Have you heard some gossip about fiberglass pools? The Splash Pool & Spa team is here to debunk several myths floating around about these amazing pools! We’re a big fan of fiberglass, so let’s set the record straight.
1) Popping Out
Rumor has it … laughably untrue
Let’s have some fun with math to prove this one. The weight of a gallon of water is a little over 8.3 pounds. If you’ve ever lifted a gallon of milk, you know the heft. Now, take a fiberglass pool that holds 15,000 gallons. That’s over 125,000 pounds or 62.5 tons! There’s no way that shell is going anywhere. The water’s mass will keep it in place, just like your bathtub or kitchen sink.
To be fair, pools have been known to dislodge from the bottom. But that is a sign of an improper installation, not a flaw of the shell material. A fiberglass pool is just as likely to come unfastened as a concrete one if it’s the victim of poor workmanship.
2) Cracking
Rumor has it … only under extreme circumstances
Even though it’s thin and lightweight, fiberglass is a lot tougher than it appears. It’s actually constructed of a durable layer of reinforced plastic. The composite is strong enough that it’s used for aircraft and boat hulls, plumbing, and roofing. So what’s the deal with this accusation about cracking?
Blame part of this misconception on Iowa’s notorious winters. It’s easy to assume that a fiberglass pool might splinter, especially when ice begins to freeze and thaw. But it’s not any different than when ice cubes form in a tray – liquid expands up, not outward. Also, since you don’t completely drain a pool over winter, very little of the shell is exposed to the elements.
While it’s not impossible for a fiberglass pool to crack, it would most likely be the result of a manufacturing issue or damage during shipping. These would be flagged during the pre-installation inspection, so your pool would never reach the ground with a defect.
As a bonus, our fiberglass pool provider, Barrier Reef Pools, includes a lifetime warranty for the structural integrity of their shells to contain water.
3) Faster Install Time
Rumor has it … actually true!
One of the biggest advantages of fiberglass pools is that they take less time to finish than a concrete pool. An experienced contractor (like us!) can complete the work within a week or two. The quick turnaround is for a simple reason – there’s no concrete shell to build, reinforce, and cure. Fiberglass pools are prefabricated and delivered as one piece, meaning they fit in place like a shower surround.
4) Cheaper Than Vinyl
Rumor has it … the maintenance savings are real
The lifelong price of owning a fiberglass pool beats out vinyl liners any day. Yes, we’ll acknowledge that the upfront price of vinyl is less than fiberglass. But the upkeep completely changes the financial picture.
First, vinyl is easy to tear, and those repairs or replacement costs can really add up. Also, vinyl only lasts about 7 years compared to 20-30 years with fiberglass. Every new liner comes with associated downtime – what’s the cost of losing part of your swim season?
It’s also easier to manage water quality with fiberglass, especially when it comes to algae. Those intrepid microorganisms just love to cling to vinyl. Homeowners may find they’re using more chemicals and running their filtration frequently. With fiberglass, algae can’t make a home for itself because it slides right off the gelcoat.
Ready to plan your fiberglass pool project? Use our Build Your Own Inground Pool Wishlist, a tool that guides you through features so we can generate a detailed estimate, or schedule a free consultation by calling 319-200-7665.
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