Your Fiberglass Pool: The Basics

If you are in the market for a swimming pool and seek information about what type of pool would be best for you, Barrier Reef has the answers. Barrier Reef offers a wide selection of beautiful, durable fiberglass pool designs, and our expert technicians are proud to say we build some of the finest fiberglass swimming pools in the world today.

Read on to learn more about our fiberglass pools: what they are, and why you need one.

What Is a Fiberglass Swimming Pool?

Fiberglass pools are a highly efficient swimming pool option in which the swimming pool structure itself is built as one single piece. Prebuilt from a factory mold in a series of layers, each new layer is fused with the next for extra strength and support. The pool shell is then reinforced with additional material to strengthen it while preserving its integrity and beauty.

The result is a strong but flexible fiberglass pool body that can be shipped to the installation site as a single unit. Fiberglass pools can be built in a large variety of shapes depending on the mold used, which offers a wide variety of choices to pool owners, easily including such extras as built-in steps, decks, and seating areas.

How Are Fiberglass Pools Made?

Fiberglass pools begin as a mold taken from a pattern model built to reflect the specific pool shape desired. Each such mold can be used to create numerous fiberglass pools of the same shape. At Barrier Reef Pools, our mold preparation standards are carefully controlled. The pools are cleaned in a sterilized environment to prevent any imperfections or debris from impairing the mold.

Each fiberglass pool is created using such a mold. The first layer of gelcoat is applied to the mold in a series of stages creating the pool, inside out. Multiple layers of gelcoat are sprayed onto the mold and allowed to cure, building in thickness with each application. Next comes a layer of vinyl ester resin to act as a moisture barrier and protect the gel coat while adding additional strength. Once this layer cures, a thick layer of fiberglass is applied as a “skin”. The pool then undergoes a reinforcing stage, where additional material is adhered to the new pool shell to make it even stronger while providing structural support.

When the process is complete, the finished swimming pool shell is separated from the mold and allowed to fully cure. Once cured, it is ready to be shipped to the job site for installation.

How Is a Fiberglass Pool Different from Other Pool Types?

Since fiberglass pools are constructed and installed as a single sealed shell, they aren’t subject to a lot of the maintenance needs of pools with vinyl liners that need to be regularly replaced.  Also, unlike concrete pools, they require no additional surface preparation or plastering to finish and seal the pool surface: fiberglass pools arrive with their surface already finished. Plus, due to the material of their construction fiberglass pools are naturally flexible and far less brittle and rigid than concrete pools built in place on site.

Since fiberglass pools arrive essentially pre-built, their installation time is typically far faster and easier than it is for other types of swimming pools that must be built in place.

What Are the Benefits of a Fiberglass Pool?

Fiberglass pools are built in one solid piece giving them a lot of versatility. Features like stairs, sundecks, and seating areas can be designed right in as part of the initial mold design. The lack of a separate liner also means the pool won’t require regular resurfacing or liner replacement. Fiberglass pools are quite easy to keep clean. This is because the smooth gelcoat surface won’t harbor contaminants like a rougher surface (concrete) can.

Fiberglass pools are also essentially weatherproof, making them well-suited to regions subject to severe winter weather. Other types of swimming pools are more susceptible to settling and cold weather damage than fiberglass pools.

Also, many modern pool owners are abandoning chlorine in favor of salt water due to environmental concerns and matters of personal comfort. Saltwater can be extremely punishing to metal or concrete surfaces, whereas fiberglass pools are completely resistant to salt.

How Long Does It Take to Install a Fiberglass Pool?

Fiberglass pools typically have the shortest installation time among the different types of pools (sometimes as little as 2-6 weeks pending each job). With other kinds of in-ground swimming pools, area preparation and installation can take months and involve lengthy onsite construction to actually construct the pool in place. Since fiberglass pools arrive pre-built and ready to install, the amount of time required is drastically shorter.

How Durable Are Fiberglass Pools?

Vinyl pools require separate liners that are subject to puncture damage. Concrete pools can suffer from post-installation cracking once the concrete sets and the pool settles as the ground shifts. But fiberglass pools are much less prone to damage, often lasting for 30 years or more.

Are Fiberglass Pools Easy to Maintain?

Fiberglass pools are famed for their longevity and durability. They are often considered virtually maintenance-free since the tough fiberglass shell is non-porous and so inherently rugged. Out of all the swimming pool options, fiberglass pools require the least amount of maintenance. The tough, puncture-resistant waterproof gel coating on the pool shell surface prevents water or chemicals from absorption. It also helps protect against penetration or build-up of pool algae or micro-debris.

Fiberglass pools require a lot less maintenance to keep them clean and beautiful. While fiberglass pools may have a higher initial installation cost than some other pool types, fiberglass pools tend to cost significantly less over the long term thanks to the low level of maintenance involved.

Why Should I Buy a Fiberglass Pool?

A fiberglass pool is flexible and designed to withstand ground movement. They are more weather-resistant, much better suited for cold weather climates, and is easier and less expensive to keep clean. Properly cared for, a fiberglass pool will last essentially trouble-free for years to come.  Fiberglass pools are faster and easier to install, giving you all the more time to enjoy your pool. Your new fiberglass pool will be easy to maintain and care for, significantly adding to your long-term savings.

If you have any questions about acquiring the perfect fiberglass pool to meet your needs, contact us today! At Barrier Reef Pools, we specialize in fiberglass pool manufacturing. We invite you to browse our impressive selection of fiberglass swimming pools. We always strive to provide our customers with the perfect fiberglass pool to fit their homes and needs. Visit us online or call us today to learn more about our fiberglass pools.