Standard Warranty Registration and Acknowledgement Agreement

Thursday Pools would like to thank you for choosing a Thursday fiberglass swimming pool. We are honored to be a small part of the memories you will have in and around your new fiberglass pool for many years to come.

Please follow these next steps to complete your warranty registration.

1) Read Acknowledgement and Agreement

2) Read Warranty and Safety Documentation

3) Submit the Form

1) Read Acknowledgement and Agreement

To ensure you understand the relationship between the manufacturer and the installer and the proper care and safe use of your new pool, please take a few minutes to review the information carefully and complete the form below. Completing the form below will ensure your order is processed by the dealer without any delay and allow for an efficient response to any warranty issues you may have in the future. Your pool shell warranty will not begin until the day the pool is installed.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND AGREEMENT OF THE LIMITED ROLE OF
THURSDAY POOLS, LLC AND RIVER POOLS FRANCHISING, LLC

The dealer’s customer listed below acknowledges and agrees as follows:
Thursday Pools, LLC (“Thursday”) manufactures pool shells for the brands Thursday Pools® and
River Pools® and sells those pool shells to independently owned and operated franchisees and dealers
(collectively referred to herein as “Installers”). Thursday does not install pool shells and is not involved in
Installers’ pool installations.

River Pools Franchising, LLC (“Franchising”) provides independently owned and operated
River Pools franchisees with the right to market the River Pools brand of pool shells as a franchisee.
Franchising does not manufacture pool shells. Franchising does not install pools shells and is not involved
in Installer pool installations.

Installers enter into contracts with customers to install pool shells, and Installers purchase pool
shells from Thursday. Neither Thursday nor Franchising is a party to the Installer’s contract with the
customer, and Installers are not agents of either Thursday or Franchising for any purpose. Customer
acknowledges that it is contracting only with Installers and, other than the warranty on the pool shell, its
sole recourse is against Installers. Customer further acknowledges and agrees that Installer is not an agent,
express or implied, of either Thursday or Franchising and Installer has no authority to act on behalf of
Thursday or Franchising. Thursday is only a supplier of a pool shell to the Installers. Neither Thursday
nor Franchising is a guarantor of Installer’s performance or an endorser of Installer’s services, and neither
Thursday or Franchising is responsible for Installer’s installation or other contract performance.

Installers place orders for pool shells with Thursday, and Thursday makes the pool shells
available for pickup by Installer’s carrier at the time prescribed by Thursday and upon full payment by
Installer for the pool shell. Installers then make arrangements for transporting the pool shell. Customer
acknowledges that Thursday’s obligations to customer are limited to the warranty on the pool shell, and
customer further acknowledges that Franchising has no obligations to customer.

Customer’s acknowledgement and acceptance of these terms are a condition precedent to
customer’s contract with Installers to install a Thursday Pools or River Pools branded pool shell, and to
Thursday’s obligation to sell a pool shell to Installers. These terms are not and may not be changed by any
written or verbal statements or marketing materials and may be changed only by a writing signed by the
chief executive officer of Thursday and Franchising.

Customer acknowledges that customer has read and understands these terms and conditions; and
that customer has consulted, or been provided an opportunity to consult, with legal counsel of customer’s
choosing before signing below. If customer has any questions regarding the foregoing, please contact
Thursday at 877-929-7665 ext. 0, or sales@thursdaypools.com.

2) Read the Warranty and Safety Documentation

Below are important documents regarding the care and use of your new fiberglass swimming pool. Please download them and keep them for your records.

*Upon completion of this registration, you will receive an email with all of these documents.

3) Submit the Form

Small Fiberglass Pools

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How Long Does a Fiberglass Pool Last?

Wanting a Pool in Your Small Yard?

Posted on April 26, 2022August 26, 2025 by krista

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 to understand the three main types of inground pools. Each offers unique benefits, and the best choice depends on your space, budget, timeline, and how involved you want to be with long-term upkeep.

