What Is The Best Brand Of Fiberglass Pools
Top 10 Fiberglass Pool Manufacturers
- Alaglas Swimming Pools. Alaglas Swimming Pools is located in St.
- Barrier Reef Pools. With its roots in Australia, Barrier Reef Fiberglass Pools has a manufacturing facility centrally located in South Carolina.
- Blue Hawaiian Fiberglass Pools.
Do Fiberglass Pools Crack
Yes, cracking can be a problem with fiberglass pools. Small cracks, also known as spider cracks, can occur in the gelcoat of a fiberglass pool. This can be caused by a manufacturing error or an unsupported surface. These cracks dont usually indicate leaks. If this happens you can hire a professional to resurface your pool and expect to pay about $7,500 for materials and labor.
Concrete Vinyl Or Fiberglass Pick The Pool That’s Best For You
The quick answer
Concrete: For a top-of-the-line custom designed pool with all the bells and whistles, you want concrete. With proper maintenance, including interior resurfacing every 20 to 25 years, a good quality concrete pool will have an unlimited lifespan.
Vinyl: Vinyl is an affordable alternative to concrete that can be partially customized to deliver a stunning upgrade to any property. Vinyl liners should be replaced every eight to 15 years. Vinyl pools have a 25 to 30 year lifespan.
Fiberglass: Fiberglass pools cost a little more than vinyl pools and are made from a mould, which means they cannot be customized. A fiberglass pool’s lifespan, and the amount of resurfacing it requires, will be highly dependent on its quality.
Quality materials and installation, along with regular maintenance, will have a huge impact on the appearance and durability of any pool.
Still here? Great! Read on for more information on concrete, vinyl and fibreglass pools.
Concrete
What will it look like?Picture a work-of-art showpiece of a swimming pool and add a vibrant complement of luxury options. Think grottos, waterfalls and integrated spas. Got it? Odds are you’re picturing a concrete pool.
The beauty of a concrete pool lies in its ability to achieve any shape and size while at the same time accommodating a world of luxury options. Your own imagination is the limit.
What about maintenance?Concrete pool maintenance starts with quality materials and workmanship. This is key.
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Find Out What Pool Type Works Best For You
Whether youre looking at fiberglass or concrete pools, each type has its own drawbacks and advantages. The decision is ultimately up to you to decide and figure out what is the best fit for your backyard. Ask your pool builder and find out more information about both choices. Conduct more research about your HOA and see if there are any restrictions.
Swimming Pool Sizes And Shapes Not Customizable
The one major disadvantage of fiberglass inground pools is that you can’t change the shape, size, or depth of the pool.
So the question then becomes, can you find a fiberglass pool model that you’re happy with?
We’ve found that about 90% of people do find a fiberglass pool that perfectly meets their needs.
However, if you need a pool that’s 10 feet deep or an ultra customized shape, fiberglass probably isn’t the best fit for you.
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Fiberglass Vs Concrete Pool: Which Will It Be
The most important thing to keep in mind when putting in a pool is how much better your quality of life will be. No more trips to the neighbors house or public pool to cool off.
When it comes to fiberglass vs concrete pool, theres no right or wrong answer. It all depends on what youre looking for and how much youre willing to spend.
Use the list of pros and cons discussed above when choosing the best pool for your family.
For more information on exterior designing for your home, check out our blog today.
Fiberglass Pool Installation Costs
Installation costs can make up more than 25 percent of the total cost of a fiberglass pool. Pool companies offer different packages to customers at different price points. Those at higher price points include labor like installation and cleaning, and the budget options require the buyer to do that work themselves.
Homeowners who want to save money on their fiberglass pool can opt for a self-install or DIY package, which typically includes the pool shell and its shipping and can cost as low as $20,000. Then, its up to the homeowner to do the work.
Most pool companies will charge between $10,000 and $20,000 to install the pool. That includes the pools shell, excavation, backfill, pool water and a filter. They will also charge for labor on an hourly basis, which equals about $5.50 per square foot.
