Everything You Need To Know About Fiberglass Pool Installation

Before Installation: Why Choose a Fiberglass Pool Manufactured by Thursday Pools

Durability and Longevity

Fiberglass pools are less susceptible to cracking and other structural issues common with concrete pools, and they don’t need periodic liner replacements like vinyl pools. They can last for decades without major repairs, offering a long-term investment that maintains their quality and appearance over time. Underscoring our belief in our pools’ durability, Thursday Pools provides a 35-year structural warranty.

Versatile Designs

Innovations in material refinement, process improvements, and other advancements allow modern fiberglass pools to come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Our fiberglass pool designs include multiple high-end features to fit many lifestyles. Built-in steps, wrap-around benches, tanning ledges, and swim-outs are some features included in our designs. Thursday Pools is renowned for its innovative approach to pool design, offering unique features such as our patented beach entry fiberglass pools.

Fiberglass Pool Innovations

Our innovative skimmers, designed specifically for fiberglass pools, ensure easier installation and better water management. Additionally, the Geo-Anchoring Pool Wall®, another patented innovation, secures the pool to the ground, enhancing stability and safety. The Backfill Eliminator® reduces the need for extensive backfilling during installation, simplifying the process and ensuring a more stable and secure installation of your pool.

Manufacturing Standards

Thursday Pools is one of the few manufacturers certified with both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards. These certifications ensure our pools are built to rigorous quality and environmental management standards, reflecting our commitment to superior craftsmanship and sustainability.  Additionally, we operate a high-efficiency, green, climate-controlled manufacturing facility. We strive to exceed EPA and OSHA standards to minimize environmental impact while maintaining high production quality.

Customer-Centric Approach

Before you even buy your pool, Thursday Pools provides education and resources to help you make an informed decision. We also are dedicated to excellent customer service. With an extensive network of independent dealers, our pools are available throughout the United States and Canada.

Get to Know Your Pool Builder

Your inground fiberglass pool should be a place that instantly soothes, calms, and relaxes you, not a source of stress. A worry-free pool begins with an installation that homeowners can count on from experienced and trustworthy builders. 

Our advice is to only move forward with a builder with whom you feel comfortable discussing your needs, style preferences, and budget. Brainstorming sessions and personal design consultations can help establish rapport and effective communication between pool dealers and buyers through the project’s completion.

Thursday Pools recommends homeowners request a pre-construction meeting with the dealer to comprehensively cover essential details, review timelines, and answer any questions about the process. Among other things, a pre-construction meeting includes an on-site walkthrough, allowing your builder to begin a final site evaluation, pool layout, and preparation before the construction process begins.

Breaking Down the Fiberglass Pool Installation Process

The process involves several well-coordinated steps. Each is essential to ensuring your pool is installed correctly for long-term enjoyment. Here’s what you can expect in the fiberglass pool installation process, from the initial permit application to the final touches of landscaping and water balancing.

Pre-Installation: Permit Application and Approval

The fiberglass pool installation process begins with site preparation, including obtaining all necessary construction permits and readying your yard for the upcoming process. Pool professionals thoroughly consider underground utilities, drainage, and site access for shell delivery from its controlled manufacturing environment.

Site Excavation
The real action starts with the dig day! Once your site is ready, excavation can begin. Accuracy is essential to ensure the shell fits just right, allowing room to properly backfill.

Base Preparation
A layer of base material is added to level and support the pool shell, preventing settling and shifting over time.

Pool Delivery
Depending on available access, the dealer will bring the equipment needed to deliver your pool. We’ve even seen our pools delivered via boat and crane. Think of it as free entertainment for the whole neighborhood!

Setting the Pool
The space between the fiberglass pool shell and the earth behind it on each side is filled with backfill materials, typically composed of gravel. Builders must simultaneously fill the pool with water to ensure equal pressure and firm support. If the builder isn’t using our Backfill Eliminator® technology, backfilling tanning ledges will require extra time.

Plumbing and Electrical

With the pool shell in place, the dealer can install plumbing lines and valves for filtration and heating systems, pool lighting, water features, and related equipment.

Local Inspection
Before “sealing in” the pool with coping and decking, local authorities inspect the pool installation. The timing depends on local government schedules.

