Fibreglass Pools


  • Fibreglass pools are usually produced in a factory environment and delivered to site and dropped into a hole in the ground.  Careful design of the installation with correct back filling and sand base compaction will lead to a long term stable situation which a fibreglass pool needs.
  • Sometimes a concrete shell may have a fibreglass liner constructed on the inside as a means to provide a new finish. These shells should be well crafted with several layers of re enforcement and resin, before a final gel coat is applied. Done well they will last a long time, however many seem not to be and may need upgrading after less than 10 years.
  • Such fibreglass liners inside concrete shells maybe installed due to movement and subsequent cracking of the concrete. Using such a liner as a means to provide a water proof, crack resistant surface may work, however they are not overly strong and subsequent movement and cracking in the concrete can be expected to break through the liner too.
  • Fibreglass pools being a multilayer system have many advantages including strength, lightness, and durability. Generally a well designed and constructed pool shell can be expected to last 40 years plus, though this does not mean to say it will not need some maintenance in the meantime.
  • Osmosis is probably the biggest potential issue with fibreglass pools, though only a modest percentage suffer from it. Generally it’s the result of moisture (from the air) being trapped within the layers of resin and glass matting at the time of construction. Some pool manufacturers made attempts to reduce this problem through using more expensive means of production whilst others ignored the possibility all together. Osmosis is a slow process whereby moisture trapped within moves to the pool water side and causes blisters to form which in time break and leave small crevices into which algae grow. This is a simple version of a very complex issue. Much has been written about it. Generally it’s more aesthetic than structural, but the results can look alarming. Repairs can be time consuming and costly (if done by a contractor) and the osmosis may well come back after a period of time. One way to overcome the issue is to have a new fibreglass liner installed within the pool itself.
  • The gel coat, the “blue” colour one sees in a fibreglass pool, slowly weathers, chalks and discolours. Stains may also happen. This can be rejuvenated using either a new gel coat (contractor job) or have it epoxy coated (DIY or Contractor). Either way such work should provide another lease of life for 10 years or so.
  • Some pools develop leaks or cracks often near steps.  This is the result of flexing as people walk in and out and it happens if the compaction beneath has moved and no longer supports the weight of persons coming and going. Such repairs should be included in any rejuvenation of the pool itself.

If you see aspects above that relate to your pool (Or spa) and wish to have your pool upgraded so as to get another new lease of life then we can help you.

Contact us  for more assistance or go to our web site  for more information.