Topic: Inground Pools
Everything You Need To Know About Fiberglass Pool Installation
What is LSI?
What is LSI?
When it comes to maintaining the sparkling allure of your fiberglass pool, understanding the nuances and importance of pool water chemistry is paramount. Among the various metrics and tests available, the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of pool care. This post aims to demystify LSI and explain its importance in keeping your fiberglass pool in top condition for years to come.
What is the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI)?
Developed in the 1930s by Dr. Wilfred Langelier, the Langelier Saturation Index offers a precise, unbiased measure of your pool water’s balance. Ultimately, LSI assesses how saturated water is with calcium carbonate, a component crucial for maintaining the integrity and appearance of your pool. The index provides a clear, numeric value that reflects your water’s balance, with perfectly balanced, neutral water having a zero LSI value.Â
Maintaining your pool water within a range of -0.3 to +0.3 on the scale is acceptable, as it prevents the water from damaging the fiberglass surface. For saltwater pools, a slightly tighter range of -0.2 to +0.2 is recommended to account for the unique chemistry of saltwater systems.
Why is LSI Important for Your Fiberglass Pool?
Understanding and managing the LSI of your pool water is critical for several reasons:
- Preventing Scale Formation: If the LSI is too high, it indicates your water is overly saturated with calcium carbonate. This condition leads to scale formation, as the water attempts to return to a balanced state by depositing excess minerals onto your pool’s surfaces and equipment. Not only does this affect the aesthetic appeal of your pool, but it can also hinder the efficiency of your pool’s filtration system.
- Avoiding Corrosion and Damage: On the flip side, a low Langelier Saturation Index value indicates corrosive water that can pose a significant threat to the integrity of your fiberglass pool. Corrosive water can lead to chalking, a form of damage where the fiberglass gel coat surface begins to deteriorate. This damage not only affects the pool’s appearance but can also compromise its surface integrity over time.
- Holistic Water Balance Approach: While keeping individual chemical levels within recommended ranges is essential, focusing solely on ranges and levels doesn’t provide a complete picture of your pool’s health. The Langelier Saturation Index offers an unbiased, comprehensive, and holistic view of your pool’s chemistry and water balance. By maintaining a balanced LSI, you ensure the longevity and durability of your fiberglass pool, protecting your investment and ensuring it remains a source of joy and relaxation for years to come.
How to Balance Your Pool Water Using LSI
Balancing your pool water’s LSI involves monitoring and adjusting several factors, including pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, temperature, and total dissolved solids. Here are some tips to help you maintain an optimal LSI:
Regular Testing: Use reliable test kits to frequently check the key factors affecting LSI levels. This process will help you identify any imbalances early on so you can take corrective action.
Adjust Chemical Levels: Based on your test results, adjust the levels of pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness as needed to bring your pool water within the ideal LSI range.
Consider Pool Temperature: Remember that water temperature affects LSI, with warmer water tending to be more scale-forming. Adjust your maintenance routine seasonally to account for temperature changes.
Professional Consultation: If you’re unsure about adjusting your pool’s chemistry, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. A pool maintenance expert can provide tailored recommendations based on your pool’s specific conditions.
Check out this article for a step-by-step approach to using Orendaâs helpful LSI calculator app to balance your pool water.
The Langelier Saturation Index is more than just a number; it’s a comprehensive guide to maintaining the beauty and integrity of your fiberglass pool. By understanding and managing your pool’s LSI, you’re not just caring for the water. You’re preserving the entire pool experience, ensuring it remains a safe, enjoyable, and beautiful oasis for many years. As part of your broader fiberglass pool maintenance strategy, mastering LSI empowers you to take proactive steps towards pristine water quality and pool longevity.
How Much is the Smallest Fiberglass Pool?
We canât read minds, but chances are that if you landed here by searching âHow much is the smallest fiberglass pool?â, you are interested in both a small fiberglass pool and are concerned with costs. In this post, weâll 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, itâs 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 of accessing your backyard
- Excavation complications (e.g., rocky or sandy soil)
- Permits and variancesÂ
- Barrier requirements (e.g., fencing or safety pool cover)
- Electrical work
- Plumbing (especially rerouting septic fingers)
- Dirt hauling
- Standard pool equipment (filtration system, skimmer and jets, a vacuum head and pole, vacuum hose, skim net, wall brush, thermometer, and chemical test strips)
- Additional pool equipment (e.g., pool heater, automatic vacuum system, salt generator)
- BackfillÂ
- RestorationÂ
Optional Factors Affecting Pool Prices
- Landscaping and hardscaping costs
- Patio furniture
- Ladder
- Slides
- Mosaic tile
- Specialty lighting (such as LED lights)
- Water features such as deck jets, bubblers, and waterfalls
- Swim jet system or spa features
Are Small Pools Cheaper?
Yes. Generally speaking, small pools are less costly than larger pools. Not only do they save space in your backyard, but they also cost less to build initially due to fewer building materials being used and easier installation. Additionally, they cost less to maintain. A smaller pool requires less water and fewer chemicals and is generally easier to maintain than a larger pool.Â
Are Fiberglass Pools More Expensive?
Fiberglass pools are inground pools that are more expensive than above-ground pools. They are typically more expensive than a vinyl liner pool, but according to Home Guide, a fiberglass pool is generally 10 to 20 percent cheaper than a gunite pool. Additionally, fiberglass pools cost less to maintain than traditional pools. Over the course of 10 years, a fiberglass pool will save you 75 percent on maintenance costs as opposed to a concrete pool.Â
How Much Does a Fiberglass Pool Cost?
