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What are the Advantages of Fiberglass Swimming Pools?

K T Solis
K T Solis

Fiberglass swimming pools have several advantages over traditional swimming pools. A fiberglass pool is installed in the backyard in a matter of days while a traditional swimming pool may take weeks to install. First, the site is excavated and dug. Then the pool is placed inside the hole.

Fiberglass swimming pools are one-piece shells manufactured from fiberglass. They are coated with a gel that is similar to the ones used on boats and pool slides. These pools are more expensive than other types of swimming pools and come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and tile patterns.

The pH levels of fiberglass swimming pools are not affected the way plaster pools are.
The pH levels of fiberglass swimming pools are not affected the way plaster pools are.

Simplicity of installation is just one of several advantages to choosing fiberglass swimming pools. In addition, pool made from fiberglass requires virtually no maintenance. While traditional pools require frequent professional services, fiberglass pools do not. Since they are built from strong, composite materials, they can withstand drastic changes in temperature. Unlike regular swimming pools, a fiberglass pool never needs to be resurfaced or relined. If the bottom of the pool suffers a hairline fracture, the fracture rarely irrevocably damages the structure.

Fiberglass backyard swimming pools are often more durable than concrete pools.
Fiberglass backyard swimming pools are often more durable than concrete pools.

Another advantage of choosing a fiberglass swimming pool is the fact that, unlike plaster pools, the pH level of the water is never affected. For this reason, it isn't necessary to apply many chemicals to the water in a fiberglass pool. Since an excessive amount of chemicals is not added to the water, it requires less circulating as well. A decrease in water circulating means the pool pump doesn't have to work as hard. In short, a pool owner's utility bills aren't nearly as high as the bills of a person who owns a traditional swimming pool.

Prefabricated fiberglass pools are more expensive than concrete ones or those with vinyl liners to install, but over time they are cheaper to maintain and repair.
Prefabricated fiberglass pools are more expensive than concrete ones or those with vinyl liners to install, but over time they are cheaper to maintain and repair.

A concrete pool will often absorb algae, making it difficult to clean. In contrast, fiberglass swimming pools do not absorb algae. A pool owner merely needs to use a broom to direct algae toward the pool's main drain. A fiberglass pool can be cleaned just as a bathtub is cleaned. Pool owners can use a simple cleanser to wipe away any dirt or rings left by body oil or sunscreen.

Once a fiberglass pool is installed, water must remain within it at all times. If an owner drains the pool in an incorrect manner, the structure can buckle or crack because of ground pressure. Contact the pool installer or manufacturer for directions on how to safely drain the pool without risk of damaging the structure.

Discussion Comments

anon121605

Hi sdurham15, a Springwash (Blue Horizons do a good one) should do the trick. Make sure to follow manufacturer's instructions.

Does the writer of the article want to explain why he/she thinks that just because a pool is made from fiberglass the pH won't change? I urge all fiberglass pool owners to check their pH levels as if they are outside the recommended parameters not only will your pump/heater etc., either get scaled up or corroded, all warranties on pool equipment will be voided as water treatment has not been correctly carried out! This applies to all pools and hot tubs no matter what they are made of.

sdurham15

I have some residual concrete stains on the wall of my fiberglass pool from the stone surround installation. What is the best way to remove the stains? Someone suggested muriatic acid but I know little about that product.

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    • The pH levels of fiberglass swimming pools are not affected the way plaster pools are.
      By: Sabine
      The pH levels of fiberglass swimming pools are not affected the way plaster pools are.
    • Fiberglass backyard swimming pools are often more durable than concrete pools.
      By: ViewApart
      Fiberglass backyard swimming pools are often more durable than concrete pools.
    • Prefabricated fiberglass pools are more expensive than concrete ones or those with vinyl liners to install, but over time they are cheaper to maintain and repair.
      By: Iuliia Sokolovska
      Prefabricated fiberglass pools are more expensive than concrete ones or those with vinyl liners to install, but over time they are cheaper to maintain and repair.