The creation of your dream pool naturally brings a range of important decisions to mind. From the size, shape and style you’ve set your heart on, to the pool’s complementary landscaping, fencing and location – there’s many factors that need to be considered and weighed accordingly. Perhaps the most pivotal of all these decisions, however, is which material you will use to create the pool itself. Bethany Hayes shares the insights of Summertime Pools’ national account manager, Phil Jones, and unpacks the hidden benefits of the fibreglass pool.
THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS
Dubbed as one of the strongest, most low-maintenance and long-lasting materials of the pool world, the humble fibreglass pool is steadily reaching the forefront of modern pool design. Essentially “pre-made shells”, fibreglass pools are created with a gel coat, vinyl ester and polyester resin mixed with fibreglass strands, before being applied to large moulds within a controlled environment. Jones describes that once cured, these pool shells are then removed from their mould, trimmed to shape before being quality inspected prior to installation. “The installation process is simply a matter of excavating the area, setting in the pool shell, and connecting the
plumbing and filtration systems,” he explains.
If longevity is essential for your pool purchase, then a fibreglass pool is an excellent option, due to its low maintenance requirements and lasting structural warranty. “Most fibreglass pool manufacturers will offer [at least a] 25-year plus structural warranty, due to the strength of the material,” Jones elaborates. When considering all pool types, it is again the fibreglass, that requires the least maintenance. “You only need to maintain the water chemistry once a week, and don’t need to worry about algae growth like you would in a concrete pool.” As fibreglass pools are always pre-manufactured and then delivered to site, the installation process itself is also a very quick one. “The quick installation turnaround time [only] requires installers to be on-site for five days or less on average, as opposed to concrete pools which can take weeks,” he notes.
CONCRETE VS FIBREGLASS
The fraternal – and not identical – twin sister of the fibreglass pool is the concrete pool. While both pools allow homeowners a sense of resort-style living in the comfort of their own home, each type of pool is vastly different from the other in a number of ways. Estimated to currently make up “approximately 70-80 per cent of the Australian pool market”, fibreglass pools are created in a controlled factory environment, whereas concrete pools are “dug out and constructed completely on-site”. Considering the pre-manufactured shells and set design nature of fibreglass pools, Jones does flag the potential for “some limitations in comparison to a concrete pool”, whereby the concrete pool’s shape can be “designed specifically for the requirements of the backyard”.
In saying this, a fibreglass pool still comes in a large variety of shapes and sizes aside from “the standard rectangular, square or curved shapes, with or without swim-out areas and [with] various options regarding steps and edges”, allowing the homeowner the freedom to select the ideal fit for their backyard and space. Summertime Pools offers its clients 25 different pool shapes and sizes to select from, with designs based on “shapes and sizes that are most popular for the swimming pool market”.
When talking sustainability, the fibreglass pool ticks all the boxes with its algae-resistance and increased heat retention; meaning the pool is easier to clean than its concrete counterpart, less likely to harbour bacterial overgrowth and requires fewer chemicals. “Fibreglass is also one of the best insulators to retain heat, which also reduces running costs,” Jones affirms. “The time and energy required to heat, clean and chemicals required to sanitise are far reduced for a fibreglass pool thus using far less energy, making them a more sustainable option.”
EASY LIKE SUNDAY MORNING
Made for the busy homeowner, the high-quality and smooth surface of the fibreglass pools makes it a dream to clean and a dream to swim in, with its non-abrasive surface which, unlike some pools, should not need resurfacing in its lifetime, if looked after correctly. For Jones, it is the happiness of his customers and the ease in which the Summertime Pools team can get a job done, that provides him with ultimate satisfaction. “Personally, I love witnessing the joy and surprise on customers’ faces when they see how quick the installation process is, and being able to provide a valuable solution for them to enjoy with family and friends for many years ahead.”
If you’re currently contemplating whether or not a fibreglass pool would complement your lifestyle, Jones advocates for homeowners to research with purpose – considering not only the appearance of your pool, but the water-type, efficiency levels and its projected longevity, so you’re aware of exactly what comes with the splash! “Research what type of water you want to swim in – from salt to mineral and freshwater systems, and look for energy efficient products that will improve water quality and make it cheaper to run.”
There is no doubt that any pool is an exciting addition to a home, providing unparalleled entertaining potential, and definite aesthetic value. Thanks to its simple installation process, expansive warranty and longevity, smooth surface and ultimate ease-of-cleaning and heating, the fibreglass pool is a formidable choice for those seeking to elevate their lifestyle to new and exciting heights.
Images courtesy of Summertime Pools