How to Get Fiberglass Pool in Backyard

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Wondering how to get fiberglass pool in backyard? Fiberglass pools are durable and easy to maintain, making them one of the best pool options for potential owners. Besides, they will provide your family with a place to relax, hold swimming parties and cookouts.

A fiberglass pool is a single structure made from fiberglass material and has a protective gel coat cover. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get a fiberglass pool in your yard. But first, a look at the benefits you stand to gain when you erect a fiberglass swimming unit.

Let’s delve right in.

Benefits of Fiberglass Pools

There are various inground pools in the market, including vinyl, concrete, and fiberglass pools; therefore, choosing the best one can be overwhelming. Here are reasons why fiberglass pools are ideal.

1. Easy Maintenance

There is more to just installing your fiberglass pool. You have to make sure that it stays clean and well maintained. Often, dirt particles, algae, and debris find their way into the pool, polluting the water and making it uninviting, not to mention exposure to illnesses—therefore the need to clean it.

Now, cleaning and maintenance can be time-consuming and costly. However, fiberglass pools have a smooth, nonporous surface, making it difficult for algae to grow, as is the case with other pools. This means that you spend less time cleaning. Besides, you do not have to worry about purchasing expensive chemicals to get rid of algae.

2. They are Durable

Pool installation is an expensive investment. For this reason, you should choose a pool that is durable and long-lasting. And this is where a fiberglass swimming unit comes in.

Fiberglass pools have layers that make them resistant to cracking, increasing the pool’s lifespan. These layers include;

The Gel Coat Layer

This is the topmost layer at the surface of the pool. The gel coat layer provides your pool with a smooth surface that gives it its algae resistance feature and finishes. It also protects other layers underneath it.

Vinyl Ester Resin Layer

This is the nonporous fiberglass layer that makes the pool waterproof and resistant to corrosion

Chopped Fiberglass Layer

The chopped fiberglass layer helps to add strength to the shell.

Roving Layer

The roving layer helps reduce stress on the fiberglass shell, therefore increasing the pool’s durability.

Structural Comb Layer

It helps to add support at the pools tension points, therefore, increased lifespan

With a fiberglass pool, you do not have to worry about pet claws, the sharp ends of a pool pole, and unsafe pool toys, as it is less likely to get punctured.

3. Faster Installation

Pool installation can take up months because the pool has to be built first, as is the case with concrete pools. However, fiberglass swimming pools are pre-made in factories and transported to the desired location; therefore, they take less time to install.

In addition, most pools require a particular weather condition to be installed. For instance, a vinyl liner pool requires a cool temperature to keep the liner from wrinkling. Rain and hot temperatures can also get in the way of installing a concrete pool, which results in an extended installation period.

However, Fiberglass is not vulnerable to adverse weather conditions such as rain and temperature fluctuations; therefore takes less time to install. You can have your fiberglass pool up and running within a week.

4. No Liner Replacement or Resurfacing Needed

If you are looking to cut down on pool maintenance costs, you should consider installing a fiberglass pool. See, most swimming areas, for example, the vinyl pools, require replacing the liners every seven years. You also have to acid wash concrete pools and resurface them after a few years to keep them well cleaned and maintained.

Fiberglass pools have no liners and do not need resurfacing, replastering the wall, and acid washing.

5. Compatible With Salt Pool Water Systems

A saltwater system can cause concrete and metal pools to corrode or wear and tear within a short period. This, therefore, means that you have to resurface these pools, which raises the maintenance cost. However, a fiberglass pool is compatible with salt water systems thanks to its gel coating layer.

6. Safer

Often, you look forward to more than just taking an afternoon swim in your pool. You further want to indulge in fun games such as volleyball. However, this can be such a bad idea if you have a concrete pool. You may end up with sores on your feet!

This is not the case with a fiberglass pool. The bottom of a fiberglass swimming unit is smooth therefore does not result in bloody toes, making it safer to indulge in pool games.

7. Increases Your Home Value

Fiberglass pools are attractive, as you can customize them with spa, colored finish, and ceramic waterlines, to mention a few, durable and easy to maintain. They further offer a more permanent swimming solution to your home. For this reason, they increase the value of your home. This is evident when you want to relocate and have to sell the home.

This is not the case for above-ground pools or vinyl pools, which are temporary swimming options.

8. Lower Lifetime Costs

Although their initial installation cost is high compared to vinyl pools, fiberglass swimming pools have low maintenance costs as they require fewer chemicals to keep them clean. This makes their lifetime ownership cost more pocket-friendly.

What to Consider During Fiberglass Pool Installation

Fiberglass pools give your family an area to cool off during hot summers at pocket-friendly maintenance costs. So, to ensure a smooth and incident-free installation process, you should consider the following factors.

1. Space

Do you have enough room in your backyard for your fiberglass pool? Before having a fiberglass shell delivered to your home, you must ascertain that you have enough space to accommodate the pool size you have in mind.

