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Fiberglass Pool FAQ: Fiberglass Swimming Pool Questions

Fiberglass pools are quickly becoming the swimming pool of choice for many homeowners. Fiberglass swimming pools are however,  a relatively new option in the pool world compared to concrete pools and vinyl liner pools.

Aquamarine Pools (aquapools.com) has been a leading fiberglass pool builder for years, so we decided to answer some of your common questions.

Here are some common questions we hear about fiberglass swimming pools:

  1. How is a fiberglass pool manufactured?
  2. How is a fiberglass swimming pool installed?
  3. How much does a fiberglass swimming pool cost?
  4. What are common shapes and styles of fiberglass pools?
  5. What are common fiberglass pool sizes?
  6. What’s the warranty on a fiberglass pool?
  7. Are fiberglass pools easier to maintain than concrete or vinyl liner pools?

1. How is a fiberglass pool manufactured?

Aquamarine Pools installs the nation’s preferred line of fiberglass pools, with Viking Pools, Trilogy Pools, Blue Hawaiian Pools and AVIVA Pools.  These pools are manufactured to the highest standards.  Here is a quick summary of the Viking’s 10-stage manufacturing process:

  1. Prepare the mold so that the pool easily separates from the mold to give the pool a better quality finish.
  2. Our standard gel-coat, the premium Crystite®, or the Diamond Series finish is added, which has a lifetime surface warranty. Our Crystite® finish is available in 86,400,000 unique colors.
  3. Vinyl Ester Resin is then added to provide the greatest impact resistance, blister protection, and give the gel-coat, Crystite® or Diamond Series finish a gorgeous profile.
  4. Additional layers of Vinyl Ester Resin and hand laid fiberglass are strategically placed for durability and strength.
  5. The heart of every Viking pool is the ceramic core, which is sandwiched between protective layers of specially designed resin and fiberglass. The ceramic core adds a greater strength to the pool walls and provides enhanced water resistance.
  6. Fiberglass is hand-laid across the pool to complete the important corrosion barrier to enhance durability. Additional layers of chopped fiberglass are added. When combined with the hand laid fiberglass it provides additional strength.
  7. Honeycomb vertical supports are added to help support the walls during the installation process. The closed beam construction is then completed to strengthen the coping around the pool and allow for easier lifting of the pool. Chains are also secured around the pool for easy unloading and setting.
  8. The completed pool is lifted off the mold.
  9. The pool is then detailed according to specifications for a spectacular finish.
  10. Pool is loaded onto the truck and ready for delivery.

Learn more: Why You Should Choose Fiberglass Pools

 

2. How is a fiberglass swimming pool installed?

Aquamarine Pools uses our time-tested protocols for installation.  Here is our process for installing your pool:

  1. The pool layout is carefully marked for precision. Set and level the pool.
  2. The dig begins the process for perfection.
  3. The hole is carefully prepared to achieve the proper shape and depth.
  4. A crushed stone base is used for the foundation of the pool.
  5. The pool is set in place.
  6. The pool is now filled with water and the crushed stone backfill process begins.
  7. The proper plumbing and electrical equipment is installed.
  8. Rebar for concrete is laid with proper footings around pool and bond beam.
  9. The concrete or stone is poured around the pool.
  10. Your lifetime guaranteed Viking pool is ready for years of enjoyment.

Learn more: See some of our pool installation videos

 

3. How much does a fiberglass swimming pool cost?

Our pools begin under $25,000 and can increase to over $75,000+.  Prices are based on size, added features, pool decking options, and various other upgrades.  By comparison, concrete pools average $50,000–$100,000.

Extra features and upgrades will, of course, increase that price further with each type of pool.

After installing your fiberglass pool, the average maintenance cost for 10 years is approximately $4,200; compared to $16,950 for concrete and $11,500 for vinyl liner pools.

Learn more: Concrete vs Fiberglass Swimming Pools Comparison

 

4. What are common shapes and styles of fiberglass pools?

Our fiberglass pool shapes:

  • Rectangle
  • Kidney
  • Classic
  • Custom
  • Freeform
  • Lap & Exercise

Learn more: Viking Pools models , Trilogy Pools models, Blue Hawaiian Pools models

Common fiberglass pool styles:

  • Diving Pools
  • Plunge Pools
  • Cocktail Pools
  • Sport Pools
  • Spools
  • Tanning Ledge Pools
  • Spas

Learn more: Pool Styles

 

5. What are common fiberglass pool sizes?

Fiberglass pool sizes:

  • Small fiberglass pools: 8’ to 12’ and under
  • Medium fiberglass pools: Pools 14’ wide
  • Large fiberglass pools: Pools 15’-16’ wide

Learn more: Pool Sizes

 

6. What’s the warranty on a fiberglass pool?

Trilogy Pools

  • Lifetime structural warranty – Manufacturer warrants the Pool against leaking due to structural failure
  • The surface finish of the Pool (the cosmetic finish, referred to as the “gelcoat” or “solid surface finish”) is warranted against osmotic blisters for as long as the original buyer owns the pool.
  • In the event of structural failure, as defined above, Manufacturer (or its authorized agent) shall repair or replace the Pool shell to restore its structural integrity.”Click to see the Trilogy Pools Warranty


Viking Pools

  • “Viking warrants it’s fiberglass pool shell to be structurally sound for as long as you live.
  • In the event of a failure of the pool to hold water, Viking will repair the same so that it does hold water.
  • Viking warrants the surface against blistering due to defects in materials or workmanship with a limited LIFETIME warranty! Click to see the Viking Pools Warranty


Blue Hawaiian Fiberglass Pools

  • Warrants fiberglass pool shell to be structurally sound for as long as you live.
  • Blue Hawaiian finish coat or gelcoat is warranted against blistering, staining, excessive fading, discoloration, and surface yellowing caused by material or manufacturing these facts for a period of 20 years from the date of manufacture.Click to see the Blue Hawaiian Pools Warranty

 

7. Are fiberglass pools easier to maintain than concrete or vinyl liner pools?

Fiberglass pools are the ideal material for swimming pools because it is smooth, non-porous, strong and flexible.

Some quick comparisons between fiberglass pools, concrete pools and vinyl liner pools:

Structural Guarantee Lifetime 100% 1 Year No Labor, Seams Only
Maintenance Hours Per Week 1 Hour 8 Hours 3 Hours
Lifetime Cost of Ownership Very Low Very High High

To see the full comparison chart read our article: Comparing Fiberglass Pools, Concrete Pools and Vinyl Liner Pools