required to maintain the pool. 

Little or No lifetime cost: 99% of the time there is never any money invested in the shell of fiberglass pools.  No vinyl liner to replace and no resurfacing.

Non-abrasive surface: The gel coat surface of fiberglass pools is smooth to the touch.

Built-in Seats and Steps: Most fiberglass pool designs have seating and all have steps incorporated into the shell of the pool.

Manufactured in controlled environment: Fiberglass pools are built in the controlled climate of a factory.

Quick installation: Because the shells of fiberglass pools are built off site, the installation occurs more rapidly....3-5 weeks on average.

Fiberglass Pools Disadvantages:

Limited shapes and designs:  Because fiberglass pools are built from a mold, the consumer is limited to the shapes and sizes offered by the various fiberglass pool manufacturers.

No wider than 16':  Fiberglass Pools are shipped via the road.  Shipping restrictions limit the width of the fiberglass pool shell to 16'.

Repairs on some colored finishes do not match:  Many fiberglass pool manufacturers use colored finishes that do not match in the unlikely event that a repair is needed.

Higher initial cost:  Fiberglass pools are more of an initial investment; usually at least $5k more than vinyl liner pools and about the same as concrete pools.