You can have a contractor measure the size of the yard and come up with reliable approximations on the size of the pool you ought to install. However, make sure that the contractor considers everything you would wish to have on your property. For instance, you may want to construct a patio or have decorations such as flowerbeds around the pool.

2. Fiberglass Swimming Pool Manufacturer

Fiberglass pools are pre-made. This, therefore, means that you have to be keen when purchasing the fiberglass pool. Ensure that you order your pool from a trusted and reliable factory that guarantees quality.

But how do you choose the right manufacturing company? For this, you could seek recommendations and referrals from trusted family members or colleagues who have installed a fiberglass pool before.

Alternatively, you could visit the various fiberglass pool manufacturing company’s website online. You could then read the different reviews and testimonials from the company’s existing customers. A factory with a lot of positive feedback is likely to deliver a quality pool.

3. Backfill Materials

This refers to the material placed around your pool or beneath it. It is worth noting that the hole where your fiberglass swimming unit will be placed may be over excavated therefore require to be filled with backfill material. For this reason, you must be ready with the materials necessary to ensure your pool is set correctly.

Now the required backfill depends on your location. If, for instance, you live in a sandy environment, then sand backfill will do the trick. For all other settings, a clean 3/4″ stone is ideal.

4. Pool Builder

Fiberglass pool installation may be a demanding project to take on by yourself; therefore, you may require to hire professional swimming pool installers. To guarantee a quality result, you should take your time to find the right pool contractor for your construction project.

You could request portfolios from potential pool installers to gauge the quality of their work. Alternatively, you may rely on referrals and recommendations or reviews and testimonials to lead to the best available pool contractor.

5. Cost

Fiberglass swimming pools are generally expensive to put up. You first have to buy a fiberglass pool shell. Now the cost of the body depends on its size, quality, and features. These features include the stairs, seating, and ledges. You may further require to contact and hire a professional installing company and the necessary equipment to have your swimming pool installed.

Therefore, ensure that you set aside a reasonable budget to have all the installation or construction pool costs covered. In addition to that, ensure that you get the total value of your money.

6. Zoning Rules

This refers to rules and regulations that govern the construction of inground pools. They dictate the distance your pool should keep from property lines, septic tanks, wells, sewer lines, and wetlands. However, these rules differ according to the location.

Therefore, before you start any construction work, familiarize yourself with your town’s zoning rules, and apply for building permits from the local authority to receive approval. Only then should the installation process commence.

7. Safety

Now, apart from giving your family a thrilling swimming experience, you should consider their safety too. A lot of accidents, including drowning, could happen. Therefore, you should include a safety measure plan along with your pool installation project.

For instance, if you have small children, you could consider fencing the pool. Alternatively, you could mount alarms on all doors in the house that lead to the pool or invest in a power safety cover.

How to Install a Fiberglass Pool

So how do you install a fiberglass swimming pool in your backyard? Installing a fiberglass swimming pool can be difficult, exhausting, and time-consuming, which is why you need to contact a professional installer. The following is a complete guide on how to erect fiberglass swimming pools.

Step 1: Gather the Construction Equipment

To start the pool installation, you first need to ensure that you have the necessary equipment. This includes;

• The excavation equipment
• A crane
• Water
• The backfill material
•  Plumbing fittings and pipe
• Pool equipment
• Fiberglass pool shell

Step 2: Laying Out The Pool

Before any construction work begins, the contractor uses a dig sheet that shows how to create the hole for the pool to suit the chosen model. Now the dig sheet has accurate measurements to ensure the intended results. The pool builder then marks the space to install the pool.

Make sure that you share your pool placement and landscaping wishes at this stage before excavation begins.

Step 3: Excavation

This involves extensive digging of the space in your backyard where the swimming pool should be located. This helps t0 remove unwanted soil, grass, and dirt and create room for the hole where the pool is placed. The installer relies on the dig sheet to get the actual length, width, and depth measurements.

Step 4: Setting The Foundation

After the excavation, the next step is to set the pool’s foundation. The foundation or the floor helps your pool to remain firm, even, and stable reducing the risk of bulging, settling, or leaking that could lead to the pool and surrounding soil damage. The fiberglass pool’s foundation should have a two-inch base of gravel.

Step 5: Pool Placement

After setting the pool foundation and having the fiberglass pool shell delivered to the construction site, the next step is to place it on the floor. Contractors will often use a crane and other heavy machinery to pick, position, and lower the shell onto the foundation.

An installer often visits the site where the pool is to be located to ensure that access is feasible or develop an access plan or path for the heavy machinery.

Step 6: Plumbing

Once the shell is in place, the next step is plumbing. Plumbing involves adding a skimmer box, deep end-suction fittings, return fittings, and the filtration system. This system comprises a filter that removes dirt and debris from the pool and a pump that circulates pool water through the filtration system.

