Fibreglass pools have become increasingly more popular in recent years and it is no surprise why. They are easy to maintain, keep clean, durable and more affordable than a concrete pool. Purchasing a swimming pool will most likely be the biggest investment you make for your home, so it’s important you do your research and get it right the first time, as changing your mind later would be a very expensive task. One of the main questions we are asked is how long do fibreglass pools last? Let’s take a look at some important factors and information about swimming pools and their longevity
Different swimming pools and their lifespan
There are 3 different types of swimming pools on the market today and they are Vinyl Liner, Concrete and Fibreglass. See below the different types and their expected lifespan
Vinyl Liner Pools – Several studies have shown that vinyl pools will only last around 6-12 years, a Vinyl pool may cost less at the beginning but keep in mind it is higher maintenance and you will have to replace the pool in such a short amount of time, in turn, this could cost you a lot more in the long run
Concrete Pools – Concrete Pools have been a popular choice for quite some time due to the fact you can choose any type of design you wish that will fit your landscaping. A concrete pool will last longer than a Vinyl Liner but it is important to take note that they do need to be resurfaced every 10 years and are more expensive when it comes to maintenance as more chemicals are needed to kill off bacteria and algae.
Fibreglass Pools – Fibreglass Pools will last 30 years if not longer, it is important when choosing a fibreglass pool you ensure you are purchasing from a company that only manufactures top-quality pools. Here at Barrier Reef Pools Perth, we offer a lifetime structural and internal warranty on all our pools so you can rest assure you are buying nothing but the best at the highest standards available which means your pool will last a lifetime!
A fibreglass pool is a one-piece swimming pool that is made in a factory from a particular mould, then the pool is sent to the required location. Funnily enough fibreglass pools are not made from just fibreglass, they are made from 7 different layers of strength which is why they are so durable, flexible and long-lasting. They come in an extensive range of different shapes, styles and sizes, let us take a look at the 7 different strengths that make a fibreglass pool.
7 Layers of Strength of a Fibreglass Pool
1. Interior Surface Finish
2. Anti Corrosion Barrier
3. First Structural Layer and then added is an additional Chemical Resistant Layer
4. Second Structural Layer
5. Reinforcement Layer
6. Outer Core Laminate
7. Outer Sealer Coat
As you can see these layers are why a fibreglass pool can withstand earth movements, cope in extreme weather and last a lifetime. Fibreglass pools are also designed not to crack which why they have a slight flex to their shape, whereas concrete pools are known for cracking due to earth movements and extreme weather. Concrete pools are also known for cracks to appear even as early as onsite once installed if there is an excess amount of water in the concrete mix or if the pool is being installed on a windy or bad weather day.
Factors that can affect your fibreglass pool's lifespan
While fibreglass pools are generally longer-lasting than concrete and vinyl liner pools, you shouldn’t take their lifespans for granted. If you want your fibreglass pool to give you an entire lifetime of satisfaction, you’ve got to keep the following factors in mind:
How the pool is installed: Proper installation can make a lot of difference to how long a fibreglass pool lasts. For some homeowners, the priority might be to save money on the installation, but this is something we don’t recommend. Cutting corners during the installation may result in levelling issues and bulging walls. These issues may cause further problems down the line and result in major repair expenses. That’s why you should only trust reputed and most importantly, licensed fibreglass pool builders to install your pool. It may cost you more money in the short term, but it’ll save you way more in the long run.
The pool shell quality: Reputed fibreglass pool builders put a lot of thought, time, and effort into ensuring that the quality of the pool shell is top-notch. However, due to the ever-increasing demand for fibreglass pools, a lot of inexperienced builders are trying to cash in on their popularity. These builders often offer their pools at a fraction of the cost offered by reputed builders. On the surface, their offers definitely seem lucrative. However, it would be a mistake to judge a fibreglass pool only by its price. What you actually need to check for is the warranty on offer. Typically, inexperienced and opportunistic builders don’t offer any warranties on their pools, while reputed builders do. Without a warranty and an inferior pool shell, you’re bound to spend a lot of money on repairs.
Maintenance: Fibreglass pools are low-maintenance compared to concrete and vinyl liner pools. However, low maintenance doesn’t translate to no maintenance. Also, you’ve got to be careful on the chemical use front. Quite simply, it would be a huge mistake for you to think that adding a lot of chemicals will keep your pool water clean. For starters, it could jeopardize your health along with the health of your family members. Additionally, it can damage the pool’s interior surface. So, if you don’t have any idea as to how many chemicals you should use, consult a pool maintenance professional.
Small pro tip: Even in the cooler months when your pool is not being used it will still need maintenance. Having a pool cover will help prevent your pool water from getting contaminated and stop any dirt and debris from entertaining your pool. Having a pool cover will also save you a lot of time when it is time to use the pool again.
Get Your Fibreglass Pool with Barrier Reef Pools Perth
It is no surprise that Fibreglass Pools are becoming the number one choice for homeowners across Australia. They are long-lasting, durable, modern, affordable, low maintenance and look fantastic! Here at Barrier Reef Pools Perth, we offer an extensive range of fibreglass pools in a large range of different sizes, colours, shapes and designs to suit everyone’s needs. All of our pools have a lifetime structural and internal warranty and each of our pools comes with the 5 tick certified product of approval. We make no exception when it comes to delivering only the highest quality fibreglass pools that last a lifetime! If you are in the market for a fibreglass pool then give us a call today and one of our friendly team can answer any question you might have!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do fibreglass pools last?
Fibreglass pools typically last 30 years or longer, especially when the shell is high-quality and the pool is properly maintained.
How long do vinyl liner pools last?
Vinyl liner pools are often estimated to last around 6–12 years, and may need earlier replacement due to higher maintenance and liner wear.
How long do concrete pools last compared to fibreglass?
Concrete pools can last longer than vinyl liner pools, but they typically need resurfacing every 10 years and usually require more ongoing maintenance than fibreglass pools.
What are fibreglass pools made of?
A fibreglass pool is a one-piece shell made in a factory from a mould, built with 7 layers of strength for durability and flexibility.
What affects a fibreglass pool’s lifespan the most?
The biggest factors are installation quality, pool shell quality and warranty, and ongoing maintenance, including careful chemical use.
Do fibreglass pools crack?
Fibreglass pools are designed with a slight flex to help handle earth movement and reduce cracking risk, unlike concrete pools which can crack with movement or poor install conditions.
