Is 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 […]
Read MoreWhat Type of Inground Pool is Most Cost-Effective? Comparing Inground Pool Types
Whether or not you have unlimited funds to build a pool, you probably wouldn’t buy one without considering how much an inground pool costs. Perhaps you ended up on this blog post by searching, “What type of pool is most cost-effective?” or “What kind of inground pool is cheapest to build?” or even “What type of pool is cheapest to maintain?” Regardless of how you got here, the honest answer to these questions is, “It depends.” Inground pools come in three main types: gunite (concrete), vinyl liner, and fiberglass. The initial purchase price, as well as lifetime costs, vary depending on the type you choose. Let’s explore the costs associated with each type of inground pool, breaking down their installation prices and some of their long-term maintenance costs to help you make an informed decision. Vinyl Liner Pools Vinyl liner pools are often considered a budget-friendly choice, making them popular among homeowners seeking to minimize upfront costs. However, higher maintenance and replacement expenses can offset the lower initial investment over time. Initial Purchase Price: The average cost of installing a vinyl liner pool is between $25,000 and $65,000. This cost covers basic installation but does not account for long-term upkeep […]
Read MoreHow Much Does a 16×32 Inground Pool Cost?
When planning to buy an inground pool, the size of the pool is an important factor that influences how you use the rest of your outdoor space. The pool’s footprint can determine if there’s enough room for additional features. A popular pool size, 16 x 32, is often the top choice for homeowners with medium to large yards as they still allow room to integrate extras such as seating areas, outdoor kitchens, and maybe even a putting green. Naturally, your next question may be, “What does a 16 x 32 inground pool cost?” Let’s discuss how to get a ballpark estimate. Understanding How Builders Estimate Inground Pools Prices One of the first things a homeowner should know is that builders estimate each pool differently depending on the material type. The difference in measurement units—square feet for vinyl and gunite pools versus linear feet for fiberglass pools—arises mainly from how these pool types are constructed and estimated. Vinyl and Gunite Pools (Square Foot): Construction Approach: Vinyl and gunite pools are built directly on-site, providing the flexibility to create nearly any shape or size tailored to the homeowner’s vision. Square Foot Estimation: These pools may be irregularly shaped due to their custom […]
Read MoreWhen Should You Open Your Pool
When spring has sprung, most new fiberglass pool owners ask, “when should you open your pool?” Is April the best time to open the pool? Is it May? The answer can vary by geography and whether or not you have a heater. One thing is for sure, while that first dip of the season is worth waiting for, the waiting is the hardest part!  If you are in the waiting phase, you want to ensure you’re not waiting too long. You don’t want to miss a single day of swim season, so follow this guide and get prepped to open your pool. GET PAST THE FREEZE Your pool opening and closing schedule will vary based on where you live. If you want to be generally aware, tune into the rhythms of the farmers and gardeners in your area. The answer to the question, “when should you open your pool?” will mirror some of the answers to “when is planting season?” Getting in touch with a local dealer or professional pool cleaning service is a great way to get a sense of the best opening and closing times for your area. Get past that damaging freeze, and it’s safe to kick […]
Read MoreWater Safety Month 2022 – 13 Pool Safety Tips to Remember
May is Water Safety Month, and with so many pools opening up this time of year, it’s an ideal time to go over some pool safety tips. Whether or not you are a new fiberglass pool owner, keeping people safe in and around bodies of water is a critical part of enjoying the summer. Here are some tips to remember any time you are around pools. Tips To Stay Safe Inside the Pool Get to know the abilities of the swimmers in your group. If anyone in your group doesn’t know how to swim, make sure they are closely supervised. Encourage inexperienced swimmers to learn how to swim. And don’t rely too much on floats or toys to support inexperienced swimmers. They are not lifesaving devices. Don’t try something you are uncomfortable with just because others are doing it. Sometimes, it can be fun to show off, especially if there’s a diving board. Ensure no one is entering or swimming in water that’s too deep for their ability. Let them know that there’s plenty of room for fun towards the shallow end. Don’t play games that involve jumping in or holding your breath. Your pool has specific entry points […]
Read MoreWhere to Find a Fiberglass Pool Dealer Near You
In researching inground pools, you’ve likely compared the different types available, including gunite, vinyl-lined, and fiberglass pools. And perhaps that hunt has you leaning toward an inground fiberglass pool. A natural next question for you might be, “Where can I find fiberglass pools near me?” While entering “fiberglass pools near me” into a search engine will return pool dealer results (and paid advertisements) based on your location, purchasing an inground fiberglass pool is a big deal so, here are our top tips when searching for a fiberglass pool dealer near you. Selecting a Fiberglass Pool Dealer Don’t just go with the first dealer you find. We recommend talking to a few. It’s essential that you feel comfortable with them. After all, these folks will be working in your backyard for at least a couple of weeks. Get multiple estimates. It’s helpful to get more than one estimate to know that you are on track and not missing something significant in communicating your wants and needs and the dealer’s capabilities. Ask for referrals. A quality dealer should have referrals at the ready when asked. You can also go online for reviews. Either way, make sure that the referrals or reviews […]
Read MoreWanting a Pool in Your Small Yard?
No matter the size of your yard, creating a staycation-worthy backyard is within reach. Small fiberglass pools fit compact spaces without sacrificing style, comfort, or function. They offer a low-maintenance, budget-friendly solution with options like plunge pools and other ultra-compact designs, making it easier than ever to add a beautiful, refreshing pool to even the smallest backyard. Is a Small Pool Worth It? Absolutely! Small pools offer a smart, stylish solution for homeowners who want all the benefits of a pool without overwhelming their outdoor space. With a compact design, you’ll have more room for other backyard features—like a lounge area, firepit, or outdoor kitchen—so you can truly enjoy a well-rounded outdoor living space. Smaller pools also mean easier upkeep, lower chemical use, and reduced energy costs, making maintenance a breeze. And when it comes to your budget, going smaller can free up funds for extras like built-in seating, a tanning ledge, or an automatic pool cover. Best of all, small fiberglass pools come in a variety of layouts to suit how you plan to use your space—whether that’s relaxing, exercising, or entertaining a few close friends. What Are Some Small Pool Options? Before exploring specific designs, it’s important […]
Read MoreWhat are My Rectangle Fiberglass Pool Shell Options?
Commonly, pool buyers ask, “what shapes do fiberglass pools come in?” While the simple answer is that fiberglass pool designs are primarily either rectangular or freeform, you may be surprised by the remarkable variability of fiberglass pool shell options. The sizes, varying depths, and vast assortment of features available in fiberglass pools allow you to tailor your choice depending on your yard size, style, and the activities you want to enjoy in and around your backyard pool. Rectangular-shaped pools have clean, sharp lines and lend to a traditional elegant or modern setting. They maximize the swimming area and perimeter yard space. In this post, we’ll describe our rectangle pool shell options. Goliath The Goliath is big on style and functionality. Offering the best of both worlds, Goliath provides plenty of room for entertaining and swimming. A wide-open swim lane down the pool’s center is conducive to lap swimming or floating with friends. Bench seating flanks the steps for ample room to relax and socialize. Two sets of curved entry steps in the shallow end and swim-out ledges in the deep end provide easy entry and exit areas or another option for sitting. Monolith Monolith is the only Type […]
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