What You Should Know About Fiberglass Swimming Pools

By Candice Sabrina

No, not all swimming pools are alike. Some are above ground, some in ground, some created out of plaster, while others are tiled. Still others are made of various materials, including fiberglass. A fiberglass swimming pool is one of the more common designs for people interested in building a pool, as it's surface is durable, easy to clean, and easy on the feet.

The nice thing about fiberglass swimming pool options is that they are prefabricated in a variety of shapes, sizes and depths. Installed in backyard pre-dug holes, the fiberglass form fits into the space like a glove, and you've got your swimming pool. Because they are sprayed with a special coating, a fiberglass swimming pool doesn't need a liner.

Liners are expensive and wear out over time, creating a mess that can damage filtering systems as well as costing pool owners a lot of money to repair or re-paint. Usually, a large truck transports the fiberglass shell to the home or business location, which provides quick and easy installation.

Another plus to owning or choosing to purchase a fiberglass pool is a rather low maintenance factor. The special coating deters molds and algae, which cut down not only on chemical use but also cleaning time. However, there are several things to consider before purchasing a pre-made fiberglass swimming pool.

Despite the advantages of buying a fiberglass pool shell, make sure that your property will allow a truck or crane to transport the shell into your property. Before that, it is essential to make sure that all preparation work has been completed and brought up to city codes for electrical and plumbing. Once the shell arrives, it must be inserted into the hole, layered with a couple of inches of sand.

This will allow installers to insure that your shell in level before any water is added. After that, a small amount of water will be added to the pool, while at the same time, sand is filled in around the sides. This is a very complicated and precise process that may take several hours and several attempts to ensure that your pool is leveled properly.

If you're up to that, then by all means, look for a fiberglass swimming pool to suit your needs. They are easy to maintain, never need resurfacing or an acid wash, and no seams mean no scuffed feet.

Fiberglass pools don't rust or peel, nor does fungus grow inside like it does on plaster or lined pools. Fiberglass pools are also heat efficient, which can save you money on your electric bills. Since it's bacteria and algae resistant, one can also save lots of time and money in the chemical department as well.

While the initial cost of a fiberglass swimming pool may seem a lot more than a plaster or lined pool, its efficiency and design will save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars over the life of that pool. Always shop around, learn the basics, and then look for just the right shape, size and depth for that swimming pool that you've always wanted.

For more swimming pool information please visit http://www.swimmingpoolbasics.com - a popular pool website that provides tips, advice and swimming pool resources. Don't forget to check out our page on fiberglass swimming pool

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Fiberglass Swimming Pool - Better Quality Than You Think

By Riley Hendersen

There are many different types of swimming pools that one can choose from, and one of those is to go with the fiberglass swimming pool. Fiberglass pools are manufactured (and installed) as large molded structures that are then placed in the ground. The large "bucket" is then surrounded by a strong reinforcement, like the more conventional concrete, which will then help it keep its place.

Fiberglass swimming pools don't have a liner because the shell is sprayed with a specially designed coating. A wide range of models with different sizes, colors and shapes are available in pools made out of fiberglass, and allow the type of variety that many consumers love. One of the great benefits that is credited to fiberglass pools is that that are very easy and quick to install, even with the need for heavy equipment. Maintenance is also a relatively simple process, since there will never be a liner replacement, and in general, fiberglass swimming pools will need less chemicals to keep clean than other models.

While fiberglass swimming pools require less maintenance, they do require certain maintenance to ensure that they are not damaged or in need of greater repairs and upkeep down the line. Unlike other swimming pools, fiberglass swimming pools MUST be filled with water at all times to avoid causing structural damage through cracking or buckling. This is due to ground pressure that occurs because of improper drainage. If for some reason the pool absolutely needs to be drained, do not do it on your own! Make absolutely sure to contact the pool manufacturer and qualified professionals. You don't want to damage such a large investment!

Other factors to keep in mind is to avoid the "bathtub ring" effect of grime. Not only does this look bad, but this could damage the coatings. Most pool supply stores should sell pool tile cleaner that can take care of that in a jiffy. As an important side note, never use abrasive cleaners or harsh tools like steel wool or metal scrapers to clean fiberglass. This type of treatment will permanently damage the gel coating in the pool.

While the fiberglass pool may seem to develop hairline cracks over time, this is not a major concern since this is only indicative of the surface gel, and not actual structural damage. Dirt is always a concern, and should be brushed towards the main drain and the vacuumed out with the appropriate tool.

The fiberglass swimming pool has its advantages and disadvantages like many other swimming pools. For some this may not be a good choice, while for others the fiberglass swimming pool may be exactly what they have been looking for.

For more swimming pool information please visit http://www.swimmingpoolbasics.com - a popular pool website for tips, advice and swimming pool resources. Don't forget to check out our page on fiberglass swimming pools

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