What is a Fiberglass Pool?

Fiberglass swimming pools are a great option for homeowners who want to spend more time enjoying their pool and less time cleaning it. The smooth surface of fiberglass pools practically maintain themselves, and the pool can be installed in days! This is one of the more costly inground pool options, but you will see the lowest lifetime cost – which means more money for parties, grilling, and having fun by the pool!

Fiberglass Pool Design

If you have been following our Build a Pool Guide series, you will know that a well-thought-out design is imperative to the building process.

When you’re ready to dig into the details, there are a few things you should know about what makes fiberglass pools unique. Seats and steps are commonly built into your pool, so there is no need to worry about making this addition.

And if you’re looking to make your pool stand out, you can still add all the bells and whistles to your fiberglass pool such as a hot tub, water features, or lighting. If you want to add unique coping, your decking choice can affect your options. If you choose a standard deck, you will have fiberglass edging, which is the most budget-friendly option, but you will not be able to add an accent border. However, if you want customization and have a few extra dollars to spend, the cantilever deck has concrete poured over the edge of your pool which can be combined with various pool finishes such as a tile or pebbled finish.

Fiberglass Pool Installation

After you have chosen a design, your swimming pool shell will be created in a factory. Fiberglass is a strong, lightweight material that is constructed by weaving small glass threads into fabric and hardening the fabric with a special polyester resin. To create a smooth finish, a weather-resistant gel is added to the fiberglass mold. Once your pool is completed, it will be transported to your backyard and installed in the excavated hole. The entire installation of an inground fiberglass swimming pool typically takes 1-2 weeks, not including the time required to obtain permits.

Fiberglass Pool Maintenance

Why are fiberglass swimming pools so popular? One reason is the fiberglass pools require minimal maintenance -- especially compared to concrete pools or vinyl pools. Because of the smooth finish created by the weather-resistant gel, fiberglass pools offer stable pH levels and minimal algae growth. This saves you not only money on chemicals and tools in the long term, but time that can be spent enjoying your pool instead of cleaning it. Of course, maintaining a swimming pool and its water is always a must.

Maintaining your fiberglass pool can be very simple. For pool wall dirt and grime, use a damp sponge or rag and a simple pool cleaner to remove any marks or waterlines without damaging your pool. If the spot remains, call a pool professional. Do NOT use any harsh cleaners or tools as these may damage the gel coating on your pool. If for any reason you need to drain your pool, leave it to the professionals. Although your fiberglass pool may have a sturdy structure, there are many external factors that go into draining a pool. With an investment like this, DIY is not the way to go.

Fiberglass Pool FAQs