Concrete (Gunite) Pools

Install Time: Approximately 3 to 6 months
Maintenance: Around 4 to 5 hours per week
Cost: $50,000 to $120,000+
Customization: Fully customizable in shape, size, and features

Concrete pools are known for their design flexibility and durability. If you have a very specific vision for your pool’s shape or want to maximize every inch of your yard, concrete offers the freedom to create a one-of-a-kind layout. Keep in mind, though, they take the longest to install and tend to require more hands-on maintenance and chemical use over time.

Vinyl Liner Pools

Install Time: Approximately 4 to 8 weeks
Maintenance: About 2 to 3 hours per week
Cost: $25,000 to $65,000
Customization: Custom sizes and shapes available

Vinyl liner pools are more affordable upfront, and builders can tailor them to fit many different backyard configurations. They’re a practical option if you want some customization without the higher price tag of concrete. However, the vinyl liner will eventually need replacement, which adds to long-term upkeep and costs.

Fiberglass Pools

Install Time: About 3 weeks
Maintenance: Around 1 hour per week—or less
Cost: $30,000 to $85,000
Customization: Limited to pre-designed shapes and sizes

Fiberglass pools come pre-formed from factory molds, which speeds up installation and simplifies maintenance. While you won’t have as much design flexibility, many models are available in compact sizes with built-in seating, tanning ledges, and other features that make the most of smaller spaces. The smooth, non-porous surface also resists algae growth, meaning fewer chemicals and less time cleaning.

Each pool type brings something different to the table—whether it’s complete customization, affordability, or ease of care. If you’re working with a smaller yard, all three can be viable options depending on your goals and preferences. Talking with a pool professional can help you weigh the trade-offs and find the best fit for your backyard.

Small Backyard Pool Ideas

Whether you’re looking for a true plunge pool or just a space-saving pool design, there are plenty of options for full-size enjoyment in smaller spaces. Below are some of Thursday Pools’ most popular compact models, each offering unique features to fit your lifestyle and yard size.

Plunge Pool Options

These pools are deeper than they are expansive, perfect for cooling off, standing, soaking, or even light exercise. A plunge pool is ideal for homeowners who want the experience of a luxurious inground pool without the footprint of a full-size one.

Sea Turtle

Size: 9.5′ x 19.5′ | Depth: 4′6″

The Sea Turtle is a true plunge-style pool with a flat bottom and generous bench seating on both sides. It’s perfect for standing, stretching, or simply soaking on hot days—all while fitting comfortably into a smaller yard.

The Nook

Size: 8′4″ x 16′ | Depth: 4′8″

The Nook offers a balanced blend of comfort and practicality. With a built-in bench and consistent standing depth throughout, it’s ideal for water aerobics, casual conversation, or simply unwinding. Built-in entry steps and a non-skid surface make it a safe and easy-to-maintain plunge pool.

The Nest

Size: 8′4″ x 16′ | Depth: 4′8″

Petite and purposeful, The Nest is a compact plunge pool for relaxing, cooling off, and casual soaking. It features a flat bottom, wide entry steps, and is auto-cover ready—making it a stylish solution for tight spaces.

Other Compact Pool Options

These pools aren’t plunge-style, but still work well in smaller yards. They offer more swimming space and family-friendly layouts, often with added seating or space for games.

Lil Bob

Size: 13.5′ x 27.5′ | Depth: 4′6″

Lil Bob is all about flexibility. With wrap-around bench seating and a flat, even depth, it’s great for light swimming, games like water volleyball, or simply lounging with friends. It’s a compact design with room to move.

Titus

Sizes:

12′ x 26′ | Depth: 5′5″
14′ x 33′ | Depth: 5′10″

Titus offers a larger swim area while still fitting in smaller backyards. Its rounded shape and built-in seating create a comfortable space for both activity and rest. It’s a good choice if you want a pool that supports swimming as well as relaxation.

