If you’re thinking about installing a new pool in Maryland, you have three options for the pool’s composition. These are:

• Concrete (also known as gunite)
• Fiberglass
• Vinyl liner

In this blog, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of fiberglass for in-ground pools. While the majority of pools we construct are concrete (the reasons for which we’ll explain in the blog), we do offer fiberglass pools in Maryland for homeowners who feel this is the best fit for them. Learn all you need to know about fiberglass pools below.

Fiberglass Pools

A fiberglass pool is essentially a giant shell. The pool is constructed by the manufacturer in a factory and shipped to your home. It arrives in one piece, and is lowered into a hole into the ground. We install fiberglass pools created by Viking Pools, which come with a limited-lifetime warranty on the shell and a 20-year warranty on the finish.
Pros of Fiberglass Pools

• Fast Installation – Installation of a fiberglass pool is very simple and only takes a few days at most. A concrete pool on the other hand will take several months to install.
• Ease of Maintenance – Fiberglass is also very easy to maintain. This is because the fiberglass surface is non-porous, which means it offers fewer spaces where organic matter like algae or bacteria can settle in and grow. This in turn means you don’t have to use as many chemicals to keep the pool clean. Overall, you’ll spend less time and money maintaining a fiberglass pool.
• Durability – Fiberglass is a very durable material. Unlike a vinyl pool, there’s no liner, so you don’t have to worry about punctures that could result in an expensive replacement.
• Salt Friendly – If you want a salt water pool, fiberglass is the ideal pool material. Salt water wears down the finish in a concrete pool over time, which will eventually need to be replaced.
• Ownership Costs – With lower maintenance and chemical costs, a fiberglass pool is the most affordable option when it comes to long-term costs.

Cons of Fiberglass Pools

• Lack of Customization – The biggest disadvantage of fiberglass pools is that they are not customizable. You’re limited to the options available from the manufacturer. This isn’t to say that you don’t have options; fiberglass pools come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. They can be up to 40′ long by 16′ wide by 8′ deep. But at the end of the day, if you have a specific or unusual shape in mind, you might not find what you’re looking for with a fiberglass pool.

Because of the lack of customization options with fiberglass, the majority of pools we install are concrete. However, many homeowners find that fiberglass fits their wants and needs, and we’ve done many successful fiberglass projects. To learn more about installing a fiberglass pool in Maryland, contact Rhine Pools today at 410-442-2445.