Although concrete pools have long been the more popular favorite for backyard pools, the material fiberglass has also been in practice for about fifty years. Although outfitting your backyard with a fiberglass pool is going to be more costly than a standard concrete one, the long term benefits far outweigh the price.

Fiberglass pools are constructed from a prefabricated fiberglass shell. There is no pouring involved like there is with concrete; a large hole is dug and the fiberglass shell is merely fitted into it. The exterior of the fiberglass shell is non-porous, which is a better choice in the long run since dirt and bacteria can seep into the pockets of a concrete pool over time. Fiberglass is also a strong material that holds up well with weather and standard usage. It will not crack as easily as concrete, either.

Another benefit of fiberglass is the fact that the chemistry of the water will not affect the smooth surface of it. There is not a great amount of cleaning necessary, and it is easier to do so anyway because of the differences in surface material. Debris is more inclined to get trapped in the surface of concrete than fiberglass.

There are some drawbacks to fiberglass swimming pools in addition to the added cost. First, when you get a concrete pool, you can be very creative with the shape of your pool as well as an additional accessories, like a built in hot tub. But with fiberglass, the shapes are very limited to choose from.

Second, emptying your fiberglass pool could make for problems. Water needs to fill the fiberglass shell at all times to keep pressure on the walls in order for the fiberglass to keep its shape. If it’s emptied, the fiberglass can crack due to ground pressure. Fiberglass pool owners should plan on maintaining the water year round and investing in an excellent cover system. Always make sure to hire a professional if you absolutely need to empty it.

Another thing to consider when installing your fiberglass pool is the fact that most of these pools are placed on a bed of sand. If this sand shifts over the years, you may need to have your pool reset.

When installed and maintained properly, a fiberglass pool can provide decades of family fun and entertainment at a reasonable cost. The right team of professionals combined with a dedicated pool owner makes for fantastic pool results.