Despite greater education available through manufacturers, distributors and dealers, myths surrounding fiberglass pools still persist. Here are a few the pros continue to help dispel:
1. They float easily. It’s one of the most common misconceptions about fiberglass pools. Floating typically is caused by hydrostatic pressure, or the force of water pushing against a structure.
Floating should never be an issue as long as fiberglass pools are kept full of water and include a surrounding cantilevered concrete coping edge of at least 3 feet, according to River Pools & Spas in Tappahannock, Va.
2. They are ugly and cheap-looking. Maybe 20 years ago, but this myth is pretty outdated for today’s market. “They actually did look like bathtubs in the early days, when fiberglass pools were in their infancy,” concedes Jamie Albert Snyder, president of Albert Group Landscaping in Washingtonville, N.Y.
But with myriad options for tiling (waterline ceramic, mosaic inlay, etc.), colored finishes, decking, lighting and more, the ugly claim simply doesn’t hold water.
3. They aren’t built for certain soil conditions. This one actually defies common sense. Because of their tensile strength, or ability to flex to adapt to different climates and environments, fiberglass pools are well-suited for adverse soil conditions, including shrink-swell. They also adjust well for alternative soil types such as sand, rock or clay.
