5 Benefits of Fiberglass Pools

An in-depth breakdown of the benefits of fiberglass pools. Learn the pros and cons of fiberglass pools and how they compare to vinyl and other pool types.

Fiberglass pools are popping up in backyards across Canada. Their growing popularity among Canadians has made them the first option that you probably saw when starting your plan to build a backyard pool in your home.

But what are the benefits of fiberglass pools that have made them so popular? From faster installs, to less maintenance, fewer chemicals, and a lower heating bill, there is a lot to like about fiberglass pools. You can also get creative and have custom designs and eye-catching colors, so it’s easy to see why so many Canadians are choosing fiberglass pools over vinyl and concrete alternatives.

In this article, we are going to share with you our top five benefits for fiberglass pools so you can decide for yourself if it’s the right choice for your backyard.

1. Durability and Longevity

Once you’ve splashed some cash on a backyard pool, you want it to stay in top shape for as long as possible. Concrete and vinyl pools demand eventual repairs and replacement. However, a fiberglass pool can last a lifetime.

They are not miracles and won’t stay in pristine shape in your backyard from the moment of install until the apocalypse. They do require some maintenance to keep that shiny and new feel, but it’s not a lot of work (we’ll get to that in point three).

In comparison, vinyl and concrete pools simply don’t last as long and require more care to get every extra year of life out of them as you can. Some of the reasons for this include the fact that the non-porous gel coat on a fiberglass pool requires less cleaning than its counterparts.

In addition, fiberglass is a stronger material. Fiberglass is made of millions of interwoven glass threads that are then coated in a polyester resin. It has become a popular choice of material for products ranging from hot tubs and surfboards to multi-million dollar yachts and helicopters.

Did you know that fiberglass is actually stronger than many metals? It is also non-conductive and is resistant to most chemicals. These are just a few of the qualities of this material that make it so durable and a perfect choice for a backyard swimming pool. You can also add that it’s smooth to the list which prevents scratches and adds a nicer “feel” when you and your family are swimming inside it.

2. Use Less Energy to Heat

A common question we get about pools is “how much do they cost to heat?” Unfortunately here in Canada, a cold pool is not an appealing option so you are probably going to heat your pool even during the summer months if you want to use it.

The choice of material for your pool can impact how much energy you need to heat it, and in turn how much your energy bill comes to. While this typically is not a huge deal, with the current energy crisis, having a more energy-efficient pool could lead to some big savings.

A fiberglass pool retains more heat than concrete and vinyl pools because the material insulates the water, allowing less heat to escape. This means you spend less energy heating the pool and maintaining the temperature.

There is no point in installing a pool and then never using it because you don’t have the water at a temperature that is enjoyable to swim at. Before deciding on a pool, you should calculate the costs of heating it and compare it between options. Would you rather have a pool that is comfortable to swim in or a cold pool?

3. Fiberglass Pools Are Low Maintenance

Fiberglass pools are almost maintenance-free. And they certainly require less maintenance than their concrete and vinyl counterparts.

With their solid durability, and ability to hold strong through freeze-thaw cycles and high temperatures, they make a great choice for a Canadian backyard where temperatures can quickly plummet in winter.

While fiberglass pools have lower maintenance, the tradeoff is that they will have a higher upfront cost than concrete or vinyl pools. This can be off-putting in the initial stages of exploring your pool options but you will quickly go on to discover that concrete requires resurfacing every ten to fifteen years, and vinyl liners must be replaced every six to twelve years.

Those costs will add up fast with vinyl liners setting you back upward of $1.4 – $4.8K, not to mention the long time you often have to wait to receive the liner and get it replaced.

In contrast, fiberglass pools require practically no upkeep. This not only evens out costs over its lifetime versus a concrete or vinyl pool but it also saves you a lot of time. A fiberglass pool is easy to clean yourself and most are backed by a lifetime warranty covering both the surface and the structure so you can rest assured that there will be no big payouts down the line.

4. Fewer Pool Chemicals

When used correctly pool chemicals help prevent potential health problems and keep your pool hygienic. However, when they are mishandled or not stored correctly they can become a problem.

Fiberglass pools come with a gel coat that doesn’t react with pool water the same way a concrete pool does. As such the pH of the water is not affected and fewer chemicals are needed to keep it clean.

In addition, fewer chemicals mean that your pool water will be easier to dispose of and likely have less environmental impact. This can be a huge plus as different areas of Canada and Ontario have different pool regulations that stipulate how chemical pool water must be disposed of (often based on the level of chemicals).

And if you’re exploring the idea of a saltwater pool that is gentler on the skin, eyes, and requires less maintenance than freshwater, a fiberglass pool is a perfect fit. Its durable yet smooth surface won’t be corroded by salt.

5. Attractive Custom Designs and Built-in Features

Fiberglass pools have evolved in the past years to allow for greater customization of design, features, and aesthetics. If you are looking to make your swimming pool a work of art, then fiberglass can offer you some of the greatest flexibility of the materials available.

Adding the latest features to your design such as tanning ledges at a depth that allows time lounging in a chair while being in the water, can ensure that you truly spend the most time enjoying your pool possible.

You can also think about creating a design that will ensure the safety of your children such as a shallower depth at one end and seating and safety ledges around the perimeter. All these additional customizations are what make a fiberglass pool the best choice for a family home.

And it’s not just features for safety and enjoyment that you can add. You can build a pool that matches the aesthetic of your home and backyard. Gelcoat comes in a wide variety of colors which combined with accessories such as tiles and lighting will make your pool the centerpiece of your garden.

Your Ontario Fiberglass Pool contractor

Fiberglass pools are a top choice for backyard pools in Ontario right now. The durability and low maintenance remove much of the hassle of having a pool and the customizations mean that you can create the dream pool for your backyard.

If you’re looking for a fiberglass pool contractor that knows the ins and outs of designing and installing a fiberglass pool and who puts importance in keeping deliveries on time, look no further. We have built fiberglass pools across the province and are familiar with all of the local regulations your property will need to comply with.

Boulder Design is Greater Hamilton, Ontario’s leading pool contractor. As a team of pool specialists with over 13 years of experience in pool installation we are proud to offer top-quality, full-service backyard pool installs to the people of Southern Ontario.

Transform your backyard with a thoughtfully designed swimming pool that fits your outdoor space perfectly!

Get a free quote today.