Initial Cost
Initial cost of fiberglass pool construction is the highest in the industry in comparison to both vinyl liner and concrete.
The cost of the larger fiberglass pool shell to the dealer in some instances might reach up to $25,000 before freight or any other expenses, not mentioning profit margin.
Accidental Damage Factor
Fiberglass pools have the lowest rate of accidental damage factor, since the fiberglass is the stronger and more flexible material out of both vinyl liner and concrete.
The surface scratches that might occur due to some misuse are easily repaired without even need of professional involvement. And for a more complex repairs of the surface
all you need a gel coat from the factory and knowledge of how to repair
Some manufacturers of fiberglass pools, due to some internal issues, might cut corners by using cheaper or experimental gel coat, or deviate from the industry accepted
technologies of building pools by using different or less material, that’s why the decision of which brand to buy must be though through carefully and diligently, and the
decision should not be based on WHO IS CHEAPER.
Benefits of fiberglass pool
- Stronger and more flexible than any other pool type. Can survive mid-scale earthquakes without significant damage, much easier to repair the structural damage and surface
- Almost no long term owning cost since nothing should be replace, doesn’t require acid washing or re-plastering
- Significantly less chemical use due to non-porous surface
- More comfortable and pleasurable on touch
- Very quick installation process (1-2 days) without masonry or electric
- Lifetime structural warranty for most of the legitimate brands
Cons of fiberglass pool
- Only few manufacturers offer the almost perfect gel coat color match repairs. Otherwise the color on the repairs cannot be matched no matter what anybody say. After time gel coat will get discolored at some level due to weather elements, UV light, and chemicals. Some pool brands will get discoloration sooner and some later.
- Pool sizes are limited by physical ability to deliver the pool. Some States will only allow to transport pools no wider than 16 ft. And the maximum depth of the pool cannot exceed 8’-6” due to transportation restriction also. All fiberglass pools are prefabricated and cannot be customized. Few brands offer custom additions or components to their pools (modular pools).
- Higher initial installation cost more closer toward concrete pools
What is average fiberglass pool warranty vs. how long will the pool really last?
There are actually two types of warranties on fiberglass pools. Structural warranty which is often 10 years to lifetime depending on the manufacturer.
And second is the surface warranty, which is the gel coat finish. This warranty protects you against what are known as osmotic blisters.
The duration of the finish warranty varies between manufacturers, but most range between seven and thirty-five years
Long term financial impact
There is no indication on any long terms negative financial impact on owning fiberglass pools,
unless the pool was installed incorrectly, or fiberglass pool shell has been made by manufacturer in question.
Reals Estate Value Impact
- Low maintenance (something that won’t lead to a lot of work and headache)
- Product Longevity
- Aesthetics and visual enhancement of the backyard
Considering low maintenance, product longevity, aesthetics and visual enhancement of the backyard Fiberglass pools, in general, do add value to a home. The National Association of Realtors has said that a concrete or fiberglass pool may add roughly 5% to a home’s value, but again, this number can vary.
Looking beyond dollar figure, fiberglass pools often increase the sell-ability of a home, especially when the buyers have children.