Are you considering installing a fiberglass pool for your home and family? Are you curious about refreshing or customizing your pool with fiberglass pool resurfacing or fiberglass pool paint? We will go through the pros and cons of fiberglass pools to help you make an informed decision.
Fiberglass Pool Pros
Let’s dive into the benefits and highlights of fiberglass pools and the reinforcing resilience of epoxy-based swimming pool paints.
- Fiberglass pools are durable: Fiberglass consists of a combination of glass fibers and resin. This combination creates a high endurance fiberglass pool material that can withstand 50 years of use. Fiberglass pool resurfacing needs are minimal and reasonably easy to complete.
- Fiberglass pools are low maintenance: The smooth finish of fiberglass swimming pools reduces algae blooms. The epoxy-based coatings lack any pH-altering minerals to reduce chemical maintenance. Fiberglass pools don’t absorb any moisture from the water or surrounding surfaces, reducing the need to add water through each season.
- Fiberglass pools require less ongoing labor: Unlike concrete or gunite pools, fiberglass pool resurfacing is rarely a requirement. You won’t have to acid wash any area of the pool over time. Fiberglass also doesn’t wrinkle, puncture, or tear like vinyl can, so it won’t need patching.
- Fiberglass pools have a smooth surface: Epoxy pool paint and fiberglass pool resurfacing or finishing products provide a superior smooth surface. You can opt for non-slip textures only where you need them. Every other area of the pool will feel silky soft as you brush against it during laps.
- Fiberglass pools have lower lifetime costs: Because there are fewer algae blooms, zero acid washes, and reduced chemical balancing needs, you won’t pay as much overtime after installing a fiberglass pool. You will also save money by not having to call a pool cleaner as often as you would with gunite, concrete, or vinyl pool.
Fiberglass Pool Cons
Now we will take an in-depth look at a few of the potential drawbacks that come along with a fiberglass pool.
- Fiberglass pools have shape/size limitations: Each fiberglass pool manufacturer will offer a set selection of shapes and sizes. Custom fiberglass pool molds simply aren’t cost-effective for anyone involved in pool make. You should also know that fiberglass pools cannot exceed a specific size for transportation purposes.
- Fiberglass pools usually cost more: Fiberglass pools’ high-quality creation and installation processes are nearly double the cost of a concrete or vinyl liner pool installation. However, you can consider the initial price increase as an investment that provides returns in lower maintenance costs over time.
- Fiberglass pools can get osmotic blisters: Osmotic blisters occur when the gel coat traps water particles under its surface. The blisters lessen the attractiveness of the finish, though, and don’t endanger the integrity of the pool or the fiberglass pool paint. Some manufacturers and contractors have the skills to prevent the bubbling between layers, but it’s still something worth considering.
- Fiberglass pools are harder for DIY-ers: While you can order a fiberglass pool for DIY installation, you should know that the installation process is complex without training. It is challenging to keep the pool level and pour the coping properly. Poor installation practices can end up increasing the cost of repairing or replacing your pool significantly.
- Fiberglass pools are prefabricated: Because the pools are prefabricated, you’ll have to settle on the exact shape of your pool before it gets installed, with little chance for alteration. As well, these pools can suffer from various issues in transportation and installation. One is the potential shifting of the backfill material over time or during installation, which can cause warping or bending of the pool shell.
Conclusion
The fact is, you will have to decide what type of pool is best for you. The choice to invest in a fiberglass pool or a fresh coat of fiberglass pool paint is one that will depend heavily on your lifestyle and budget. You can enjoy the benefits of a beautiful and relaxing pool if you feel the pros outweigh the cons for your household.
Do you want to customize your fiberglass pool paint or reseal your fiberglass pool finish? AquaGuard 5000 offers a variety of pool products in our online shop. Try AquaGuard 5000 as your fiberglass pool paint to finish or resurface your fiberglass pool.