Coping, Decking, and Auto-Cover Installation
Next, coping is installed around the pool’s edge. Coping is the trim that surrounds the perimeter of a pool. It enhances the visual appeal of your pool while preventing water from seeping over and behind the pool shell. The pre-pour portion of the automatic pool cover installation is completed, and the area is prepared for decking or patio installation. During the concrete curing period, the site is cleaned up, and once the concrete is cured, the post-pour installation of the automatic cover is finished.

Cleanup, Water Balancing, and Additional Add-Ons.
The final phase of your fiberglass pool installation involves removing equipment and cleaning up construction materials. The pool water is balanced to ensure it is safe for use. If you plan to add landscaping or install a fence, these additional steps will also be coordinated and completed during this phase.

Comparing the Installation Speed of Fiberglass Pools to Other Pool Types

When you’re eagerly anticipating a new inground pool, every day can feel like a lifetime. With a fiberglass pool, your family’s children (and children at heart) typically experience a significantly shorter installation schedule than other pool types. How long does pool installation take?

• Gunite pools involve extensive on-site construction, including forming, pouring, and curing concrete. Depending on the size and complexity of the pool, this process can take three to six months or longer to complete. 

• Vinyl liner pools, while quicker to install than gunite, still require assembling the frame, installing the liner, ensuring a proper fit, and sealing. Typically, installing a vinyl liner pool takes three to six weeks to complete.

• Fiberglass pools have significantly faster installation times than similar gunite or vinyl liner pools. Experienced and efficient pool dealers can usually install a fiberglass pool within just two to four weeks.

Why are fiberglass pool installations so much faster? The primary reason lies in the construction and assembly process. Fiberglass pool shells are pre-manufactured in an off-site controlled factory environment. When the shell arrives at the job site, it’s fully formed and ready for installation.

The simplified installation process of fiberglass pools minimizes on-site construction, reducing the likelihood of weather delays impacting the installation timeline. Adverse weather can significantly affect installation timelines for concrete and vinyl liner pools. Concrete pools require multiple rounds of curing, each of which can be delayed by rain or extreme temperatures. 

With complete pool shells coming from a controlled manufacturing environment, fiberglass pools achieve high levels of quality assurance that aren’t always possible with on-site construction. Fiberglass pool shells enjoy optimal curing conditions and thorough inspections before leaving the factory for your backyard.

Professional Installation or a DIY Inground Pool?

It may be tempting to consider a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach to save money on your inground fiberglass pool. However, professional installation from trained pool professionals offers several significant advantages over a DIY inground pool across critical areas:

Expertise and Experience – Professional pool builders have the knowledge and experience to handle the potential challenges that can arise during installation. 

Time and Convenience – Despite the best intentions, DIY projects tend to drag out and extend for months due to errors, disruptions, or a lack of specialized equipment. 

Warranty and Support – You may trust your DIY construction and plumbing skills, but professional installation is the only way to receive warranty coverage on the pool shell and the project labor. Saving money on installation may be appealing, but the peace of mind and protection against future issues and unexpected expenses are priceless. 

Installation Mistakes to Watch Out For

Nobody wants their yard to develop a notorious reputation in the neighborhood as the site of a fiberglass pool installation gone wrong. Installing an inground fiberglass pool is a significant undertaking requiring precision, expertise, and the right tools.

The allure of saving money on installation can be enticing, but many things can go wrong. Hiring less-experienced professionals with too-good-to-be-true pricing can also lead to potential pitfalls and considerable complications.

Improper Shell Placement – Placing a fiberglass pool shell into an accurately excavated hole requires precision and expertise. Using a crane or other heavy equipment to lower the shell into place is a task for professionals. Even professional installers spend extra time leveling a pool. They understand how important it is and will ensure your pool is level and properly aligned to avoid shifting or settling issues that can cause major problems in the future.

Structural Damage – A one-piece fiberglass pool shell needs consistent and even support to maintain its shape and integrity. DIYers and clearance contractors who cut corners often fail to provide the necessary support, creating pressure points that cause cracks or bulges in the pool shell.

• An issue during excavation or placement could leave a shell uneven, not perfectly level, and under significant structural stress over time. Inadequate or improper backfilling materials and techniques can also cause the pool to shift over time. This shifting or settling can lead to structural damage, and the installer’s actions can void manufacturers’ warranties.

