Is a Fiberglass Pool Shell Right For Your Pool?
If you are looking into buying and researching inground pools, you have likely discovered that pool forms are made of concrete, vinyl-liner, or a fiberglass pool shell. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at fiberglass pool shells so you can determine if one may be right for you. What is a fiberglass pool made of? Fiberglass has become a well-known material in the past 50 years. It’s used to make boats, automobile parts and, of course, pools! Fiberglass material is quite literally fibers of glass. In the manufacturing process, fiberglass is flexible and thin, almost hair-like. Unlike hard, solid shards of glass, fiberglass doesn’t shatter or cut you because the fibers are heated until they’re molten and become a sticky, gooey texture. It is then forced through superfine holes that create glass filaments that are so thin that they are measured in microns. These thin threads of fiberglass are woven into larger swatches of material. For strength and durability, a fiberglass pool shell is made of more than fiberglass. What makes the material even stronger than metals by weight is the thermoplastic polymer resins that are added. Through years of testing and our commitment to continuous improvement, Thursday […]
Read MoreChoosing Between Gunite and Fiberglass? A Guide.
A GUIDE TO CHOOSING BETWEEN GUNITE AND FIBERGLASS. Inground pools come in three different types—vinyl, gunite, and fiberglass—so determining what’s a right fit for you requires a little research. If you’ve arrived at the point where it’s a decisionon fiberglass vs gunite (concrete), you’ve narrowed your decision tree a bit by throwing out vinyl as an option. This post will consider a concrete pool vs fiberglass pool to help you narrow your choices even further.      Buyer’s Checklist The answers to the following questions can be differentiating factors of choosing a concrete vs fiberglass pool. How will your pool be used? Is it a party backdrop, a sunning platform, or the wet arena of countless epic splash-sport battles? Who will maintain the pool? If it’s you, what is the amount of time you’re willing to commit? If it’s someone else, what is the annual budget? How big a pool do you want or need? Do you want a particular size, shape, or feature? How much decking and landscaping? Who will use the pool? Will it include children and pets? Does your dealer provide a warranty and track record of installing durable pools? About Concrete Pools The first gunite pool was […]
Read MoreLarge and Deep Fiberglass Pool Options
Pool owners love fiberglass pools for many reasons. Fiberglass pools are low-maintenance, quick to install and require fewer chemicals. Because fiberglass pools don’t have liners to replace or concrete that will eventually need to be replastered, they have the lowest lifetime cost of ownership over vinyl and gunite pools. They also have a smooth, durable finish that’s totally pet friendly, making them a sure bet for everyone in the family to love. So why would anyone choose anything other than fiberglass? Well, there really aren’t too many reasons! However, for pool buyers looking for a large inground pool, the options in fiberglass are somewhat limited. Whereas gunite and vinyl pools are built on-site, fiberglass pools are made in a factory, out of a mold, and then transported in one piece to the home of their lucky new pool owners. There’s a limit to the size of what can be safely loaded, unloaded and transported, and on-site physical barriers like fences and trees also have to be taken into consideration for delivery. Alas, there are some large fiberglass pool options that allow swimming pool owners the best of both worlds–big and low-maintenance. For your convenience, we have created comparison charts of […]
Read MoreWhat Can Damage a Fiberglass Pool?
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of something new. Whether it’s a car, a boat, or an inground swimming pool, it’s only natural to want to do as much research as possible before signing on the dotted line. You’ll want to know how long it’ll last, right? If you’re currently considering an inground fiberglass pool and trying to cover all your bases, you may have searched for potential problems such as, “What can damage a fiberglass pool?” and “Can you scratch a fiberglass pool?” Perhaps you’ve also looked up fiberglass pool gelcoat problems and fiberglass pool bulging walls. This post covers a few common concerns you may have heard regarding fiberglass pools, how they happen, and if you can prevent them or repair them if they occur. How Does Fiberglass Pool Chemistry relate to these issues? A big part of the longevity of your fiberglass pool is the water chemistry. Water chemistry can be tricky for any pool owner, and it’s best left to the professionals that do pool maintenance for a living. However, as a fiberglass pool owner, it’s important to understand water chemistry guidelines so you can take the best preventative care possible of […]
Read MoreThe Best Robotic Cleaners For Inground Fiberglass Pools
Every pool owner should have an excellent working knowledge of pool maintenance. It’s essential to stay on top of it from the time you open your pool in the spring through closing it for the winter. Robotic pool cleaners can be a great help when it comes to keeping dirt and debris out of your pool, saving you time. However, choosing from robotic pool cleaners can be overwhelming as hundreds of automatic pool cleaners are on the market, each with different benefits. Inground pools require a different type of robotic cleaner than above-ground pools, and some robotic pool cleaners will have features you may not need. So make sure you’re searching for the best automatic pool cleaner for your needs and specific pool type. This post will outline a few robotic pool cleaners for inground fiberglass pools. Hayward TigerShark  The Hayward TigerShark can scour a 20 x 40-foot pool floor, walls, coves, and water line in just three hours. It’s available in three models: the standard TigerShark, the TigerShark Plus Robotic Cleaner with Remote Control, and the TigerShark QC with Quick Clean (featuring a patented 90-minute quick clean alternative.) It has an easy-to-clean cartridge filter system and a 24-volt motor […]
Read MoreAre Fiberglass Pools Easier to Maintain?