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Low Cost Of Ownership
Because an inground swimming pool is a lifetime investment, evaluating the cost of ownership is essential to helping you decide which pool will provide the most value. As you will see from our 10-year pool ownership comparison chart, fiberglass vs. vinyl pool, and the fiberglass vs. concrete pool, the fiberglass swimming pools are the lowest cost of ownership, especially over time.
Depending on the region you reside in, the initial cost of an average fiberglass pool is approximately $30,000 $45,000. If you factor in the yearly maintenance cost over ten years, fiberglass pools are significantly less expensive than vinyl liner pools and concrete pools overall.
The initial cost of a vinyl liner pool is approximately $27,500 $42,000. Vinyl liner pools are less expensive than fiberglass pools at the initial purchase however, the difference in cost is quickly recovered over a 10-year period, due to the strong durability of fiberglass, and lower maintenance costs.
Vinyl liner pools need a replacement liner every 8-10 years, depending on how the pool was maintained. The replacement cost for a vinyl liner depends on the size of your pool, averaging between $4,500 and $6,500. This average includes the cost of the pool water as well. It does not cover the cost of the replacement of pool salt if you have a salt-water pool.
The price range for vinyl pools, fiberglass pools, and concrete pools does not include any water features, fire features, hardscaping, spas, or decking.
Vinyl Liner Pools: Size Shape And Customizations
In terms of size and shape, inground vinyl liner pools give homeowners plenty of options to choose from. From more traditional rectangular shapes, to intriguing curved free-form shapes like the Taormina or Mountain Lake II models, vinyl liner pools come in a variety of styles.
Vinyl liner pools are highly customizable and offer homeowners an abundance of options to choose from to create the pool of their dreams. Vinyl liners are also soft to the touch and a more comfortable option than the rough texture of a concrete pool.
- Customizable Style: Vinyl liners come in a variety of colors and patterns, from solid hues to prints that mimic the look of an elaborate mosaic, tile or seaglass. Replacing your vinyl liner can give your pool an entirely new and refreshed look.
- Customizable Add-Ons: You can also choose to enhance your vinyl liner pools with a number of add-ons, including tanning ledges and coping and decking.
- Sizes: Available in a wide variety of sizes and dimensions, comparable to prefab sizes for fiberglass pools, including:
- 14 x 28 feet
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Lets Sum It Upfiberglass Vs Vinyl Pool
- Low Lifetime Cost of Ownership
- Long Warranty
- Initial Low Cost to Purchase
- Some Customization Available
- Liner Replacement Needed Approximately every 8 to 10 years
- Ongoing Pool Chemical Balance is Vital
- Maintenance is Essential
- Installation Can take 8 Weeks to 4 or 5 Months
- Ongoing Pool Chemical Balance is Vital
- High Maintenance
Notice regarding independent Leisure Pools Dealers: Leisure Pools products are supplied primarily through a network of independently owned and operated dealers authorized to sell and install various products under a license from Leisure Pools. These dealers are not owners, employees or agents of Leisure Pools and Leisure Pools is not responsible for the actions of these dealers or liable for any related damage to persons, property or Leisure Pools products. For further information regarding the relationship between Leisure Pools and its dealers and for related advice to purchasers, please refer to the Terms and Conditions portion of the Leisure Pools website here.
Pool Styles Shapes And Sizes
Fibreglass pools typically run up to 4 – 5 metres wide, 6, 8, 10 or 12 metres long, and 1.2 – 1.8 metres deep. Theyre created from pre-designed molds, so youre creativity is limited to the established shapes and sizes.
Outside of the structural size restrictions, you can customize a fibreglass pool to any aesthetic with water features, tanning ledges, tiles, and colourful lights and finishes.
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What Is Best For Ottawa: Vinyl Concrete Or Fiberglass Swimming Pools
01/ 24/ 2015
Inground pools come in three main flavors Concrete, vinyl and fiberglass swimming pools. Each has its advantage and disadvantage and choosing between them becomes a question of picking the best construction method for you money and environment.