Surface Imperfections – The smooth gelcoat finish of a fiberglass pool is one of its most appealing features. DIYers and installers unfamiliar with fiberglass pools may scratch or damage the surface through improper handling during installation. 

Mismanagement of Permits – Installing an inground fiberglass pool requires various permits and adherence to local safety and quality assurance regulations. DIY homeowners might overlook or misunderstand permits concerning electrical work, plumbing systems, and other construction efforts. These mistakes can lead to project delays, legal issues, and potential fines. Professional pool dealers are well-versed in local codes and have systems to manage permits and regulations.

Avoid the Top Installation-Related Repair Costs From the Beginning

Investing in an inground fiberglass pool promises years of fun and relaxation, but the longevity of these benefits hinges on the initial quality of the installation. Subpar craftsmanship and a lack of attention to detail can lead to significant lifetime maintenance and upkeep costs, eventually far overshadowing any potential initial savings from a cheaper installation.

• Structural damage is one of the most common issues for a fiberglass pool shell after poor installation. Repairing structural damage involves extensive work that must be done by trained professionals, including draining the pool, fixing the fiberglass, and refinishing the surface. As a homeowner, draining your pool yourself will void the pool shell’s structural warranty. Structural pool shell repairs could cost thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the damage.

• Improperly installed plumbing and equipment, such as filtration, heating, and circulation systems, are another concern with amateur installations. Leaks can develop due to poor connections or incorrect installation of plumbing lines. More than just a dripping faucet, a pool plumbing leak wastes significant amounts of water and can cause destabilizing soil erosion around the pool. Identifying and repairing leaks often requires professional intervention and poor installation can lead to premature equipment failure, resulting in costly repairs or replacements. Persistent leaks lead to higher water bills, and replacing major equipment components can cost several thousand dollars.

• A subpar and low-cost installation can cause visible imperfections, such as uneven surfaces, discolored spots or stains, and improperly fitted components. These aesthetic issues immediately detract from the pool’s beauty, can affect your everyday satisfaction, and, if left unaddressed, negatively impact your property’s market value. The prospect of inheriting a pool with known, visible issues may deter future buyers, making it harder to sell your home or forcing a reduction in price point to address needed repairs.

A long life with relatively lower maintenance costs and responsibilities is a highlight of fiberglass pools. It’s essential to begin that life on the right foot by investing in professional, experienced installers who adhere to best practices and quality standards. There are opportunities to save money throughout your pool buying, design, and installation process.

How Proper Installation Protects the Tanning Ledge

Fiberglass pools offer a long and growing list of desirable features, from sloping beach entries and a smooth, non-slip surface to built-in staircases, fast installation, and manageable maintenance demands. Many pool shoppers have ideas about the features they anticipate enjoying most, but built-in tanning ledges consistently surpass expectations. Tanning ledge pools carry an aura of luxury that was long reserved only for the most expensive custom concrete and tile inground pools. 

A tanning ledge, or “sun shelf,” is a shallow platform integrated into the pool shell’s design. With water typically 6 to 12 inches deep, swimmers enjoy just enough water to keep cool while basking in the sun. Located at the shallow edge of the pool, tanning ledges are often large enough to accommodate one or two lounge chairs, other in-pool furniture, or fun water features.

Tanning ledges balance a blend of sun and water, letting you relax in ultimate comfort. Whether reading a book, enjoying a cold drink, or simply soaking up the rays, a tanning ledge creates a resort-like experience right in your backyard. Growing families enjoy tanning ledges as a space for young children to splash and play in the shallow water. They’re also a safe way for pets to enjoy the cool pool water without swimming in deeper areas. A built-in tanning ledge is more than just a trendy addition or luxurious design element; it’s a versatile, family-friendly feature that enhances relaxation and enjoyment. 

Ensuring your family gets the most enjoyment from your tanning ledge starts with the installation process. Proper backfilling is crucial for the stability and longevity of a tanning ledge in a fiberglass pool. The tanning ledge, being a shallow area designed for lounging, must remain stable and level for both safety and functionality. Correct backfilling provides the necessary structural support to prevent the pool shell from shifting or settling unevenly, which could otherwise lead to the tanning ledge becoming misaligned or unstable. It also helps maintain the shape of the pool shell, preventing deformation and ensuring that the tanning ledge retains its intended form.

