Getting a new fiberglass pool

[DONNIE]

We have a rather small area to put in our pool. I did quiet a bit of research before making the decision. Chose fiberglass mainly for the maintainence issues but also for the size, quality and cost. We are getting a Viking 12x24 kidney. It's going to be soooooooooooooooo great!!

Donnie

[Tishabiondy@natlmail.com]

Good luck with it. I'll let you know how our install goes.

Tisha

[mbar]

This is my 7th year for my fiberglass pool and I love it. I have learned to manage the stains - fiberglass pools do tend to stain easily. The trick is to keep the ph on the low side, and alkalinity on the low side. Add the chlorine slowly - cal hypo seems to bring out stains more easily - I stick to bleach, and pucks very sparingly. My pool still looks like new. Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

[gerri]

I have a fiberglass pool. I did have problems with the pool company/installation but only because my pool was installed in heavy rain by an idiot with a backhoe. They ruined my yard on all 4 sides... I had expected 2, but honestly all 4 sides of my house were deeply rutted mudholes all over. I have no idea why they did this, but I made them come back after it dried out and fix it as best as an idiot can.

I've had my pool I think 4 years and this is the first year with bad staining. Previous years have been beautiful low maintenance years, which was great when I was pregnant and last year when my child was only 1. I'm a single mom so low maintenance is fantastic.

I have read so much here I think I have a handle on my staining. Listen to mbar, she knows EXACTLY what she's talking about. Keep a sequesterant in your water if you have any metals (and I say even if you THINK you don't) - I use Metal, Scale and Stain out by AquaChem from WalMart. It does the job. You add 1 quart per 10,000 gallons. If you have metals this sequestering agent keeps them in solution so the metals don't stick to the walls of your pool and cause the yellow/brown staining.

All in all I like my fiberglass pool. It is pretty and I don't have to worry about a liner replacement ever. My pool shell has a lifetime warranty (granted that means lifetime of the company) and I liked that idea too. I'm happy with my decision to go with the inground fiberglass pool. I just wish I had bought it from a different company than I did.

[Tishabiondy@natlmail.com]

Thanks Marie, thanks Gerri. I think I'll be using this forum a lot in the very near furture. I would love to see some pics of your pools.

Tisha

[mbar]

You are more than welcome - here are some of mine:

http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/attachm...1&d=1145114015

http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/attachm...2&d=1145114061

[Tishabiondy@natlmail.com]

O.K. Marie. I'm starting to feel better after seeing your pool. It's gorgeous! I've never heard of using porcelain tiles before but it totally makes sense. Is there a reason you don't have a cantilevered edge? I thought that cantilever was the "standard" way to install. Also, did you have any problems with the installation like the pool being unlevel or leaks? And finally, did you pay in full before start-up? Our contract only leaves about $1,500 for a punchlist. Thanks so much.

Tisha

[gerri]

here is my pool

[mbar]

Gerri, I love all the landscaping around your pool, it is so beautiful! So is the pool! What do you have arond the pool, it is really great looking.

KeithW, Is your pool out of the ground in some parts? You did a great job with the hardscape, and the color around the pool is beautiful, what kind of material is it?

I love to see the fiberglass pools, and I notice that everyone's water is so clean and clear!!