Wading Pool

Sizes:

9′ x 9′ | Depth: 1′6″
11′9″ x 13′9″ | Depth: 1′6″

Great as a stand-alone feature or a pool add-on, the Wading Pool is ideal for small children, a quick dip, or cooling off without getting fully in. It offers shallow, safe fun in a small footprint.

Wet Deck

Size: 8’1” x 14′ | Depth: 1′

The Wet Deck is a shallow splash zone perfect for sunbathing or letting young children play. Use it alongside another pool or on its own as a refreshing, low-maintenance backyard water feature.

Ready to Make a Small-Pool Splash?

Small yard? No problem—smart design and the right pool can help you make a big splash anywhere. Whether you prefer a traditional fiberglass pool, a plunge pool, or a more compact design, there’s a perfect option to fit your space, style, and budget. Connect with a Thursday Pools dealer to explore what’s possible, check out the Pool Cost Calculator for a quick estimate, and browse our Idea Book for extra inspiration.

What are My Rectangle Fiberglass Pool Shell Options?

Posted on April 18, 2022June 16, 2025 by krista

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 One diving pool design in Thursday Pools’ collection and is suited for pool owners looking to take a plunge, float and relax.

The 40’-long pool has an 8′ 6″ deep end and a large, flat-bottomed shallow end perfect for playing pool games.
The angled steps make it easy and safe to enter and exit the pool.
The shallow-end bench makes an excellent spot for relaxing and socializing.
The dual deep-end benches make it a little easier for those deep-end lovers to enter and exit the pool or sit and rest.

(Note: *Thursday Pools strongly recommends that diving boards and slides not be installed or used with its pools, given the inherent dangers associated with diving boards and slides in residential pools. These dangers include brain, spinal cord and other severe permanent injuries, and death. For that reason, Thursday Pools does not manufacture or sell diving boards or slides. If, despite this warning and recommendation, the owner decides to install or use a diving board or slide, the owner assumes all risks inherent with a diving board or slide, and Thursday Pools further warns that diving boards and slides require minimum depths and distances and must be installed and used in strict compliance with the equipment manufacturer‘s specifications and ANSI/NSPI, ANSI/APSP, and ANSI/APSP/ICC standards, as well as in compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations. The owner is responsible for making sure the pool is appropriate for diving boards and slides and otherwise meets all standards and laws for diving pools, and the owner must consult the diving board or slide manufacturer and/or installer as to the appropriateness of the pool for the diving board or slide and that its installation, location and use meet all standards and laws for diving and slide pools.)

Aspen

The Aspen is a best-seller with five different available sizes to fit almost any yard. Sunbathers and swimmers alike rate this pool a favorite.

A large, luxurious 12-inch deep tanning ledge can comfortably accommodate two lounger chairs while leaving plenty of room to enter and exit the pool.
A wide-open swim space is ideal for swimming laps.
Curved steps stretch across the width of the pool and offer easy entry and exit.
An extended bench makes for a nice spot to enjoy a beverage or engage in great conversation.
Deep-end swim-outs are perfect for relaxing in the sun or watching other swimmers do their thing.

Grace Beach Entry

Thursday Pools’ beach entries (Patent US 10,472,839) are zero-entry fiberglass pools with a gently sloping entry into the water. Grace creates a resort feeling and is a stunning social centerpiece for entertaining.

A gently sloping beach entry makes it easier for people of all ages and their pets to enter and exit the pool. The area also makes a great spot for sunbathing and can accommodate two lounger chairs.
A wading area is perfect for cooling off shallow waters and can double as a play area for small children.
The extended bench provides a place to relax and enjoy a conversation.
Dual deep-end swim-outs can be used for exiting the pool or just chilling out.
Even with all the places to relax and socialize, Grace still has a wide-open swim area for those wanting to exercise.

Lil Bob

Lil Bob is perfect for games and the swimmers who are content to watch the action from the wet sideline. A standing depth, flat bottom design with two 12-foot-long benches helps Lil Bob keep things sporty and social.