In this post, we will cover all three types of inground pools and consider how they are used in the Ottawa region.
For the sake of transparency, we do specialise in vinyl swimming pools. Naturally, we will have a preference for this style. Truth be told, in the Ottawa region, we know that vinyl pools are the go to option for most shoppers. We have done all types of pools in the past, so here is our review of each type of inground pool.
Are Vinyl Liner Pools Good Choices
Although we have focused on concrete and fibreglass options, there is a third variant that is quickly becoming as popular. Before installing your pool, it is only fair that you know all choices you have. Thus, acquaint yourself with vinyl liner pools.
They help keep the pool clean and free from algae as well. Further, they are quite customizable too. Youll find this pool type to be the ideal compromise between getting a concrete and fibreglass option. When it comes to sizes or shapes, there are as many choices as concrete pools.
But, considering algae growth and how it feels against the skin, vinyl liner pools can match up to fibreglass choices.
Like all things, there are some drawbacks too. When it comes to initial costs, these pools are light on the pocket, but heavy maintenance is required over the years. Vinyl linings only last for five to nine years, so it becomes a lifetime expense maintaining the pool.
Since these arent as durable, you have to be extremely careful during usage too. A hard thump might end up causing damage to the surface. Every few years, youll have to shell out nearly $4,500 to refill and reline the pool.
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The Benefits Of Concrete Pools
Being able to choose from a range of models is something, but if you have the option to design your own pool or arrange it to be designed according to your plans and needs, well, it sounds much more attractive. Since they are assembled on the site, the opportunities regarding the concrete pool designs are practically endless. Only a budget may be a limiting factor, but that is a topic for another discussion.
The esthetics of your concrete pool may be generated to fit any type of yard, not bouncing from its surroundings. Choosing the adequate surface finish depends solely on your preference and it is a feature that makes it be pleasing to the eyes, so another of your senses is to be pleased.
The stability of concrete pools is not to be neglected. There are multiple examples of this kind of commodities being used for more than a couple of generations, proving that longevity is reachable with proper maintenance.
Vinyl Pools Vs Fiberglass Pools Vs Concrete Pools
If you are thinking about getting an in-ground swimming pool, the question “which pool is the best for me?” has already come up. While the choices may seem vast, there are three popular categories that most people considering making a pool purchase will lean towards.
When it comes to inground pools, the three most common types are vinyl liner pools, fiberglass pools, and concrete pools. And while were partial to vinyl liner pools, the truth is they all have advantages and disadvantages.
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Which Is Better You Decide
When you compare the list of pros and cons of concrete and fibreglass pools, its not surprising to discover that more than half of all in-ground pools installed in Australia today are fibreglass pools, which represents a significant increase in market share over the last 30 years. Modern fibreglass pools offer an amazing range of shapes and sizes, durability, good looks and can be easier and more cost effective to look after than concrete pools. Compass fibreglass ceramic pools also come with industry-leading warranty protection and the option of the exclusive Vantage in-floor system. Compass Pools authorised dealers have built some of the best pools in Australia rewarded by many highly recognised awards. Many of these awarded pools are shown in our Pool Gallery where you can explore some of the best pools installed. Concrete pools on the other hand, tend to give you more flexibility when it comes to design and can include premium tile finishes where the budget allows. Some concrete pool builders also offer in-floor cleaning and circulation systems.
Highest Cost Of Ownership
As demonstrated in the chart above, concrete pools cost exponentially more money to own.
They cost the most upfront: $50,000 to $100,000 or more.
Acid washing by professionals every three to five years, more money in chemicals, more money spent on electricity, and refinishing/remodeling all add up to tens of thousands of dollars more over the years.
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Fiberglass Swimming Pool Traits
Considering going with fiberglass? There are a lot of things to love about this durable, low-maintenance option:
- Installation is fast. You can have your fiberglass swimming pool up and running in as little as 4 6 weeks.
