General Information

freeform vs rectangular pools

Freeform vs Rectangular Fiberglass Pools

Choosing the Right Pool Shape For your Backyard

When it comes to deciding between a freeform vs a rectangular fiberglass pool, there are several important factors to consider. Backyard design, water activities and functionality are the main priorities we recommend focusing on. If you have been shopping through images daydreaming about your new pool already, then you probably have been either leaning towards a shape, or agonizing over this ever-important choice. Whether you are almost positive or totally uncertain, today we will help guide you on which pool shape is a better fit for your home and lifestyle. 

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saltwater pool

Salt Versus Chlorine: The Fiberglass Advantage

All prospective pool owners will need to make important decisions when choosing the type of swimming pool they want to own. This includes the type and style of pool, any additional features desired, and all required elements pertaining to the use of the pool and its continued maintenance. 

A huge part of any swimming pool system is water treatment and sanitization. Untreated pool water swiftly results in bacterial overgrowth, mold, and algae blooms that can turn your crystal clear pool water into a soupy green mess.

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a fiberglass pool

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.

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fantastic features - lounging ledge

Fantastic Features: Spas, Ledges, Waterfalls, and More

If you are in the market for a fiberglass swimming pool from Barrier Reef, you're in for a treat! Barrier Reef offers a wide selection of pool designs, most of which can be equipped with amazing additional options to delight and astound any pool lover. Available features include integrated and add-on spas, underwater ledges for lounging or tanning, water features such as spillways and waterfalls, special decking features like customizable tile and paver coping options, and integral pool lighting. From spas to waterfalls, there's something for everyone. Keep reading to learn more about these fantastic features!

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fiberglass swimming pool

Preparing For Your New Fiberglass Swimming Pool: Steps To Take

If you're in the market for a new swimming pool, a fiberglass pool is definitely the way to go. Long lasting, easy to maintain, and essentially preassembled as a self-contained installable unit, a new fiberglass swimming pool with its many options in size and shape can be the ideal solution to your dreams of swimming pool ownership. But before you take a dip, there are some things you’ll need to do to prepare for your new pool. In the post below we will outline the steps you need to take to get everything ready for the acquisition of your new fiberglass swimming pool.

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A beachball floats in the crystal clear water of your fiberglass pool

Tips and Tricks for Getting the Most from Your Fiberglass Pool

When it comes to relaxing with family and friends nothing beats ownership of a well-maintained inground swimming pool to make you the envy of the neighborhood. But pool ownership can be so much more. Whether you’re looking for tips on how to keep your fiberglass pool in tip-top condition, or fun tricks to expand your enjoyment of your existing backyard pool environment, you’ll find plenty of ideas here to inspire you.

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Relaxing in Fiberglass Pools

Pros and Cons of Fiberglass Pools

When shopping for a swimming pool, there are many different factors to consider. The first decision you must make involves what type of pool you should choose—there are several types of swimming pools available, each with its own pros and cons. One of the most popular types of swimming pools available is the fiberglass pool. Such pools are widely respected for elegance, practicality, and their variety of features. If you’re in the market for a fiberglass pool we’ve compiled a list of pros and cons for your consideration while shopping for your new pool.

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backyard swimming pool lined with lush green plants

Fiberglass Swimming Pools vs Gunite Concrete Swimming Pools : Which to Choose?

fiberglass pools vs concrete pools
fiberglass pools vs gunite pools
fiberglass pools vs gunite cost fiberglass pools for sale

Here are 5 reasons to choose a fiberglass pool versus a Gunite made pool:

1. How Much Does It Cost

The pool price will be contingent on shape, size, features and other factors. When comparing the two, of equal size and features, our fiberglass pools will generally have a lower cost entry point as well as less cost over the life of the pool for maintenance and other services.

2. How Long Does It Take To Install

A Gunite pool takes considerably more work and will take much longer to complete the installation process. Gunite pools are built one at a time at the project site and in some cases a project started in late spring or early summer may not be ready for swimming until the next swim season.

On the other hand, a fiberglass pool of the same size and dimensions could be finished in as little as two to four weeks. We manufacture the best pools at our plant in South Carolina and deliver them to your home ready to be installed. This means your family could be ready for family fun in the pool this season.

3. Which Lasts Longer?

Concrete pools are more maintenance intensive due to their needing to be resurfaced every seven to ten years. This takes time away from your active pool season and can be a costly project to boot. Fiberglass pools will not require resurfacing but may require some buffing of scratches.

4. What Designs Are Available?

Our fiberglass pools come in free form, rectangular, kidney, other classic shapes and spas for just about any swimming pool project. Our models are built with integrated features such as entry stairs, lounging ledges, seating benches and more. With a Gunite pool each feature must be custom built which takes time and more money.

5. Am I Protected By A Warranty?

In most cases a homeowner will only ever purchase one pool in their lifetime. This means that the pool project you purchase should be one that’s the best fit for you and that provides years of fun and relaxation. Our fiberglass pools come with a comprehensive warranty to ensure your pool was built to last. A standard Gunite pool project will not have a warranty.

Cons Of Choosing A Gunite Or Concrete Pool

  • The first downside of choosing a concrete pool is the time it will take to install. It can literally take months to complete this project.
  • All things being equal, a Gunite pool will cost more to install, take longer and require expensive maintenance over the life of the pool.
  • Children and adults often find that when swimming to the bottom of the pool the concrete is abrasive and uncomfortable. Pools should be fun and having such a situation is just the opposite.
  • Gunite and other concrete pools tend to harbor certain forms of bacteria which means more chemicals to keep the water within safe swimming levels.
  • Gunite and other concrete pools will need to be replastered. Over time a Gunite pool will begin to chip and crack, which can lead to unsafe conditions.

Increasingly, fiberglass pools are becoming more popular in the American market. Simplicity in the product, purchase and installation have been the keys to our success. By offering the highest quality manufacturing and design processes, excellent warranties and simply the best products we can ensure our customers have plenty of options and choices for their pool project when compared to a Gunite pool purchase.

When it comes to choosing a fiberglass vs a Gunite pool the choice should be easy. Our swimming pools are beautiful, fun, easier to maintain, comfortable and come with a comprehensive warranty. Contact us today and learn how our Barrier Reef fiberglass pools can be a perfect fit for you.

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