Full-width ergonomic steps make it easier for everyone to enter and exit the pool.
A standing-depth, flat bottom design makes Lil Bob the ideal pool for water games and activities. It’s regulation size for water volleyball.
Each of the 12 foot long and 18 inches deep, two facing benches make excellent court-side seats and a conversation area.
Lil Bob includes an open swim area thanks to strategically placed benches and steps.

Lil Bob LX

Lil Bob LX is an extended version of Lil Bob, designed to include a tanning ledge and wading area with integrated bench seating. Everyone can find a favorite spot in Lil Bob LX.

A large tanning ledge easily accommodates two lounger chairs while leaving room for entry and exit.
Just past the tanning ledge, a wading area provides ample space to entertain your littlest ones while the big kids get a workout in the game-ready, open swim area.
Generous wraparound benches allow family and friends to enjoy hours of relaxed conversation.

Spirit

Spirit appeals to social butterflies, swimmers of all ages, and water activity lovers.

With its court-sized flat-bottom design, Spirit allows pool-goers to get their game on.
Extended bench seating and full-length steps at both ends of Spirit invite swimmers to rest and socialize.
At 4’6″ deep, swimming is comfortable for a variety of ages.

Sea Turtle

While it is a smaller pool, Sea Turtle is still big fun. Perfect for smaller yards, Sea Turtle gives you swim and play space and can accommodate therapy jets.

It is medium depth throughout for standing and chatting or even a little game.
Wraparound benches flank the entry steps, creating an intimate conversation area where your group can relax the day away.

While each of the rectangle fiberglass pool shell options have different features, all pools by Thursday Pools are:

Quicker to Install: Fiberglass pools are manufactured in a controlled environment and then shipped to the site for installation, taking just a few weeks on average during typical pool installation seasons.
Aesthetically Pleasing: The durable gelcoat finish of a Thursday Pool retains its beautiful appearance.
Non-skid: Take a glance at a Thursday Pools fiberglass pool, and you might think it’s slippery. Don’t let the shiny appearance fool you. The surface is non-skid and non-snag – perfect for kids and pets! (Of course, always be careful when entering and exiting any swimming pool.)
Durable: We build fiberglass pools from Thursday Pools to last. The multi-layer composite fiberglass construction and innovative design features make fiberglass very robust.
Feature-laden: The designers at Thursday Pools pay attention! They understand what people want and deliver pool designs that allow homeowners to get peak enjoyment out of their pool.
Lower maintenance: Thursday Pools are resistant to algae and mineral deposits and do not have seams or the porosity of other pool types. That saves you hours of work and many dollars every year. With proper water chemistry, they can last with minimal maintenance or need for acid washing, resurfacing, or re-lining.

Do you think a rectangle fiberglass pool design is right for you but are still unsure of the size and features you want? Our Pool Selector Tool can help you narrow down your choice.

What’s the Cheapest Inground Pool Cost?

Posted on March 21, 2022June 16, 2025 by kristin

If spending more time with loved ones (or by yourself) outdoors is climbing on your “should-have” list, and you have the space for an inground pool, you may have started an online search. Being a conscientious consumer, you could have landed here searching for the cheapest inground pool or even the “cheapest inground pool near me.” While no inground pool is “cheap,” this post gives an honest comparison of costs for vinyl liner, gunite, and fiberglass pools. We know an inground pool is a significant investment, so we hope this post will help you make an informed decision about inground pool costs.

