If you’re exploring your options for a new pool, you’re probably at least familiar with the concept of fiberglass pools. These pools are essentially a one-piece fiberglass shell that is put into a hole dug in your backyard, and just like that, you have a pool. That’s one of the many great things about fiberglass pools: they don’t take long to install. Learn more about the benefits and challenges of owning a fiberglass pool so you can decide whether they’re right for your new pool. (And, if one sounds like the right fit for your backyard, we’ll tell you how to finance a swimming pool too!)
What You Should Know About Fiberglass Pools
Benefits of Owning a Fiberglass Pool
1. Super Fast Installation
As we stated above, fiberglass pools can be installed very fast. How fast? Most are installed in just a couple of days. Compare this with concrete pools, which take a few months to install.
Many homeowners like the speed of fiberglass installation because it minimizes the interruption and disarray caused by any large home improvement project.
2. Low Maintenance
Perhaps the best thing about fiberglass pools is that they require significantly less maintenance than concrete pools. Why? Because fiberglass is a non-porous surface, while concrete is porous.
Bacteria and algae can grow more easily on porous surfaces, which means concrete pool owners have to do more work to prevent them from growing there.
This means concrete pools need more chemicals in them, and the pool surface needs to be brushed weekly. Not to mention that because concrete is alkaline and increases the pool water’s pH, you have to use additional chemicals to counter this effect.
Fiberglass is inert, so it won’t affect the pH of the water, and it’s non-porous, so it’s resistant to algae and bacteria. All in all, this means less chemicals, less time, and less money spent on pool maintenance for fiberglass pool owners. Fiberglass is compatible with both chlorine and salt systems.
3. Smoother Surface
Another great thing about the non-porous surface of fiberglass is that it’s not rough like concrete, which needs to be finished in order to reduce this roughness. Plus, you’ll have to replace the finish every 5 to 15 years (depending on the finish), adding to the cost of ownership.
Fiberglass pools never need to be refinished because they’re already finished, smooth, and easy on your feet.
4. Durability
Fiberglass pools are incredibly durable. Unlike concrete, the water doesn’t interact with the surface, so it doesn’t get worn down over the years. And unlike vinyl, there’s no liner that needs to be replaced or risks being punctured.
5. Lower Cost
Compared to concrete pools, fiberglass pools have a lower overall cost to purchase and maintain. Concrete pools can cost up to over a hundred grand, while fiberglass pools tend to average around $50,000, ranging from $20,000 even up to $85,000.
Over the years, the cost of owning a fiberglass pool has been very affordable. Since fewer chemicals are needed to keep the water clean, you’ll spend less on maintenance costs.
Challenges of Owning a Fiberglass Pool
1. Not as Customizable
One advantage concrete has over fiberglass is that it’s highly customizable. Concrete can be custom-designed into any configuration you want. With fiberglass, you have to choose from the configurations the manufacturers offer.
Granted, there are a good number of sizes, shapes, and colors to choose from, but if a truly custom pool is what you’re after, then fiberglass might not fit the bill.
2. Expensive to Repair or Replace
While fiberglass pools are extremely durable, it doesn’t mean they are invincible. Damage can happen from unforeseen events, like catastrophic weather conditions, and you may find yourself in a worst-case scenario. And while they are low maintenance, doesn’t mean they’re no maintenance. Fiberglass pools with a chronic lack of maintenance (like any pool) will deteriorate.
However, if you bought a fiberglass pool with an extended warranty (some even last up to 25 years), some of these costs may be covered. Be sure to look into warranty packages offered with a fiberglass pool, if any are offered.
Finance a New Fiberglass Pool with HFS Financial
If a fiberglass pool sounds like a right fit for your backyard and budget, the next step is to submit an online inquiry through HFS Financial. It only takes 60 seconds to complete and won’t impact your credit score. From there, you can compare inground pool financing options that fit your needs, and we’ll help navigate you through the application process. With assistance from our trusted experts, you’ll be swimming in the fiberglass pool of your dreams in no time. “You Dream It, We Finance It.”