Fiberglass Swimming Pools have been increasing their share of the pool market over the last couple of decades. There are a lot of advantages to owning a Fiberglass Swimming Pool, as well as some disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Low maintenance: The gel coat surface of the fiberglass pool shell is nonporous. This inhibits the growth of algae and reduces the amount of sanitizing chemicals required to maintain the pool.
- Little or No lifetime cost: 99% of the time there is never any money invested in the shell of fiberglass pools. No vinyl liner to replace and no resurfacing.
- Non-abrasive surface: The gel coat surface of fiberglass pools is smooth to the touch.
- Built-in Seats and Steps: Most fiberglass pool designs have seating and all have steps incorporated into the shell of the pool.
- Manufactured in controlled environment: Fiberglass pools are built in the controlled climate of a factory.
- Quick installation: Because the shells of fiberglass pools are built off site, the installation occurs more rapidly....3-5 weeks on average.
Disadvantages:
- Limited shapes and designs: Because fiberglass pools are built from a mold, the consumer is limited to the shapes and sizes offered by the various fiberglass pool manufacturers.
- No wider than 16': Fiberglass Pools are shipped via the road. Shipping restrictions limit the width of the fiberglass pool shell to 16'.
- Higher initial cost: Fiberglass pools are more of an initial investment; usually at least $5k more than vinyl liner pools and are less expensive than concrete/gunite pools.