Vinyl Liner Inground Pool Costs

Vinyl liner pools are generally the cheapest inground pool type with regard to upfront costs; however, their costs can increase significantly based on several factors. A ballpark figure on the average price of an inground vinyl liner pool is around $25,000 to $65000. Some constraints with vinyl you’ll want to be aware of:

Unique freeform shapes can add to your upfront price, as well as vinyl replacement costs, as manufacturing a custom liner adds time and materials.
High-end features such as bench seating or wraparound steps can add to your cost and may lead to further maintenance needs due to vinyl’s tendency to attract algae and become slippery.
The lifetime ownership, including the annual maintenance cost will offset some initial cost savings.
As previously mentioned, vinyl liner pools can attract algae, so you must clean them more often to keep them at bay. Expect to spend (or pay someone to spend) around four to eight hours per week on vinyl liner pool maintenance.
You could estimate maintenance expenses around $11,000 to $17,000 over ten years, excluding liner replacement costs.
Vinyl liners usually need to be replaced about every seven years (or fewer if the pool hasn’t been properly maintained), costing about $3,000- $7,500 on average.

Gunite Inground Pool Costs

Gunite pools typically cost the most to install, and their prices are the most varied across the country, depending on your location. In some regions, they are the high-volume choice of installers, and installation costs can be competitive. You tend to see more gunite installations in sunbelt states that are not subject to the freeze/thaw cycle. The national average price of a gunite pool is between $50,000 and $120,000. Here are some of the cost factors for gunite:

Freeforms generally cost more than basic shapes, and depending on how complicated the design is, the complexity may add more cost to the bottom line.
Each build is custom. Gunite costs more as you add features and options.
The porosity of gunite attracts algae and mineral deposits. It requires significant time and money to keep it clean. Expect to spend (or pay someone to spend) around four to eight hours per week on gunite pool maintenance.
Gunite pools usually require an acid wash to remove algae and mold every three to five years, and due to multiple acid washes, they often require replastering about every ten years.
Based on the average costs of regular pool maintenance tasks and requirements (such as acid washing, general cleaning, replastering, electrical/chemical usage, etc.), concrete pool owners can expect to pay $27,000 to $40,000 over 10 years for maintenance.

Fiberglass Inground Pool Costs

Fiberglass pools will usually fall in the middle between vinyl and gunite on the initial installation cost. However, lifetime ownership and annual maintenance costs tend to be lower than vinyl and gunite. HomeGuide’s 2024 inground pool cost guide reports that the average fiberglass pool price is between $30,000 and $85,000. However, many pool builders in our network report that their customers choose packages closer to $70,000 and $135,000. Some considerations of fiberglass pools relative to cost include:

Regardless of shape, the pricing is relatively consistent at around $1,800 per linear foot, except for beach entry fiberglass pool designs which tend to cost about 15 percent more.
Built-in features such as wraparound steps and benches, tanning ledges, and swim-outs do not cost extra, but they must already be part of the design, as fiberglass pools are built from pre-existing molds.
Easy access is essential to keeping costs down because they are delivered in one piece and not built on-site.
They are resistant to algae and require the lowest maintenance compared to the other inground pool types, needing only about an hour or two per week, and their ten-year cost for maintenance is around $5,000-$15,000.

Factors Affecting Any Inground Pool Cost

Some factors drive up costs, no matter what pool type you choose.

What’s the cheapest inground pool shape? Pool size affects the price of fiberglass pools rather than shape. However, for gunite and vinyl liner pools, the more complex the shape, the higher the cost.
What’s the cheapest pool size? Generally speaking, small inground pool costs tend to be less than larger ones for installation and maintenance.
Site conditions factor into pricing. Clay, sand, rock, and groundwater can all pose problems when installing any pool. Average excavation costs range from $2.50 to $15.00 per cubic yard for easier soil conditions, but more challenging conditions can cost $50 to over $200 per cubic yard.
Insurance companies and states or local agencies may require pool fencing. Fencing costs average around $15 to $25 per linear foot.
Pool cover prices vary. An automatic pool cover costs $8,000 to $20,000 installed and $1,000 to $3,600 for a manual cover.
Extra features add to the price. Additional features such as heaters, bubblers, deck jets, cascades, LED lighting, slides, and diving boards will also add to the cost.

