What Can Damage a Fiberglass Pool?
It’s only natural to want to do as much research as possible before making a significant decision and investment into a major home addition like an inground fiberglass pool. You’ll want to learn and consider details such as installation costs, maintenance responsibilities, and how long it will last. A durable pool shell helps protect your investment, so you’re likely asking questions like, “What can damage a fiberglass pool?” or, “Can you scratch a fiberglass pool?” Worried about fiberglass pool gelcoat problems or bulging walls? Understanding how common fiberglass pool damage can happen can help you prevent it with your pool or know when repairs are necessary. Common Causes of Fiberglass Pool Damage Fiberglass pools are famously durable, but they’re not indestructible. Structural Stress Improper installation or soil movement can place uneven pressure on the pool shell, leading to bulging walls or cracks. Professional repair and proper backfilling during installation are essential to restore stability. Sharp or Heavy Objects Dragging metal, glass, or other sharp items across the surface can scratch the gelcoat finish. Shallow scratches may buff out, but deeper damage may require a gelcoat repair. Improper Draining Completely draining a fiberglass pool without […]
Read MoreThe Best Robotic Cleaners For Inground Fiberglass Pools
Every fiberglass pool owner should have a thorough and working knowledge of necessary pool maintenance. It’s essential to stay on top of care and maintenance 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 and effort. With an overwhelming amount of options available on the market, all with various features and benefits you may or may not need, deciding on a robotic pool cleaner can feel overwhelming. In our experience, the following four models are great at getting the job done while you sit back and relax. Hayward TigerShark A Hayward TigerShark robot can clean a 20’ x 40’ pool’s floors, walls, and waterline in just three hours. There are three configurations to choose from, including the standard TigerShark, the TigerShark Plus with remote control capabilities, and the TigerShark QC featuring a patented 90-minute quick-cleaning alternative mode. All the TigerShark models have an easy-to-clean cartridge filter system and a 24-volt motor to conserve energy and save you pool maintenance costs over time. Average Price: Less than $1,500 […]
Read MoreAre Fiberglass Pools Easier to Maintain?
An inground swimming pool can be a great addition to your home and lifestyle, but many homeowners may be wary of investing time and effort in the necessary maintenance responsibilities. Are you among those asking, “Are fiberglass pools easier to maintain?” The truth is that all pool types have their advantages and disadvantages, and all require regular maintenance. Are Fiberglass Pools Easy to Maintain? While they are not maintenance-free, fiberglass pools generally have lower maintenance demands as far as inground pools go. Because fiberglass pools come in one-piece shells, there are no seams where dirt and algae can collect. Their smooth surface is not porous, deterring the growth of algae and bacteria. Other pool types require resurfacing or liner replacements over time, whereas fiberglass can last for decades with simple, regular upkeep. What Maintenance Does a Fiberglass Pool Need? Fiberglass pools are relatively easy and inexpensive to keep in good shape. Fiberglass pools typically do not need resurfacing after so many years. With some basic maintenance, your fiberglass pool’s gel coat can last for a very long time. Most regular fiberglass pool maintenance falls into one of three basic buckets: the filtration system equipment, […]
Read MoreDo You Need to Brush a Fiberglass Pool?
Fiberglass pools are incredibly popular for good reasons. They are luxurious, long-lasting, and can create a beautiful backyard backdrop for many memorable moments with your family and friends. Like many major purchases and luxury items worth having, however, they require care and ongoing maintenance to stay in peak condition. Do you need to brush a fiberglass pool? That’s one of the most common questions homeowners ask when considering the prospective upkeep responsibilities with their pool purchase. All pools, including fiberglass pools, have several essential maintenance tasks homeowners must perform—or hire local pool service professionals to handle—on a regular basis in order to keep them clean, safe, and functioning properly. The good news is that, thanks to their durable materials and innovative manufacturing methods, fiberglass pools require fewer chemicals and are easier to take care of than other inground pool types. Similar to other pool types, brushing is necessary with fiberglass pools, but it’s far from labor-intensive work and nothing to be afraid of. Why Do You Brush a Fiberglass Pool? While fiberglass pools are algae-resistant, dirt and debris buildup may become a daily occurrence with backyard landscaping surrounding the pool. Brushing your fiberglass pool helps prevent unwanted […]
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″ […]
Read MoreIs a Pool Worth It? Considering the Pros and Cons
When the summer heat rolls in, owning a pool can seem like a dream come true. The last thing any homeowner wants to experience is swimming pool buyer’s remorse, so it’s essential to consider, “Is a pool worth it?” The answer may differ depending on your goals, budget, and the type of pool you want. If you’re considering inground vinyl vs. gunite vs. fiberglass pools, you might want to compare their durability and lifespans. You can learn more about fiberglass pools in our guide, which answers the question, “How Long Does a Fiberglass Pool Last?” For now, let’s explore the pros and cons of simply owning an inground pool. WHAT ARE THE PROS OF POOL OWNERSHIP? Convenience and Privacy: The pool is always there. You can swim when you want. Public pools have set hours, and you have to plan around their availability. With your pool, you decide if you will take a dip at high noon or midnight. No more having to pack up and drive to your next swimming adventure. Having a pool outside your back door makes getting in the pool much more convenient! Plus, there’s the added benefit of privacy. You have complete control […]
Read MoreThe Lowdown on Tanning Ledges
If you’ve been researching fiberglass pools or have spent time in one lately, you might have discovered the beauty and versatility of a pool tanning ledge. The tanning ledge is a feature, usually as wide as the pool or about nine feet in diameter if inset, that pulls the deck experience and pool experience together. Rather than going back and forth between a deck chair or lounger, you can bring the lounger into the pool! This post will answer the most common questions about pool tanning ledges. What is a tanning ledge, and why would I want one? Tanning ledges are an elevated pool bottom for easy entry or lounging. The depth is about 18 inches from the lip, and the water depth is typically around nine inches but can range between six and eight. It’s deep enough that you can cool off but shallow enough that you can place a chaise lounger on it, and it won’t float away. In addition to the feeling of luxury that comes with stretching out and relaxing on the tanning ledge, the feature provides easier entry and exit for parents with toddlers, people with pets, or elderly swimmers. Tanning ledges offer pool-goers […]
Read MoreWhat is the Average Life of a Gunite Pool?
What is the average life of a gunite pool? A quick search on Google will confirm that the general consensus among professional pool builders is, on average, about 30 to 50 years. Your quick reply or thought might be, “okay, that’s a wide range; just how long do they last?” You’re right. It is a fairly wide range, and that’s due to another question you will want to ask yourself. What type of life do you intend to give your gunite (or fiberglass or vinyl) pool? A gunite pool, like other inground pool types, can be durable and long-lasting but will require a lot of love and care to remain in ideal condition.  Most homeowners shopping for pools tend to compare fiberglass, vinyl, and gunite. Head down that path, and you’ll learn some fundamental differences and find that gunite and fiberglass are known for similarly long life spans. When properly maintained, both can last a long time. What you may not know are some details that figure into the lifespan of a gunite pool. The key to a long pool life is what happens long after installation. This article will help you understand more about the average life of […]
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