Step 7: Backfilling

Backfilling helps to cover the space left between the shell and the dug hole. Most contractors will use six inches of gravel to backfill the pool while filling it with water to ensure that the pressure between the inner and outer walls is balanced.

Step 8: Reinforcement and Bond Beam

Your pool builders want to ascertain that the pool will stand the test of time. For this reason, they attach a reinforcing rebar around the pool for strength. They will then pour concrete around the perimeter to create a mechanical lock, making the swimming unit much stronger and stabilizing the coping finish.

Step 9: Coping and Deck

Your installer will then erect a deck and coping around the pool to make it more attractive. Coping refers to the area that connects the edge of the swimming unit to the patio. It helps add a visual flair while preventing the swimming area water from spilling and leaking into the soil.

Step 10: Fencing

Finally, the installer will erect a safety fence around the swimming area to offer privacy and protect children and pets from wandering and falling into the swimming water. Ensure your builders meet the specific height and local design requirements to avoid being on the wrong side of the law.

And voila! You now have a fiberglass pool in your yard.

What to Expect During Fiberglass Pool Installation

So you want to turn your backyard into a hub for fabulous pool parties, cookouts, and family get-togethers by installing a fiberglass swimming unit. Well, before that happens, here is what to expect during the installation process.

1. Heavy Machinery Access

You should expect to have heavy equipment on your property. To erect the swimming unit, you will need to dig or excavate the ground, which requires heavy excavators. In addition, the pre-made shell has to be delivered to your yard using trucks and a crane to position it in the hole.

2. Driveway Damage

To access the yard, trucks and excavators have to pass through your driveway or sidewalk. Thanks to their heavy nature, they may damage the sidewalk, therefore, causing uneven ground.

3. Unplanned Delays

Often, you want to install your swimming unit within the shortest time possible. However, changes in the weather, especially when it rains, could get in the way of trucks and excavators accessing your yard. Your contractors have to wait until the weather is clear to continue with the installation process, therefore delaying your schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some potential fiberglass pool owners often ask the following questions.

1. What is the downside of fiberglass pools?

Fiberglass pools cannot be customized. This means that if you are considering a pool construction, you have to choose the already available sizes, shapes, and configurations from your dealer company. This is a shortcoming for potential pool owners who would prefer diverse options to choose from. Concrete and vinyl pools are, however, highly customizable.

2. How much does it cost to put fiberglass pools in?

A vital aspect during pool construction is the installation cost. Now the installation cost for a fiberglass swimming unit depends on your location, the size of the pool, and the additional features you may want. That said, most potential pool owners will spend approximately $20,000 and $35,000 to have their pool installed.

Well, while this is cheaper than a concrete pool installation, the cost is still significant

3. How difficult is it to install fiberglass?

The fiberglass swimming area installation is relatively straightforward. All you have to do is excavate the site in your backyard, set the floor, plump, backfill, fill the pool, and voila! The pool is up and running. If you are a DIY kind of person, one look over the installation pictures, and you can handle the process on your own.

You could have your pool erected in less than a week

4. Why are fiberglass pools bad?

The downside of a fiberglass swimming unit is that the smooth, nonporous surface can be slippery. This means that swimmers could slip and fall into the water. A slip and fall accident, especially on the pool steps, can be dangerous and may require expensive urgent medical attention.

5. How long does it take to install a fiberglass pool from start to finish?

The time it takes to erect a pool in your backyard depends on your installer and their efficiency. That said, most builders will have the pool up and running within seven days.

6. Why do Fiberglass pools crack?

Fiberglass pools have a strong gel coat layer that rarely cracks or tears. However, it is not uncommon to notice a crack in your pool. This indicates imprecision during manufacturing or damage during transportation and installation.

7. How long do Fiberglass pools last?

Compared to vinyl and concrete in-ground pools, fiberglass swimming units are highly durable thanks to their strong gel coat layer. They also require less maintenance and care. A quality fiberglass swimming area with exceptional care and maintenance can last for over 50 years.

8. Will fiberglass pools crack?

Sometimes, the gel coating on your fiberglass swimming unit may be applied too thinly during the manufacturing process, therefore, resulting in cracks. However, it is worth noting that the cracks only penetrate the gel coat; thus, no effect on the structural integrity of your pool and no possible leaks.

Conclusion

Fiberglass pools help increase your home’s value, are easy to maintain, durable, and quick to install, which makes them ideal for providing your family with a thrilling swimming experience at low lifetime costs.

To get these pools in your yard, you should lay out the pool, excavate and set the floor. Next, you should position the fiberglass shell, plump, and backfill the area around the pool. Remember to add concrete to strengthen the pool, install coping and fence it for safety and privacy.

For an incident-free installation process, ensure that you consider the space, pool builders and manufacturers, cost, and zoning rules.