Fiberglass Pool Growth Explodes in US
The growth of fiberglass pools in the US market has been nothing short of phenomenal in the past 10 years, and many experts in the industry predict fiberglass pools will overtake concrete pools in construction numbers within the next few decades.
Just to give an example of this growth, in 1994, 61,540 fiberglass pools were installed in the United States.
In 2005, over 283,000 fiberglass units were installed.
Neither concrete nor vinyl liner pools experienced even close to such growth during this time period.
So what are the reasons for such growth? When fiberglass pools first came out, they were mainly available in white colors.
Also, most of the patios and coping around these pools were poured in a non-bullnose manner.
In other words, the concrete was poured up to the fiberglass lip, instead of on top of the lip.
This left the pool with a cheap, 'bathtub' like appearance.
To combat this "bathtub" perception, manufacturers have rolled out a variety of alternative finishes.
For example, our pool manufacturer, Leisure Pools, has 4 different shades of blue available for the pool's finish.
This selection of color is now true for just about all fiberglass pool manufacturers, with shades of blue being the most popular..
Such a selection has virtually eliminated the white fiberglass pool market.
Some other features that are now seen on fiberglass pools: waterline tile, mosaic inlays, fiber optic lighting, water features, swim/therapy jets, and spill-over spas.
These features, in conjunction with cantilevered concrete(which has become almost standard in the industry) can certainly create an impressive back-yard feature, not just a swimming pool, and certainly one that would rival any concrete pool.
With regards to swimming pool patios, stamped and decorative concrete finishes have exploded, adding a much more luxurious or natural look to the poolscape.
Although these aesthetic improvements have made a major impact on fiberglass growth, there are two other main factors which have led to their strong presence.
Because the fiberglass surface is non-porous and has no seams, unlike concrete and vinyl, it is much harder for algae to grow.
This leads to less brushing, cleaning, and chemical use, which in turn saves the homeowner time and money.
This smooth surface is also not abrasive to feet, which can be a major draw back to plaster finishes in concrete pools.
The second factor leading to this growth is the durability of fiberglass, which will typically last of 50 years.
Also, with its high tensile strength and ability to move with shrink/swell soil, there is no soil incompatible to a fiberglass pool.
This also allows for exceptional warranties.
For example, our manufacturer carries a 35 year structure warranty, and a 15 year finish warranty on their pool shells.
This feature allows homeowners to enjoy their pools for many years without the worry of major repairs, such as replasterings and liner replacements.
Aesthetics, longevity, and low-maintenance- These are the features pool owners want and this is what they get with fiberglass.
Times have changed, and with its stigmas having been virtually removed with the help of technology, the future looks extremely bright for the fiberglass pool industry.
Just to give an example of this growth, in 1994, 61,540 fiberglass pools were installed in the United States.
In 2005, over 283,000 fiberglass units were installed.
Neither concrete nor vinyl liner pools experienced even close to such growth during this time period.
So what are the reasons for such growth? When fiberglass pools first came out, they were mainly available in white colors.
Also, most of the patios and coping around these pools were poured in a non-bullnose manner.
In other words, the concrete was poured up to the fiberglass lip, instead of on top of the lip.
This left the pool with a cheap, 'bathtub' like appearance.
To combat this "bathtub" perception, manufacturers have rolled out a variety of alternative finishes.
For example, our pool manufacturer, Leisure Pools, has 4 different shades of blue available for the pool's finish.
This selection of color is now true for just about all fiberglass pool manufacturers, with shades of blue being the most popular..
Such a selection has virtually eliminated the white fiberglass pool market.
Some other features that are now seen on fiberglass pools: waterline tile, mosaic inlays, fiber optic lighting, water features, swim/therapy jets, and spill-over spas.
These features, in conjunction with cantilevered concrete(which has become almost standard in the industry) can certainly create an impressive back-yard feature, not just a swimming pool, and certainly one that would rival any concrete pool.
With regards to swimming pool patios, stamped and decorative concrete finishes have exploded, adding a much more luxurious or natural look to the poolscape.
Although these aesthetic improvements have made a major impact on fiberglass growth, there are two other main factors which have led to their strong presence.
Because the fiberglass surface is non-porous and has no seams, unlike concrete and vinyl, it is much harder for algae to grow.
This leads to less brushing, cleaning, and chemical use, which in turn saves the homeowner time and money.
This smooth surface is also not abrasive to feet, which can be a major draw back to plaster finishes in concrete pools.
The second factor leading to this growth is the durability of fiberglass, which will typically last of 50 years.
Also, with its high tensile strength and ability to move with shrink/swell soil, there is no soil incompatible to a fiberglass pool.
This also allows for exceptional warranties.
For example, our manufacturer carries a 35 year structure warranty, and a 15 year finish warranty on their pool shells.
This feature allows homeowners to enjoy their pools for many years without the worry of major repairs, such as replasterings and liner replacements.
Aesthetics, longevity, and low-maintenance- These are the features pool owners want and this is what they get with fiberglass.
Times have changed, and with its stigmas having been virtually removed with the help of technology, the future looks extremely bright for the fiberglass pool industry.
Source...