The straight answer to whether or not fiberglass pools are good for Florida homes

The straight answer to whether or not fiberglass pools are good for Florida homes

Have you been considering a fiberglass pool for your Florida home? If so, you’re not the only one, and you probably have many questions.

What is fiberglass? Can you have a fiberglass pool in Florida? If so, how long will it last?

We’ll get you some answers to these common questions, plus tell you about some of the drawbacks you should take into consideration before installing a fiberglass pool.

What exactly are fiberglass pools?

Fiberglass is a fiber reinforced plastic that utilizes glass fibers. Fiberglass pools are not only made of fiberglass but consist of other materials as well.

Can you have a fiberglass pool in Florida?

So, to answer your question on whether or not fiberglass pools are good for Florida homes, our honest answer is no.

Why? Here is a quick list of drawbacks of fiberglass pools:

• Overall inferior product

• More susceptible to damage

• Quicker deterioration due to the Florida sun

Now if you’re still questioning whether or not a fiberglass pool is the right move for you and your Florida home, here are a few pros and cons:

The pros:

  • Faster installation time – Using fiberglass can cut installation time by 50% compared to other types of in-ground pools.

  • They don’t phase the pH levels of the pool – Fiberglass works well for both salt water and chlorine pools. With a fiberglass pool, you won’t need to use as many chemicals.

Now for the cons:

  • Fiberglass is more susceptible to damage if it’s not maintained properly. For instance, por pH or alkalinity levels will likely result in a coating that goes bad in a short few years.

  • Can cause injury – Fiberglass pools can become chalky and have strands start to delaminate from the surface, which can injure swimmers. This is accelerated due to the harsh Florida sun.

  • They’re also susceptible to warping issues – Since the pool is prefabricated, this can lead to issues like bending, bulging, and warping, and repairing these issues can be quite costly.

Of course, these are just some of the biggest pros and cons when it comes to fiberglass pools, and it’s important to speak with a pool installation professional in your specific area to get all the details on what may be best for you.

We don’t recommend fiberglass pools, so what do we recommend for Florida residents?

We recommend that all of our clients refrain from doing fiberglass pools, especially in Florida. Fiberglass is an inferior product, and unlike what many may think, fiberglass is typically only used as a coating rather than an actual drop-in pool.

Instead of fiberglass pools, we highly recommend a plaster pool with a tile waterline or an all-tile pool.

These types of pools are going to be the better option for Florida homeowners, and ultimately, are going to save you both time and money. All-tile pools are going to be stain resistant and also unaffected by changes in temperature or chemical products, which means less maintenance.

When you go with a plaster pool with a tile waterline, the tile above the waterline is going to protect the pool structure. Plus, you can choose from different kinds of tile in order to make your pool exactly what you want. There’s natural stone tile, ceramic tile, porcelain tile and also glass tile.

What are you waiting for?

A pool is a lovely addition to your Florida home, and plaster pools with a tile waterline or all-tile pools are also likely to add value to your property, which is why a lot of houses, apartments, and condominiums in Florida consider this option when installing a pool.

If you’d like more information, just reach out to the pool experts at Signet Pool today! We have a creative design team that’s eager to help you create the most of your backyard space and bring your vision to life! From standard pool construction and installation to eye-catching designs such as fountains, we are passionate about making your pool your oasis.

Give us a call at 941-378-2478 and let’s discuss your style, needs and budget. And, of course, we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about pool construction or installation.