If you have a vinyl liner pool, you know the drill. Every five to nine years, you have to replace the liner. This could be even more frequent if you experience unexpected damage from a fallen tree branch or punctures from a dog’s claws. A concrete pool has similar maintenance involved, from acid washes to replastering the pool’s interior.
What if you’re fed up with these regular replacements, and you’re looking for a lower maintenance option instead? Is it possible to convert your vinyl pool to fiberglass? Can you transition from a concrete pool to fiberglass?
You certainly can. Below, we provide an overview of the entire process of moving from vinyl or concrete to fiberglass.
Why Move to Fiberglass?
While installing a fiberglass pool is more expensive initially than a vinyl liner or concrete pool, the savings quickly add up. Fiberglass pools typically use less electricity, require fewer chemicals, and don’t need the regular maintenance and replacements that the other pools do. In just a few years, this makes a fiberglass pool a more cost-effective choice than the alternatives.
Additionally, the fiberglass shell is more durable than a vinyl lining and offers a smoother feel than rough concrete pools.
Converting to a Fiberglass Pool
Let’s say you’ve considered your options, and you want to transform your vinyl liner or concrete pool to fiberglass. The entire process, from draining the pool to cannon-balling into the new fiberglass shell, can take between three to six weeks.
The process includes:
Accessing the Site
When you already have a pool, you likely have a fence, trees, and landscaping surrounding it. Installing a fiberglass shell requires some large machinery, which often means clearing a path (or finding a creative solution) to installing the new pool.
Draining the Existing Pool
Before lowering the fiberglass pool, all water must be drained out of the existing pool.
Removing Liner/Patio
For vinyl liner pools, the liner is pulled off and the wall panels are removed. For concrete pools, some homeowners choose to remove all the existing concrete completely and start fresh for the fiberglass pool. Others choose to use the concrete as a foundation and add/remove as necessary.
Creating the Right Size for the Fiberglass Shell
In most cases, the hole dug for a vinyl liner or concrete pool is larger than what is needed for a fiberglass pool. This means a material, like concrete or stone, is brought in to fill in that extra space. Some portions of the patio may need to be demolished as well to fit the exact shape of the fiberglass pool.
Setting the Pool
Once the fiberglass pool is actually lowered into the hole, the final backfilling will take place to ensure it fits perfectly and has the appropriate support and draining surrounding the shell. Sand or gravel is typically used for this purpose.
Filling the Pool
While the final backfilling is taking place, the pool will begin to be filled with water. This allows a consistent pressure inside and outside of the fiberglass shell, which prevents any bulging or warping.
Enjoying!
After the final touches have been applied, you’re welcome to jump into your sparkling, new fiberglass pool.
Choose Texas’ Trusted Fiberglass Installer
At FiberLux Pools, we’ve helped pool owners across Texas make the shift from a vinyl liner or concrete pool to fiberglass. We also offer a lifetime transferable warranty for our fiberglass pools, giving you peace of mind for any issues that could spring up.
If you want an experienced, efficient team to convert your vinyl pool to fiberglass—or your concrete pool—give us a call today.