Fiberglass pools range from $45,000 to $85,000 on average, but smaller pools may run less. Use the Thursday Pools Pool Cost Calculator to get an estimate for your pool project based on size and desired options. This tool can help you better understand the cost breakdown behind your pool.
Whether you are looking for a small fiberglass pool because you have a small backyard or you are trying to save money, our best advice is to let us get you in touch with an independent pool dealer in your area. A pool dealer can give you the best estimate based on all the factors that affect pool pricing and can answer your project-specific questions.
What 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.
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.Â
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.Â
- The 40â-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.Â
- 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 manufacturerâs 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.)
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.Â
- An extended bench makes for a nice spot to enjoy a beverage or engage in great conversation.Â
- Deep-end swim-outs are perfect for relaxing in the sun or watching other swimmers do their thing.
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 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 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.Â
- 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 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.
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.Â
- 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.Â
- 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.Â
Whatâs the Cheapest Inground Pool Cost?
If spending more time with loved ones (or by yourself) outdoors is climbing on your âshould-haveâ 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 âcheapest inground pool near me.â While no inground pool is âcheap,â 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 youâll want to be aware of:Â
- 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 vinylâs 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.Â
- 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 hasnât been properly maintained), costing about $3,000- $7,500 on average.Â
Gunite Inground Pool CostsÂ
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:Â
- 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.Â
- 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. HomeGuideâs 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: Â
- 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. Â
- 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.Â
- Whatâs 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.
- Whatâs 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 DesignsÂ
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 12â x 25â with a depth of 5â1â. 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.Â
Goliath. Like Aspen, this pool comes in multiple sizes, the smallest being 12â x 25â with a depth of 5â4â. The Goliath offers a surplus of swim space, along with dual-corner entry steps, and shallow and deep end benches.Â
Sea Turtle. This pool comes in one size: 9.5â x 19.5â. Sea Turtle is a flat-bottom pool with a depth of 4â6â, which is ideal for socializing and water activities. Walk-in steps and long benches make it family and pet-friendly, and itâs perfect for entertaining guests.Â
Pearl. Measuring 15â x 25â with a 3â9â depth, the Pearl is a shell-shaped pool that is unique. Itâs great for socializing and sunning, with room for two ledge loungers and wrap-around benches.Â
More Tools for Inground Pool Estimating
If youâre 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 youâre 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, youâre in the right place to begin your inground pool conversation and compare fiberglass, vinyl liner, and gunite (concrete) pools.
What Is A Plunge Pool?
You have a smaller yard, but you want a fiberglass pool. So you head over to the Internet and start researching your options. A plunge pool is a term you may have seen floating around in your search endeavors, but what exactly is a plunge pool? Plunge pools (you may also hear the term “cocktail pools”) are a style of small pools that have a depth still suitable for movement and activity – this means plunge pools generally are not shallow. They seem to have gotten this name because they’re deep enough to take a plunge even though they’re small. You can find these pools in gunite, vinyl liner, and even fiberglass!Â
Some other questions and topics you may be wondering about could include:
- How deep is a plunge pool?
- What is the point of a plunge pool?
- Are plunge pools easy to maintain?
- How much does a fiberglass plunge pool cost?
- What is a typical plunge pool size?
Since fiberglass is our jam, we’ll be addressing these topics within the world of the fiberglass plunge pool. So let’s get started!
HOW DEEP IS A PLUNGE POOL?
There are no one-size-fits-all answers for “how deep should a plunge pool be?” but generally, somewhere between 4 to 5 feet fits the bill. A cocktail pool may be closer to a 3-foot depth.
WHAT IS THE POINT OF A PLUNGE POOL?
You may be thinking, “I don’t want to ‘take a plunge.’ I just want to be able to swim!” And that is the beauty of the plunge pool – they are compact enough to fit, but their depth still allows for exercise and fun. They also make for a great aesthetic gem in your backyard space. Fiberglass plunge pools have grown in popularity because of their lower maintenance.
PLUNGE POOL INSTALLATION
As with any manufactured inground pool installation, a prefab plunge pool install should be handled by a pro who knows their stuff, including information about the area you live in and local requirements, geographic considerations (such as the type of soil in your yard and the best way to excavate it), proper installation techniques, and more. Contacting a pool dealer in your area is the best way to figure out what a plunge pool install would look like where you live.
HOW MUCH DOES A FIBERGLASS PLUNGE POOL COST + PLUNGE POOL IDEAS
Now that you’ve learned all about the fiberglass plunge pool and maybe thinking, “is a plunge pool worth it?” Let’s look at an actual example of a small plunge pool to help you decide!
Sea Turtle is Right-Sized for Your Small-Sized Yard
Sea Turtle is the definition of “tiny but mighty” – with wraparound benches, a uniform flat-bottom, gracious entry steps, and the ability to add therapeutic jets, this fiberglass pool design lets your yard be a one-stop-shop for fun
Sea Turtle has a depth of 4’6″ and is 9.5′ by 19.5′, meaning it can fit into a definition of a fiberglass plunge pool size. Regarding fiberglass plunge pool cost, we would use our general fiberglass pool installation rule of thumb at $1,800 per linear foot. For Sea Turtle, at 19.5′, installation may cost you around $35,100. Keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all answer for a fiberglass pool installation cost since many factors make up that final price tag.
WHERE TO GO FROM HERE?
Are you finding yourself drawn to a fiberglass plunge pool? If you’re thinking a pool like Sea Turtle may be calling to you, our pool cost calculator can give you a ballpark estimate based on all odds and ends you envision for your project. If you’re ready to take the plunge, getting an estimate would be a significant next step!
