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Fiberglass swimming pools are a different type of pool, when compared to vinyl liner or a concrete swimming pool. Fiberglass pools are delivered to your home as a one-piece shell ready for installation. A fiberglass pool project will require professional installation from a reputable pool contractor and can be completed in as little as 4 to 6 weeks. At HomeTurf Inc. we live by the motto, “Impacting Lives Beyond the Landscape” and we stand by that motto on every swimming pool and outdoor livingspace project we undertake.
When you begin your research, you will start to develop questions about fiberglass swimming pools. In this blog post we will analyze the most common questions people have about fiberglass pool projects and we will investigate how these questions and answers can help in your decision-making process.
There are many fiberglass pool manufacturers that build in-ground swimming pools. Although the manufacturing process can vary, there are approximately 4 steps in the manufacturing process. These steps include mold preparation, gel-coat application, vinyl ester resin application, and fiberglass re-lamination.
Fiberglass pools are made from 5 layers. One is the chopped fiberglass layer, which adds strength to the shell. Another is the vinyl ester resin layer. This layer is nonporous and adds corrosion resistance and waterproofing to the pool. A third is a roving layer, which reduces the total stress on the shell. The structural comb layer provides additional support for the tension points in the pool. Finally comes the gel coat surface layer. This layer provides a smooth, algae-resistant surface, when maintained properly, finish to the pool. This also provides an additional protective surface to help protect the layers underneath.
At first glance, installing a fiberglass pool may appear to be an incredibly complex project. If you think about it, a pre-engineered fiberglass structure must be transported from the manufacturing facility to your backyard, where it is placed permanently into an excavated hole, filled with water, and connected to a filtration system that will keep it clean and looking inviting for all to swim. While the installation process can vary, there are 7 phases to any fiberglass swimming pool installation project. These phases include:
1. laying out the pool
2. excavation
3. setting the floor
4. pool delivery and placement
5. plumbing and backfilling
6. reinforcement and bond beam
7. coping and deck
Once your pool is completely installed, your builder will ensure that the site is clean and ready for use before they hand it over to you. The contractor should go over the basic operating procedures for your pool, so that you can start swimming as soon as possible.
Every pool project will be unique and require a different approach to installation. However, the fiberglass pool installation process is relatively simple and quick, especially when compared to the months of preparation that are often involved with vinyl liner and Gunite pools. It is possible, depending on the weather and schedule of your installer/landscaper, to go from an empty backyard to a fully finished swimming pool in as little as a few weeks.
If you choose to add a deck or hardscape to your project, the time estimate is not the same and will increase the time required to complete the project. Decking, depending on the type and style, is very labor intensive. Depending on the size of the deck, this process normally takes twice as long to install as a beautiful, paved hardscape deck. Nonetheless, the result will be a perfect addition to complete your backyard oasis.
Yes, fiberglass pools are worth the investment of time and money for many reasons. For starters, fiberglass pools have fewer maintenance procedures and costs when compared to other types of pools. As they are built in a factory, you can access them at any time of the year relatively quickly. Depending on the schedule of your installer and your location, it could take you less than four weeks to install a fiberglass pool. Additionally, they are appealing to the eyes with their built-in benches, steps, and their smooth and user-friendly pool flooring. You can also add lots of other features to make the pool exactly how you envisioned it.
Although they are a bit more costly than vinyl liner pools, considering the wide range of benefits offered by fiberglass pools, they are worth the investment. Ultimately, they offer fun, enjoyment, and relaxation.
Fiberglass pools can come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and depths. Typically, fiberglass pools can be rectangular, square, kidney-shaped, or free-form in design.
While fiberglass pools come in many designs and with a wide variety of integrated features, they have pre-formed shells that can’t be modified from their original design without affecting the overall structural integrity of the pool. That being said, you cannot customize the shape of a fiberglass pool.
The ideal pool size will differ from project to project. Typically, the amount of available space and the purpose of the pool dictates the size of the pool. In addition, one’s budget can also influence the size of the pool chosen. With HomeTurf Landscapes, our fiberglass pools fall into three categories: small, medium, or large. Our small pools are considered anything up to 23 feet, medium pools are between 23.1 to 34 feet, and large pools are considered anything between 34.1 to 40 feet.
When questioning how deep you would like your pool to be, you should consider the purpose of your pool. Is it for playing beach games or for swimming laps? Pools that are designed to accommodate kids and adults should have a minimum depth of 3 to 4 feet. If you’re looking for diving and other sporting options, you should consider a pool that offers a deep end of between 8 to 12 feet.
As you can see there will be many questions for you to consider when having a fiberglass pool built in your backyard. Most important of these items will be the company that you trust to build your pool. A reputable and trustworthy pool installation company should be able to answer these questions and the many more you’re sure to have. At HomeTurf Inc. we strive for excellence in our business and provide a solid foundation for communicating your project to you every step of the way. To learn more about our process and how a fiberglass pool project can be right for you, please contact us today.