Cheapest Fiberglass Pool Designs

At the end of the day, we are a fiberglass inground pool manufacturer and that is what we know best. So if you decide to look at lifetime costs, want to stay on the cheaper side, and want to check out some less expensive small fiberglass pool designs, one of the following may be the pool for your lifestyle:

Aspen. The smallest available size is 12’ x 25’ with a depth of 5’1”. The Aspen features a wide tanning ledge, full-length steps, and an extended bench. And it has a wide-open swim area and courtesy ledge throughout the deep end.

Goliath. Like Aspen, this pool comes in multiple sizes, the smallest being 12’ x 25’ with a depth of 5’4”. The Goliath offers a surplus of swim space, along with dual-corner entry steps, and shallow and deep end benches.

Sea Turtle. This pool comes in one size: 9.5’ x 19.5’. Sea Turtle is a flat-bottom pool with a depth of 4’6”, which is ideal for socializing and water activities. Walk-in steps and long benches make it family and pet-friendly, and it’s perfect for entertaining guests.

Pearl. Measuring 15’ x 25’ with a 3’9” depth, the Pearl is a shell-shaped pool that is unique. It’s great for socializing and sunning, with room for two ledge loungers and wrap-around benches.

More Tools for Inground Pool Estimating

If you’re looking for ways to get ballpark prices for pool installation, there are inground pool cost estimator tools out there. Get an estimate on your dream fiberglass pool project with our Pool Cost Calculator. If you are not sure which design is right for you, try our Pool Selector Tool to help you narrow it down. Finally, your best tool for the most accurate estimate and advice is a pool builder. Get connected to a pool builder near you and become one step closer to some of the best memories of your life.

Everything You Need to Know About Inground Pools: Comparing Fiberglass, Vinyl, and Gunite Options

Whether you’re making a mad dash to the end or first dipping your toe into the wading-area waters of inground pool ownership, this guide includes everything you need to know to compare the three inground pool types. From installation processes and long-term maintenance needs to overall costs and exciting design possibilities, you’re in the right place to begin your inground pool conversation and compare fiberglass, vinyl liner, and gunite (concrete) pools.

How Much Does a Fiberglass Pool Cost?

Is a Fiberglass Pool Right for Me?

Posted on December 23, 2021June 16, 2025 by krista

An inground swimming pool is a significant, long-term investment, homeowners should weigh their options carefully and choose the type of pool that will fit their needs for as long as they own their home. We know it’s tempting to just go with the pool type you can get the soonest—resist the urge! Fiberglass pools are an inground pool option that is both worth the wait and fits a wide array of buyers’ lifestyles. You may have questions: Is a fiberglass pool worth the money? How long do fiberglass pools last? What is the downside of fiberglass pools? In this blog post, we’ll discuss fiberglass pools pros and cons.

Fiberglass Pools Pros and Cons

The Pros:

