Fiberglass pools are highly durable, installed quickly when compared to all other types of inground pools, and require lower levels of maintenance and care than other models. A quality fiberglass pool that has been cared for can last well over 50 years. How do you determine if the pool is of good quality? There are really two main factors to consider: Is the manufacturer reputable, and was the installation done correctly?
The manufacturer should use the highest quality materials and inspect every single pool shell thoroughly before sending it out. Installation also needs to happen with both precision and care to prevent spider cracks and problems down the road. A third factor will be how well you take care of your investment but this really is true for all pools no matter the type you decide to go with.
Taking care of a pool starts with maintaining chemical balances. Make sure that you test all levels regularly as long-term imbalances can cause harm to your pool and its equipment. A good tip is to always use chemicals that are appropriate for use with fiberglass pools. Chemicals that are not designated safe for fiberglass can have adverse reactions over time like wearing down the gel coat thus shortening the lifespan of your pool’s surface. Running the pool filter daily during in-season use is also ideal. The last thing is to always make sure that the water in the pool is at an appropriate level so it balances any upward pressure of groundwater that may be beneath the pool. Always keep the pool water at least one-third of the way up to the skimmer and never completely drain the pool.
Gunite pools need regular cleanings and a refinish every 10 years. They need chemicals to control algae, acid washing every 3 to 5 years, and resurfacing every 10 to 15 years. These things alone can add on a great deal of money to ownership. A pool with a vinyl liner needs to be replaced every 5 to 9 years which is a significant charge on top of the chemicals, electricity, and other maintenance costs. With fiberglass, you really only have chemicals and electricity as costs of ownership. With fiberglass pools, you’re looking at very minimal maintenance compared to other types of swimming pools.
Extending the life of your fiberglass pool is very easy. Don’t use chemicals that aren’t meant for it, keep it clean, maintain proper levels of chemicals and operate the filter daily during the season. Never drain the pool, and keep it covered when needed.
A fiberglass pool is truly your best option if you’re looking for a durable, low-maintenance swimming pool with minimal lifetime costs. If you buy a high-quality pool and take care of it properly, it should last as long as you need it to.
