Fiberglass or Concrete pool?

MartyH

The Mrs and I have seen a fiberglass selfcleaning pool and it seems a ripper.

These jets pop out the bottom and move all the water and leaves around.

Some mates think they are cheap looking compared to concrete but it seems they have improved a lot.

We were thinking we would rather save a bit of cash and put it into landscaper, glass fencing &, paving.

What do you reckon?

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Comments

Kermit

We’re going with a fibreglass pool. We’ve had three friends all install fibreglass pools in the past few years and are happy. They look great. Don’t worry about what other people think. Just get the pool that suits your needs and location. And of course your budget. We ended up tossing up between Compass and Leisure Pools. Both seemed great and came recommended. We ended up with Leisure because the builder was fantastic and they had a shape that really suited the spot.

Be a little wary of the self-cleaning systems. I’m sure they are fantastic time savers but add a fair bit to the cost of the pool. In comparison, robot cleaners are really cheap and effective. If something goes wrong on the self-cleaning system, it could be expensive and difficult to fix. With a robot, you just chuck it out and get another one.

ProjectPete

I had to make this decision recently and went with fibreglass. The only reason I would've gone concrete is for a custom design, otherwise there's really no advantage in my opinion.

I got the shape I wanted, a great colour, simple install and a great price. I found there's more room to hustle a better price with fibreglass because there's less labour involved.

Would bother with self cleaning unless your pool is huge and is likely to get more dirty than you can handle. Self cleaning is added (usually unnecessary) cost upfront and creates another thing that can go wrong with your pool in future, which more costs again.

Personally I'd be putting the money into paving, landscaping, features, furniture, et.

Hope this helps

Jason

Here's our fibreglass pool going in last week. Hoping that we might get a swim or two in before the winter!

Jason

John1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/710#Comment_710

I have or should I say was in the Fibreglass industry for 45 years and my nickname was Jesus [no not that one] as my knowledge is quite considerable and they say that if I did not know the solution to a problem there probably wasn't one and if by some small chance mine did fail they would crucify me. Really it comes down to if I don't know then I usually know someone who does.

Concrete or Fibreglass. I have over the years heard this maybe a thousand times and my answer is this. Get the design and price that suits you best if its concrete fine and same with fibreglass.

If the concrete one does develop minute cracks after a few years in the ground don't worry have it skinned with fibreglass. No more cracks etc. and a new fibreglass pool in the design you always loved. If it's done properly it will last you many many years to come.

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/710#Comment_710

Here's our pool 18 months later. No complaints on the choice we made.

Jason

ProjectPete

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/64084#Comment_64084

Lookin good mate - been amazing getting back in with the warmer weather.

Can hardly wait for the new pool - going for a customer concrete design 🙂

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/94609#Comment_94609

This week has been very warm in Melbourne @ProjectPete. Been swimming every night and most mornings.

Looking forward to seeing what you do with your custom design.

Hope all is well,

Jason

stewiesnr

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/113735#Comment_113735

i just wanted to add some info regarding the self cleaning pool (compass). we have a 27k litre pool fibreglass with the infloor cleaner and are verv happy with it.
the fibreglass suited our needs
no connecting up a robot in bad weather and no emergency cleaning at the last minute. I find it fantastic.runs during the day off the solar.
I have the cartridge filter, don't know how this compares with a sand filter, regarding landscaping, tried plants but they died (wanted something with minimal shedding, we have plastic plants which are fantastic, we haven't killed them yet.we also have the heater which extends our season.

as mentioned by others each to their own regarding their needs, but like everything it is not always easy to decide, good hunting

Steve

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/124694#Comment_124694

Many thanks for sharing your experience @stewiesnr. I'm sure other members will find your post helpful. Feel free to post whenever you have something new to share or need a hand.

Jason

Isobel

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/131866#Comment_131866

Pool trends for 2019 - https://www.domain.com.au/living/pool-trends-2019-792279/

Timber look is interesting...

MJ76

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/62942#Comment_62942

Hi, question for Jesus...my parents had an 11m fibreglass pool installed by a pretty dodgy company. Was slightly crooked, a bubble surfaced in the middle underneath which has gotten bigger over the years but the worst part...the installer manipulated my very shy mum into going off agreed plan and leaving it raised 20cm above ground level for a “ledge to stop the dirt etc blowing in from the paddock”. All it does is makes for really difficult extra steps getting in and out for the elderly and injured with bad knees. Is a fibreglass pool able to be emptied, cut down a little to remove ledge, maybe put that overflow guttering like public pools have and possibly even a ramp put in?

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/95106#Comment_95106

It's always sad to hear of disreputable installers @MJ76. They give the industry a bad name. I would recommend you talk to some reputable pool installers about your problems and see what they suggest. If you'd like to let us know where your parents are located, perhaps some Workshop members might be able to make some recommendations for you. I suspect all options would be unfortunately very expensive.

Let me also extend a very warm welcome to Workshop. We hope you get lots of helpful information, advice and inspiration for your home improvement projects from our community members. Feel free to post whenever you need a hand, and please let me know if you ever have any feedback about how we might improve Workshop for you.

Thanks,

Jason

MartyH

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/95106#Comment_95106

Yeah, nah, the fibreglass couldn't be cut down @MJ76. They have a lip around the top that you wouldn't want to lose, are incredibly tough (with steel reinforcement) to ensure they can handle the force of all that water pushing outwards, and of course are concreted in. Then there's the not-small matter of the plumbing, skimmer box, etc.

Perhaps a custom ladder is the answer? Eg https://aquafirst.com.au/swimming-pool-ladders/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4-_bl-u54AIVUA4rCh3r4gn0EAAYASAAEgIpSvD_BwE

MJ76

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/114075#Comment_114075

Thanks @MartyH. May have to stick to my other idea of raising a deck around it one day. Thanks again. Mel 🙂

MJ76

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/114074#Comment_114074

Thanks Jason. Parents are at Black Hill NSW.

I’ve only just found your site, I’m really enjoying going through it and seeing everyone’s projects. One day when I get organised I look forward to playing with my tools and making full use of the info on here!

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/124715#Comment_124715

There's certainly a lot of inspirational projects on the site from our clever and creative members Mel (@MJ76). Great to have you onboard.

Looking forward to seeing you put those tools to good use!

Jason

BIM_Engineer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/95106#Comment_95106

@MJ76

The NSW Government is about to " Shake up high rise laws after opal tower saga " with new Legislation Requiring all Participants to have the necessary Registration & Qualifications from those drafting a design to building

That is a good reason why Battlers & Punters Should check their projects for Code Compliance and Engineering

It is estimated that over 60% of new buildings/homes are non compliant in varying degrees

Some how I doubt (new Legislation) it will extend as far as single residential homes and pools

Homebuilders need to be proactive before, during & after their Build/Projects

OT, Here's a tip from an engineer that does Structural repairs I often tell clients "Theres no use complaining after the event, building consummer protection laws are very lax..Buyer Beware"

If you have a faulty tool, car,etc you can take it back to the manufacturers not so if your home is defective.

Goodluck

Isobel

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/131880#Comment_131880

Shipping container pools are potentially cheaper than both fibreglass and concrete, especially if you have a tricky block to work with. Interesting article here - https://www.domain.com.au/living/shipping-container-pools-804142/

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