Fiberglass is one of the most popular pool material options. Most professionals agree that it’s more resistant to everyday wear and tear. The downside of this material is that it’s less resistant to seismic movements, which makes it less than ideal for areas with frequent earthquakes.
Fiberglass requires less maintenance, and repairs are far less frequent. Moreover, it has that unique sleek look that many people are crazy about.
Now, the majority of fiberglass advantages are quite apparent and straightforward; still, there are some hidden perks that you might have skipped. With that in mind and without further ado, here are the top five benefits of fiberglass pools you might have missed.
1. Good for cold climates
Some areas have huge temperature oscillations over the course of a year. So, while you primarily intend to use your outdoor pool in the summer, you also need a material that can withstand a harsh winter.
This, for instance, explains the popularity of fiberglass pools in Minnesota. Fiberglass is non-porous, which means it can resist water absorption. This means that it is unlikely for water to penetrate the surrounding material and freeze, causing cracks.
It’s also important to compare fiberglass to other materials, like concrete. Unlike concrete, fiberglass is far more resistant to low temperatures. This makes it less likely to leak or crack.
Let’s say you plan to make a late winter/early spring installation to have a pool for the next summer. Fiberglass installation is a lot quicker. Since the construction process is when many things can go wrong, speeding up the process can save you a world of trouble. Speaking of which…
2. Fast installation
Concrete needs to be mixed, poured, and then you have to wait for it to get cured enough to be usable. Fiberglass, on the other hand, is pre-manufactured.
Moreover, with concrete, there’s always a level of uncertainty involved. You’ll simply have to wait days to see if it will come out right. This waiting further prolongs the process. The fiberglass shell is usually tested in controlled circumstances before it even arrives at the destination.
The transportation itself is simple since the compactness of transported goods is considered while forming the shell. These fiberglass shells are designed as a product that might have to travel long distances.
Also, concrete pools require some serious preparation. You need to excavate the ground and level it (which you also have to do for fiberglass); however, you also need to make formwork, which is difficult and time-consuming. Fiberglass simply requires fewer steps to provide you with a finished product.
3. Looks good and increases the home’s value
While aesthetics is a matter of choice, the versatility of fiberglass pools ensures that you’ll find something that matches your property’s style. First, it has a smooth finish, making it a great match with contemporary architecture. Fiberglass shells can be so smooth and sleek that they will appear as if made from a single unit.
Second, the design options available are too numerous to count. You can find fiberglass pools in every shape and style. Even if the rest of your property is clad in concrete, you’ll likely find a fiberglass option that will better fit than a concrete deck. After all, monochrome is seldom a good idea for your backyard, especially if you plan to add a touch of nature to your backyard.
Another vital item (that we’ll discuss more at length in the next section) is that fiberglass is low-maintenance. This means you’ll be able to keep it new-looking with as little effort as possible.
Combined, this will make your backyard look better, raising the value of your property. Therefore, one could argue that fiberglass pools have a great ROI.
4. Low maintenance
We’ve stressed several times already that fiberglass pools provide a smooth surface. Well, this is not just for show. Less porous materials are less likely to be penetrated by contaminants, meaning the cleaning process is much smoother and quicker.
Therefore, you won’t have to rely so much on chemicals. You’ll be able to get by with simpler solutions, which also have a lower likelihood of damaging the pool.
Fiberglass is also durable and strong. Since there’s less chance that it will be broken, cracked, or damaged by cold weather (which we’ve already discussed), fewer repairs will be necessary.
The discoloration is less likely, so you won’t have to change parts of the pool too often. The fact that fiberglass is resistant to scratches is also a big plus.
The key thing to look at is the economic boon of this pool being low-maintenance. You’ll have to spend less money on repair and chemicals, and the appearance boost (also a value boost) will remain for much longer. You’ll also have to invest less to reinvigorate the pool’s looks.
5. Comfort
A smooth fiberglass surface feels great on your skin. There are no sharp edges to scratch you or abrasive surfaces to rub against. Both of these things could cause irritation or, in the best of cases, mild irritation.
Fiberglass also retains heat for longer. This means it’s warmer to the touch and helps keep the temperature warmer (in an eco-friendlier manner).
Since water is translucent, you’ll enjoy the sleek look of the bottom of your pool while swimming. Some owners of fiberglass pools claim that this experience can be a complete game-changer.
Most importantly, this is one of the rare smooth materials designed to be non-slip. Not all fiberglass pools are non-slip, but quality ones often are. This huge safety boon provides the best of both worlds – a sleek-looking surface that’s completely safe to thread upon.
Wrap up
Building a pool is a major decision regarding your property. It can turn a simple home into a luxurious property, drastically increasing its value. At the same time, you need to make the right choice to ensure a great ROI.
Fiberglass pools are inexpensive, easy to maintain, and durable even in the harshest climates. In other words, it’s a safe investment that will save you money long after the installation.
