The Pros & Cons of a Fiberglass In-Ground Pool
- Fiberglass pools are faster and easier to install than other types of pools. While the land must still be prepared and dug before installation, the pool itself is pre-built in a factory. While other pools, such as the concrete pool, can take up to two months to install, a fiberglass pool's average installation time is a month.
- Fiberglass pools cost less than other types, and they're easier to maintain than other types of pools. Vinyl-lined pools require replacement liners, and concrete pools may develop cracks that require filling. Fiberglass pools have neither of these drawbacks. Fiberglass pools require fewer chemicals to treat the water than concrete pools require. Due to this, the cost to keeping a fiberglass pool is less over time than other types of pools.
- While concrete pools are considered the most durable types of pools, a concrete pool's actual durability depends on geographical location. Concrete pools subjected to earthquakes or extremely low temperatures can form cracks due to the unyielding nature of the concrete structure. However, fiberglass pools offer strength and durability along with flexibility to absorb shocks, such as in the case of an earthquake. This makes a fiberglass pool less prone to cracking and saves money on pool repair in the long run.
- While fiberglass pools are faster and easier to install and may cost less over time to maintain, they are costly to install. When compared with other pool types with similar installation packages, a fiberglass pool may cost $4,000 to $9,000 more. However, this downside balances out with money saved over time and in the increased resale value of the property later.