IS A FIBREGLASS POOL RIGHT FOR YOUR YARD?
Installation is incredibly quick compared to other pool types
If the thought of jumping into a backyard pool this summer sounds tantalizing but weeks-long construction dampens your enthusiasm, you might be interested in a fibreglass pool.
“The installation is incredibly quick compared to other types of pools since it is manufactured offsite and delivered to the property fully formed,” says Sabrina Correia, assistant director of Aquarino X Dolphin Pools. The two companies merged in 2021 and are divisions of the Rinox Group, which manufactures fibreglass pools.
“As such, a fibreglass pool can be installed and functioning — ready for a first swim — within a 48-hour window. This means less disruption to your yard and a faster turnaround time for enjoying your new pool.”
There are other reasons to consider a fibreglass pool. Its smooth, non-porous surface resists algae growth, reducing the need for harsh chemicals and frequent cleaning. “This can save you time and money on maintenance,” Correia says. “Fibreglass is a strong and durable material that can withstand changes in temperature and ground movement, which is very important to consider with our northern climate.”
SMOOTH SURFACE
A fibreglass pool's smooth surface also means there's no risk of snagging swimsuits or skin. “This feature also makes for a pet-friendly pool, as the surface is resistant to scratches and there is no need to worry about claw punctures, unlike with vinyl liners,” she says. “Fibreglass pools often have builtin insulation properties that help to retain heat up to eight degrees Celsius warmer than other materials, reducing heating costs and extending your swimming season.”
Vinyl pools continue to be the most popular pool installation today, reports Adrian Bartels, president of Cedar Springs Landscape Group in Oakville, Ont. “However, fibreglass pools are beginning to make a dent in that trend as people learn about them and the features that they can add to any backyard.”
Those features include tanning ledges and benches. “While these options are possible in concrete pools as well, fibreglass offers some of these options at a much lower cost point,” Bartels says. “Fibreglass compares with vinyl pools as far as cost goes, however vinyl and fibreglass are significantly less than concrete pools. Fibreglass pools have an advantage in that there won't be a replacement of a liner ever. Fibreglass pools are also installed in a matter of days.”
INSTALLATION
The first day of installation is dedicated to site preparation and consists of excavating the hole, ensuring the base is level and setting the geotextile in place, Correia explains. The pool is typically delivered early on the second day and placed in the installation bed. Once it's in place, the space around the pool is backfilled with gravel, providing long-term support and stability for the pool, which should be filled with water while the backfilling process is taking place. The final steps entail plumbing and electrical work to hitch the pool pipes to the equipment.
Fibreglass pools typically range in size from eight-by-eight feet to 16-by-41 feet and are available in a variety of shapes to accommodate esthetic preferences and backyard layouts. In addition to built-in steps and benches, tanning ledges and spa areas, you can add lighting to illuminate nighttime swimming and/or waterfalls for a soothing ambience.
When selecting a model, consider who will be using the pool most frequently and for what purpose. “If the intended use is primarily for laps, opt for a design with lateral steps, as standard steps will reduce the length available,” Correia says. If you have toddlers, consider a beach model that provides shallow space for them to splash around. It you want to hang out with friends and family, consider a model with a lounge or spa area.
COMPARING POOLS
When comparing manufacturers, you'll want to consider quality of construction, including materials used and the manufacturing process. “For individuals with little understanding of fibreglass materials, consider comparing the weights of two fibreglass pools that are similar in dimension,” she says. “One can often gain an adequate understanding of the strength of the build by doing so, as more weight equals more materials used, reflecting higher quality and durability.”