- Maintenance is easy. Fiberglass pools are algae-resistant. Simply wipe stains and buildup with a sponge, and as long as you check and balance your pool water regularly, maintenance is simple.
- Long lifespan. With proper maintenance, a fiberglass pool can last as long as 25 to 30 years.
- Lots of customization options. You can choose fiberglass swimming pools in a variety of colors, and you can even add extras like steps, tanning ledges, and water features.
Some things to keep in mind:
- Fiberglass pools cost about as much as a concrete pool. Part of this is due to high shipping costs, since fiberglass pools are pre-made off-site and shipped to you in one large piece.
- Fewer options for size and shape. Because fiberglass pools are pre-made, your choices for pool size and shape are somewhat limited.
- You need lots of room for delivery and installation. Your fiberglass swimming pool will arrive in one large piece. Youll need to make sure that your backyard and the surrounding area can accommodate an extra-wide delivery truck and possibly a crane.
Check with your HOA before you commit.
Initial And Lifetime Costs
Normally, we dont recommend DIY-ing a fibreglass pool on your own, but some people still choose to do it. Installing the pool has some costs which might go up depending on whether you want additional features as well as what kind of landscape it is installed in.
The total installation and manufacturing costs can easily run to anything between $45,000 and $85,000. Obviously, this budget is just an estimate and will vary based on how fancy you want the structure to be. In the long-term your expenses include electricity and chemicals when it comes to maintenance.
On the other hand, concrete pools can cost anything between $50,000 and $100,000 right upfront. However, youll find long-term maintenance costs are much higher here, with acid washing, use of energy and refinishing.
Thus, while there isnt a lot of difference in the initial costs for both, in the long run concrete pools end up costing a lot more. Thus, fibreglass would be a more viable option financially.
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What Are The Downfalls Of A Fibreglass Pool
- Shape/size limitations: Because fibreglass pools are made on a factory mould rather than onsite, you can only choose from the pre-determined shapes that the various manufacturers provide. The sizes and shapes are further limited by the fact that they need to be transported by road. The widest pool supplied by Compass Pools for example is 4.2m in width. If you select our X-Trainer swimming pool shape, for example, you have 4 models that are 4.2 wide to select from: 8.2, 9.4, 10.2 and 11.8. Most manufacturers have a pretty diverse range of shapes and sizes available and the majority of the time you can easily find what youre looking for. Many Compass dealers also offer a unique customisation service allowing additional swim-outs, beach entries and lounge areas to be built into the pool design.
Concrete Or Fibreglass: Which Makes Better Swimming Pools
When you are purchasing a swimming pool for your backyard, it is important to choose the type of pool which best suits your needs. But what are the differences between the materials most often used to construct swimming pools?
Here we take a look at concrete vs fibreglass pools, and the main advantages and disadvantages of each type of pool.
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Fibreglass Vs Concrete Pools
When assessing fibreglass vs concrete pools, fibreglass is a reasonable alternative for families who cant afford a concrete swimming pool. But with the cheaper price tag comes compromise. For most Sydney homeowners their house is an asset worth hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars. Like any addition, renovation or enhancement to your home, you need to ensure the pool is up to the standard of the asset.
A handful of fibreglass pool makers are producing and finishing pool shapes to look more like their concrete cousins, although buyers tend to shy away from a cheaper looking pool when their home is above the median Sydney house price. A concrete pool can be constructed in-ground or above ground level without the expense of retaining walls and the structure can be renovated in 20-30 years time to bring it back to a new pool. A concrete pool will be custom designed to suit your needs and to fit in with the landscaped area you require. Steps, ledges, alcoves and features will be placed where you want them. The off-the-shelf nature of most molded fibreglass pools can rule out customisation and you are limited in terms of pool shapes on offer from each factory.
Tip: See Getting started to see the difference this might make.
