Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does an in-ground fiberglass pool cost?
How much a Fiberglass pool costs has some many variables, so these numbers should be used as a budgeting guide only. For a small fiberglass pools or plunge pool, as they have been called lately, they stars around $48,000.00. Medium size pools, around 14 x 33 can start between $60,000.00 - $65,000.00. Larger pools 16 x 40 can start around $70,000.00.
2. Why are the quotes that I receive between pool contractors so different?
When comparing prices on Fiberglass Pools it can be very confusing. This is because each pool contractor has there own ideas of whats the best materials to use, and they can be a significant difference once totaled up. For example, You may get a quote that says “includes variable speed pump and filter”. Variable speed pumps are rated by horse power typically between 1.65HP to 3HP, which means they will vary in price. This price difference can be between $500-$800. Same concept is on the filter. You can get a small Sand filter for around $700.00 or it could be a Cartridge filter which can be around $1900.00. So the many items they choose can be the big difference.
Central Pools with its 45 years of experience, has created a “Basic Package” with items to help ensure your pool will be easy to maintain and provide long lasting energy efficiency. So be sure that you get details from you contractors on what components you are getting.
3. How long does it take to install a fiberglass pool?
This magical question is so very hard to answer. We tell our clients that in a perfect world we could be done in 3-4 weeks. Realistically here in Louisiana where we rarely go 7-10 days with out rain. And rain on a freshly dug pool can create a mess. So you should expect 6-8 weeks for a basic install.
4. Will a Fiberglass Pool Float in Louisiana’s wet soil conditions?
The number one misconception about Fiberglass Pools is that they will float. To start off we will tell you ALL POOLS CAN “FLOAT”. The number one reason a pool floats is due to it being improperly drained or letting the water level get to low. Central Pools installs a sump tube on all pools. This is a 12” tube that runs about a foot below the deepest point of the pool. This allows a pump to be placed in the tube to pump out the ground water and lower the water table below the deepest point of the pool. Only then should a professional start bracing and draining the pool.
5. Can I get a Fiberglass Pool in a Custom Shape?
The short answer to this is no. Fiberglass Pools come in many different shapes and sizes for you to choose from. Fiberglass pools also have features molded inside the pool such as tanning ledges, benches and spas. The only category that gunite and liner pools have over Fiberglass Pools is the ability to be built in any size and shape. However, with all the different Fiberglass Pools out there, you have hundreds of different shapes and sizes to choose from.
6. How Large of a Fiberglass Pool can I get?
Fiberglass Pools also are limited to around 16’ x 40’ and 8’ deep. This limitation is due to transportation of the shells from the factory to the dealer and client. However, this does not mean that Fiberglass Pools are not custom built pools. Fiberglass Pools can have any water falls, spa, decretive concrete and stone deck, grottos, slides and anything else that you would like added to your pool.
7. How will the Equipment, Concrete and Fiberglass Shell get in my yard?
A perfect yard to install a Fiberglass Pool is one that we can drive trucks, materials and equipment right up to the pool. However, this is rarely the case. Often we must remove things like sections of fencing, gates and trees for access. Depending on the size of the machinery used, the shell can be carried in with an excavator or use a large crane to lift the pool over the house and sit it in the hole. Central Pools likes to have at least 10’ wide path from the street to the pool location. We can access the yard with as little as 6’ opening, but it will require additional labor and materials. We at Central Pools always walk the yard so we can provide you with an accurate proposal upfront.
8. How long do fiberglass pools last?
Fiberglass Pools can last as long as the home if it is maintained with proper water chemistry. Most all manufactures of Fiberglass Pools offer a lifetime warranty on the structure of the pool itself. Central Pools started installing Fiberglass Pools in Baton Rouge in 1985, and most of those pools are still providing hours of joyous occasions and memories.
9. Do fiberglass pools fade and how can I prevent it?
Fiberglass Pools have a gelcoat surface that can fade if exposed to direct sunlight. Fiberglass pools water level is typically between 4-6” below the top of the pool. This area if left uncovered will fade. To prevent this Central Pools installs 6” waterline tile on all the pools our to prevent is area form fading. The gelcoat surface that is underwater is not affected by the sunlight, but can get discolored if water chemistry is not maintained. Maintaining proper water chemistry will ensure you pool looks gorgeous anytime someone walls in your backyard.
10. What is the warranty on Fiberglass Pools?
Fiberglass Pool warranties may be differ between manufactures, but for the most part it is divided by Surface and Structure. Their will be a limited warranty on the gelcoat surface which is usually around 10 years. The structure usually has a lifetime warranty against manufactures defects.
11. What’s the easiest Pool type to maintain, Vinyl, Fiberglass or Gunite, and Why?
Fiberglass Pools are the easiest to maintain over the life of the pool. Vinyl would be next with gunite trailing last. Fiberglass Pools have a very durable, none porous surface. As long as you maintain your water chemistry, this gelcoat surface may never need to be resurfaced.
Vinyl liner pools are second in ease of care and the least durable of the three types. Although vinyl is a non porous surface, it can develop water under the liner that will cause creases which allow different types of funguses to grow. Liner pool can be torn by branches falling in the pool, dogs can rip a liner with their paws, or simply the top of the liner that is exposed to the sun weakens over time and begins to tear. Vinyl liners are replaced on average between 5-6 years at a cost of $3500.00-$5000.00 depending on the size of the pool.
A gunite pool will need to be resurfaced about every 12-15 years depending on how well the water chemistry was maintained. Depending on it’s size the re-plastering could run up to $15,000.00 - $20,000.00. It is this reason that Fiberglass Pools market share is growing rapidly.
Ever wonder why a gunite pool needs to be re-plastered? Its because the surface is porous and allows water, and the chemicals in the water to slowly eat away the plaster surface. As the plaster wall starts to get small pits that allow algae to grow. This process will cause the surface to get rougher to the point the surface is to rough to walk on. A Fiberglass Pool with its non porous surface does not have this problem. In fact, due to the chemicals not eating away at the shell, you use less chemicals which translates to an easier pool to maintain.