Are fiberglass swimming pools better than traditional concrete pools? The answer doesn\u2019t just depend on who you ask, but also on how you plan on using the pool \u2013 not to mention the entire patio space around it.<\/p>\n
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We are huge fans of fiberglass pools and wish more Massachusetts homeowners knew about the benefits they offer. But at the same time, no product is a perfect fit for every property or homeowner. So, we\u2019ve decided to lay out the biggest pros and cons of fiberglass pools in one quick post. Read through the positives and negatives below so you can begin your patio renovation project with the right information.<\/p>\n
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It can be harder to change impressions than it is to hammer your way through steel. And for a long time, homeowners assumed that fiberglass pools would be brittle. As it turns out, they are made from advanced materials (the same used to construct high-end yachts) that last an incredibly long time.<\/p>\n
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We live and work in New England. The seasons change. The ground flexes and moves. It\u2019s great having a sturdy composite that can handle the cycle of hot and cold and look great, year after year, without cracking or losing its shape.<\/p>\n
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Speaking of appearances, fiberglass swimming pools can be stunning. Not only are they available in more colors than traditional concrete pools are, but they also usually feature a shimmering glossy finish. That makes them seem more stylish and even futuristic.<\/p>\n
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What\u2019s more, that glossy finish is much harder to scratch or damage than concrete would be. Even better, because it\u2019s smooth, the surface doesn\u2019t accumulate algae and other organic material the way concrete does. That means less cleaning and maintenance if you go for a fiberglass pool installation.<\/p>\n
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A fiberglass swimming pool will generally cost less than a concrete swimming pool would. They can also be installed in a fraction of the time because they will have been pre-fabricated in a factory. So, you\u2019ll spend less upfront and can cut your installation waiting period to just a couple of weeks.<\/p>\n
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The savings aren\u2019t only on the front end, either. For the reasons I\u2019ve already given, fiberglass swimming pools require fewer chemical treatments. In fact, you can fill them with salt water if that\u2019s your preference. So, you\u2019ll spend less time and money on maintenance, making your pool a better investment as the years go on.<\/p>\n
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Since fiberglass swimming pools are manufactured, rather than poured, they come in preset shapes and sizes. That means you have to choose from a manufacturer\u2019s catalogue rather than specifying your own dimensions.<\/p>\n
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While this definitely falls into the \u201cdrawback\u201d category, it\u2019s my feeling that this isn\u2019t much of a problem in real life. The companies that manufacture fiberglass pools know which sizes and configurations are most popular. They build models that work for 95% of homeowners because that\u2019s where the profit is. The chances that you need something they don\u2019t make are quite low.<\/p>\n
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Most swimming pools, whether they are made from concrete or fiberglass, aren\u2019t actually constructed for swimming laps or going off of high diving boards. Only a small segment of the population goes looking for something that would fit those requirements. Not surprisingly, fiberglass pool companies generally don\u2019t offer models made for those purposes.<\/p>\n
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This is where I have to point out, once more, that this is a \u201cdrawback\u201d for very few people. The overwhelming majority of our customers treat their at-home swimming pools like they would the pool in a resort. They go in when they want to relax or cool off, not to get an Olympic-style workout. So, while it\u2019s true that you might not do as much serious swimming in your fiberglass pool, that\u2019s probably not what you want one for in the first place.<\/p>\n
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To my mind, this would be the biggest serious drawback to a fiberglass pool install. While the products are strong and versatile, they don\u2019t work well on certain types of properties. For example, if you have a heavy slope to your backyard or can\u2019t fit a standard swimming pool shape, then fiberglass might not be for you.<\/p>\n
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The exceptions are fairly rare, and most properties in our area of Massachusetts can be set up for a fiberglass pool with enough preparation ahead of time. However, that\u2019s not always the case. There are also occasions when it makes more sense to just put in a traditional swimming pool and spare yourself the extra stress and expense of trying to fit something that isn\u2019t a good match for the space.<\/p>\n
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These instances don\u2019t come up very often, but they highlight the importance of having a team that knows the ins and outs of a quality fiberglass pool install. They can properly survey the ground and make any corrections or recommendations.<\/p>\n
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When it comes to a topic like fiberglass pool installation, lists of pros and cons can be helpful. That\u2019s especially true if you\u2019re at the beginning of the process and are trying to find out what sort of options you have. Once you reach a certain point, though, it\u2019s less about what might work for everyone else and more about finding the right product and fit for your property.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s where the Stefano\u2019s Landscaping design team comes in. We can send an experienced member of our staff to your home for a free consultation that doesn\u2019t come with any pressure or obligations. It\u2019s your chance to ask questions and have us evaluate your property to talk about possibilities.<\/p>\n