What They Won’t Tell You About Fiberglass Pools

When it comes to choosing a pool for your backyard, fiberglass pools are often marketed as a low-maintenance, long-lasting, and attractive option. However, there are some critical points that pool companies don’t always emphasize when selling fiberglass pools. Let's dive into some of the lesser-known facts about fiberglass pools that you need to consider before making a decision.

1. The Real Size May Be Smaller Than Advertised

One of the first things to understand about fiberglass pools is that the size you see in brochures or online might not be the exact size you get. Why? Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations limit the dimensions of what can be transported on public roads. The fiberglass pool sizing you see is the outside dimensions. This means that the actual size of the pool shell that arrives in your backyard could be smaller than what you initially expected. If you have a specific size in mind for your pool, this limitation can be a frustrating surprise.

2. Fiberglass Pools Fade in the Sun – Quickly

Fiberglass pools, despite their aesthetic appeal when new, are prone to fading under prolonged sun exposure. The gel coat finish that gives these pools their color and shine doesn’t always stand the test of time. Over the years, UV rays can cause the surface to fade significantly. The process can begin as early as a few years after installation, especially in regions with intense sunlight.

While some manufacturers may offer UV-resistant coatings, these treatments don’t always prevent fading altogether. If you want to keep your pool looking pristine, you might find yourself needing to resurface the pool more often than you'd like.

3. Resurfacing a Fiberglass Pool is Costly

One of the biggest downsides of fiberglass pools is the cost and complexity of resurfacing. Unlike vinyl pools, where the liner can be replaced relatively easily and inexpensively, resurfacing fiberglass involves a much more complicated and expensive process. The costs associated with this process can easily reach several thousand dollars. By contrast, replacing a vinyl liner is often much more affordable, with fewer steps involved and less time needed for completion.

4. Limited Choices and Customization

While fiberglass pools come in various shapes and sizes, they are still limited compared to other types of pools like concrete. Here’s why:

- Mandatory Inventory Requirements: Many fiberglass manufacturers require dealers to carry certain models in their inventory. This requirement can significantly limit the range of options available to you.

- Customization Restrictions: Fiberglass pools are pre-fabricated in a factory, which means there is little room for customization. You’re limited to the shapes, sizes, and designs that the manufacturer offers. Unlike concrete pools, which can be tailored to almost any design you can imagine, fiberglass pools often lack this flexibility.

If you’re looking for a highly customized pool that perfectly matches your backyard design vision, a fiberglass pool may not be the best choice.

Why We Don’t Do Fiberglass Pools

At Super Pools, we prioritize quality, customization, and long-term value for our customers. While fiberglass pools may seem like an attractive option at first glance, the hidden drawbacks—such as size limitations due to transportation, rapid fading in sunlight, costly resurfacing, and limited customization options—are significant concerns that we believe every homeowner should be aware of.

For these reasons, we specialize in offering vinyl and concrete pools, which provide more flexibility in design, are easier to maintain, and offer better value over time. We want our customers to have a pool that not only looks great but also meets their specific needs and budget without the unexpected surprises that can come with fiberglass.

If you’re considering installing a pool, we’re here to guide you through all your options and help you choose the one that best suits your home and lifestyle. Reach out to us today for a consultation, and let’s create the pool of your dreams—without compromise.