A swimming pool can be a great addition to your home and life. An inground pool can increase your property value and home enjoyment, keep you cool in the hot weather, and provide a gentler way to exercise and be healthier. That said, when considering a pool purchase, homeowners often want to know how much time and money they will need to invest. And among the most common questions is, “Are fiberglass pools easier to maintain?” The truth is that all pool types have their advantages and disadvantages, and all require regular maintenance. Fiberglass Pool Maintenance Are Fiberglass Pools Easy to Maintain? While they’re not maintenance-free, fiberglass pools are generally considered to be lower maintenance as far as inground pools go. Because fiberglass pools come in one piece, there are no seams where dirt and algae can collect. Their smooth surface is not porous, so it’s not likely to promote the growth of algae and bacteria. Other pool types may require resurfacing or liner replacements over time, whereas fiberglass can last a long time with regular upkeep. What Maintenance Does a Fiberglass Pool Need? Fiberglass pools are relatively easy and inexpensive to keep in good shape. Fiberglass pools generally […]
Read MoreDo You Need to Brush a Fiberglass Pool?
Fiberglass pools are incredibly popular for good reasons. They are durable and elegant and can make a beautiful backdrop for many memorable moments in your life. But, like most luxury items worth having, they need maintenance to stay that way. Upkeep for your fiberglass pool includes water and surface cleaning. With reference to surface cleaning, homeowners commonly ask, “do you need to brush a fiberglass pool?” This post covers common questions about using a brush to clean your fiberglass pool surface. The Maintenance Rundown Like any pool, fiberglass pools have several essential maintenance tasks that need to be performed on a regular basis in order to keep them clean, safe, and functioning properly. The good news is that thanks to the way they’re made, fiberglass pools can be easier to take care of than other inground pool types. Like said other pool types, they will require brushing, but the brushing is generally light work.  Why Do You Brush a Fiberglass Pool? While fiberglass pools are algae-resistant, dirt and debris may be a daily occurrence when your pool is surrounded by vegetation. Left alone, unwanted debris (especially if it contains metal) in your pool can result in staining, so it’s essential […]
Read MoreHow Much is the Smallest Fiberglass Pool?
We can’t read minds, but chances are that if you landed here by searching “How much is the smallest fiberglass pool?”, you are interested in both a small fiberglass pool and are concerned with costs. In this post, we’ll define small fiberglass pools and address some cost-related questions. About Small Fiberglass Pools Many fiberglass pools are over 600 square feet (e.g., more than 37.5 feet long by 16 feet wide). Comparatively speaking, a small fiberglass pool may be under 400 square feet. This size will fit into many smaller yards, take up less space, and is still fun and functional. To give you an idea of what that looks like, here are some Thursday Pools small fiberglass pool designs and their dimensions: Small Fiberglass Pool Prices Our general suggestion for getting a rough ballpark estimate for our fiberglass pools is to multiply your linear square feet by $1500. Of course, it’s more complicated than that, and you would need to get an estimate from a pool dealer near you to get firm numbers. Every case is different, and fiberglass pool prices vary according to a number of factors, including: Installation Factors Affecting Pool Prices Ease or difficulty […]
Read MoreWhat Sizes do Fiberglass Pools Come In?
It’s a common perception that fiberglass pool shells last a long time, and that translates into making more memories with your loved ones. Whether you are looking to cool down and relax on hot summer days or you’d like a healthy place for you and the kids’ wild enjoyment, there’s likely a fiberglass pool for you. Even if your yard is not huge, there are small fiberglass pools that will add luxury and a lifetime of memories to your life. In this post, we cover what sizes fiberglass pools come in so that you may choose the best one for you. Smallest fiberglass pool size Small fiberglass pools typically have a surface area measuring less than 400 square feet. The smallest fiberglass pools may be less than 100 square feet. Cocktail pools and plunge pools are popular options when space is limited, providing a place to cool down and host a few guests without taking up too much space. Also known as “spools,” a combination spa and pool may be just what you need for a small backyard. Some small fiberglass pool designs offered by Thursday Pools include: Thursday Pools Pool Design Dimensions Square Feet Wading Pool 1 […]
Read MoreWhat is the smallest fiberglass pool size?
Inground fiberglass pools create a unique aesthetic for the backyard, but homeowners with smaller backyards often think they don’t have room for the more elegant option. Fortunately, more options exist in small fiberglass pools than ever before. This post will answer “what is the smallest fiberglass pool size?” and other common questions for homeowners with smaller yards. What is the smallest inground pool size? Before answering the primary question of this blog post, let’s first give you some context. We generally categorize an inground pool as “small” if it measures 400 square feet or less. Depending on the dimensions, a small pool can be used for soaking, wading, swimming laps, or incorporating water features. What is the smallest fiberglass pool size? While pool manufacturers’ all develop different pool designs and sizes, Thursday Pools has several different small fiberglass pool designs, with the smallest being a wading pool that is nine by nine feet. Here are some of the smaller fiberglass pool designs (under 400 square feet) and their measurements: Thursday Pools Pool Design Dimensions Square Feet Wading Pool 1 9′ x 9′ 1’6″ 81 ft2 Pearl 15′ x 25′ 3’9″ 375 ft2 Sea Turtle 9.5′ x 19.5′ 4’6″ […]
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