Inadequate backfilling can result in voids or gaps around the pool shell, creating stress points that could cause cracking. Proper backfilling materials offer excellent drainage and compaction properties, ensuring consistent support around the pool shell. The backfill prevents soil erosion and water accumulation, which could exert hydrostatic pressure on the pool shell, potentially lifting or damaging it.

What Can Cause Fiberglass Pool Installation Delays?

No dealer wants fiberglass pool delays on their job sites. However, as with any significant home improvement project, surprises can arise during your pool installation. Some factors causing delays include:

Uncooperative Weather

Weather is one of the most impactful factors in any outdoor construction project. Heavy rain, extreme temperatures, or unexpected storms can delay the excavation and installation process. Some weather conditions can make the ground too hard or too soft to withstand, causing delays before work can get underway. 

Surprising Soil

Soil conditions can vary significantly even at homes within the same region, which can affect excavation and the stability of your pool. Unexpectedly clay-filled, sandy, or rocky soil can pose challenges, but conducting a thorough soil test before installation helps identify potential issues and plan for appropriate backfill materials.

Hidden Underground Utilities

Despite thorough planning, dealers can discover hidden underground utilities and structures such as old pipes, cables, or long-forgotten septic tanks during excavation. 

Permit Delays

Despite your dealer’s best efforts, sometimes receiving the necessary permits for a pool installation can take longer than anticipated. A permit approval delay can postpone the pool installation’s start.

Swimming Across America: Installation Considerations by Region

When planning an inground pool installation, homeowners and dealers must consider how regional factors can impact the process. Climate, soil conditions, local regulations, and other seasonal factors may play a role in the scheduling or efficiency of your pool project.

Midwest

The Midwest experiences a wide range of temperatures, from hot and humid summers to harsh, freezing winters. The region’s freeze-thaw cycle may cause considerable ground movement, but high-quality gravel backfill materials can provide stable support for the pool shell and prevent shifting. The water table can vary significantly, and in areas with high water tables, additional drainage solutions may be required to prevent pool flotation and maintain structural integrity. Midwest pool installation season is generally from mid-spring to early fall, avoiding colder months when the ground may freeze.

South

Southern U.S. homes benefit from a warm climate and an essentially never-ending swim season in some areas. Dealers can install pools almost year-round in many southern states. However, high heat and humidity can impact the curing process of concrete patios and pool decking. Extra precautions, such as dewatering systems, may be necessary in areas with high water tables to ensure the pool remains stable and free of groundwater pressure.

Northeast

Like the Midwest, the Northeast experiences distinct seasons—bitterly cold winters and humid summers—and a freeze-thaw cycle that can limit new installations from late spring to early fall. Northeast pool dealers must prioritize proper drainage and stabilizing backfill to prevent movement and maintain the integrity of the pool. Additionally, in regions with a high water table, installing effective drainage systems to manage groundwater and prevent potential damage to the pool structure is important.

Southwest

The American Southwest’s hot temperatures and minimal rainfall allow for an extended pool installation season, but dry, sandy soil presents challenges. Because of the region’s high temperatures, pool projects require materials that can withstand intense heat without compromising the pool’s structure. Water table levels in this region are typically low, but when encountered, they require careful management to avoid complications during installation.

Northwest

In the Pacific Northwest’s mild, wet climate, proper site preparation and advanced drainage systems are crucial to prevent water accumulation in the ground around the pool. High water tables are more common in this region due to frequent rainfall, making it essential to design robust drainage solutions to manage excess groundwater effectively and maintain the pool’s stability.

Every Installation Begins with a First Consultation

Installing an inground fiberglass pool is an exciting experience, and working with a knowledgeable and reliable pool professional is critical for a smooth and successful experience. The process should be informative and transparent, tailoring to your unique needs from the beginning. 

Your initial meeting and design consultation is the first step in crafting your vision and bringing your dream to life. The pool professional should evaluate factors such as the size and shape of your yard, existing landscaping, construction equipment access, and any potential challenges from slopes or underground utilities. Assessing the proposed pool site helps guide dealers and homeowners toward a feasible, functional pool design.

A customer-focused pool professional will also take the time to listen to and understand your vision for your backyard pool. Be ready to discuss your preferences for pool shapes, sizes, and features like tanning ledges, beach entries, water features, and spas.