Design Options. At one time, fiberglass pool design options were limited. Modern fiberglass pools come in various shapes, sizes, and colors that complement any backyard design. Go sleek and contemporary or free-flowing and laid back – there is a design and size for every situation. You can easily customize them with tilework that matches your personality and aesthetic.
Built-in High-End Features. Fiberglass pool shell designs include some of the hottest trends in inground pools. Depending on your chosen model, many desirable and artful features like tanning ledges, swim-outs, and wrap-around benches are built-in. Elements once considered only for the realm of resort pools, like beach entries (zero entries), are now built into fiberglass pools.
Smooth, Non-skid Finish. Concrete (gunite) inground pools tend to have a porous, rough finish, and vinyl pools are often very smooth to the touch but can become slippery when wet. With a fiberglass pool, you have a gel coat finish that looks polished and shiny but is non-skid and non-snag! Of course, any pool type can pose a fall risk, so always be careful as you enter and exit the pool!
Durable. Don’t be fooled by the “glass” in the word fiberglass. While not all fiberglass pools are equal, we build Thursday Pools fiberglass pools with nine layers of strength, with both the structure and surface lasting for decades with less maintenance required than other pool types. Non-porous fiberglass inhibits algae and other minerals that break down other pool-type finishes. Whereas a vinyl liner typically needs to be replaced every eight to ten years on average and a gunite pool needs replastering after 10 to 15 years on average, a fiberglass pool can last a lifetime with proper pool maintenance!
Lowest Maintenance. It’s generally accepted that fiberglass pools have the lowest maintenance cost of all three pool types. A fiberglass pool’s ten-year maintenance costs could be around $5,750 on average, whereas other pool types maintenance costs can be much higher. A big part of long-term gunite pool maintenance costs involves steel brushing the surface every week, acid washing an average of every three to five years, and resurfacing an average of every 10 to 15 years. For vinyl liner pools, replacing the liner every five to nine years or so will need to be factored into maintenance cost plans. Because there is seldom a need to resurface fiberglass, and fiberglass pools require fewer chemicals, you can anticipate lower maintenance costs over the pool’s lifetime.
Quick to Install. Vinyl and gunite pools are built on-site and are subject to the elements and potential delays that inclement weather brings to construction projects. Fiberglass pools are constructed in a controlled factory environment. When it arrives at your home, it is ready to be put into place. The process can occur in as few as three weeks during non-peak seasons. Compare that with concrete pools that typically take three to six months to install and vinyl liner pools that could take six to eight weeks.
Pet-friendly. Concrete inground pools can be rough on your pet’s paws, and vinyl inground pools can be slick, causing slips or tears when they come in contact with pet nails. The durable, non-skid surface of fiberglass resists scratches and tears from toenails and prevents slipping when your pet attempts to get out of the pool.
Increased Home Value. As home resale value varies by location and condition, a home with a pool’s resale value also varies by type of pool installed. Because of the lower long-term maintenance costs, fiberglass pools tend to be preferred by homebuyers and can increase the value of your home.
Environmentally More Friendly. Non-fiberglass pools can leach chemicals and rust back into the groundwater. And acid-washing can result in harm to the environment. Fiberglass pools don’t pose these types of environmental problems. If you go with a fiberglass pool manufacturer committed to the environment, you are taking steps to contribute to a greener world.

The Cons:

It’s not a DIY Home Project. We recommend that an independent dealer installs your fiberglass pool. If you go with a non-licensed installer, the performance and durability of your pool can suffer. With a DIY approach, you may not get to enjoy your pool until you fix all the mistakes. Common problems people have when trying to install a fiberglass pool on their own are getting the pool level and pouring coping around the fiberglass pool. These can be expensive errors to correct.
Size Limits. Gunite and vinyl pools are built on-site, so there is flexibility if you want to go big with your pool. One of the disadvantages of fiberglass pools is that they are generally limited in size and shape by what can be transported from the factory to your backyard. Road restrictions limit the size of a fiberglass pool to approximately 16′ wide x 40′-41’ long.
Customizability. Fiberglass pool designs are surprising in their breadth of features and shapes, but they are pre-built, so the manufacturer’s parameters can limit you. For example, if you have your heart set on building a guitar-shaped pool, you’ll likely need to look into gunite. Additionally, if the fiberglass pool design you want comes with a tanning ledge that you don’t want, you will also need to look at another pool type.
Access/Space for Installation. Because we transport a fiberglass pool shell in one piece to your backyard, you must have backyard access and space. Installers often use cranes and other heavy equipment to get the pool to its destination and this need for access and freedom to move a large object can be a dealbreaker.

A fiberglass pool is not for everyone, but we still believe there is someone for every Thursday Pools fiberglass pool. Knowing fiberglass pool pros and cons is a step toward finding your fit. Check out our Pool Selector Tool to find your match or get started with an estimate.

Contact a dealer to talk about a new fiberglass pool today. With Thursday Pools, your weekend starts early!