Fiberglass pools in Missouri are an excellent option for homeowners that want to enjoy all of the fun that comes with swimming and relaxing in their backyard without having to worry about copious amounts of pool maintenance. Why? Because, when compared to other pool types, the cost and effort of maintaining a fiberglass pool are much less.

While your new fiberglass pool might be easier to maintain, that doesn’t mean there is no maintenance involved. You will still want to work with a professional pool maintenance service to ensure your pool remains in its best shape. Some of the different maintenance a fiberglass pool may require includes:

Water Chemistry Maintenance – Regular testing and adjusting of your water’s chemistry are necessary to ensure everything is balanced correctly. Using a good test kit, you will be able to test the sanitizer, pH, and total alkalinity levels of your pool and then adjust accordingly to prolong the life of your equipment and keep your pool safe for swimming.

Fiberglass Cleaning – Regular brushing, skimming, and vacuuming will handle most of the routine cleaning maintenance your pool will require. It is crucial to remember that a fiberglass pool’s smooth, gel-coat surface requires less brushing and overall cleaning than other options.

Surface Maintenance – When you clean the water in your pool, don’t forget to also clean the surface. A sponge or soft rag with non-abrasive cleaner is usually all you need to remove all of the built-up body oils, suntan lotions, and other contaminants that can begin to gather around the pool wall.

Maintaining Water Level – To ensure optimal operation, you want to keep your pool’s water level in the center of the skimmer plate. This helps keep your skimmer optimized for performance and makes it easier to avoid potential swimming pool repairs.

You might be wondering if fiberglass shell pools in Missouri are able to handle saltwater. We’ve got great news for you—they are! A saltwater system is a great option that comes with a lot of benefits over a traditional chlorine pool, including being much gentler on your eyes and skin, leaving you feeling cleaner after a good swim, and giving the water a “clearer” and even “silkier” look and feel.

What is important to remember is that saltwater can be corrosive. That means you need to keep in mind what type of liner you are using—is it a vinyl liner, concrete, plaster—as well as where the metal parts and connections are to reduce potential damage. It is a good idea to discuss with your swimming pool builder if you are considering having a saltwater system installed. That way, they can guide you toward the options that will best help you avoid any of the few cons that come with this type of system.

However, with the right materials and equipment, you will find that your saltwater swimming pool will deliver a completely new, unique, and improved swimming experience for you, your family, and your friends to enjoy. Plus, with everything properly set up by a professional, you’ll find you’ll need less harsh chemicals and maintenance to keep your fiberglass pool just how you like it.

You want to be able to take a dip in refreshing water on a sweltering day. Start planning now for the perfect installation, and you’ll be ready to book your pool opening service in time for the summer heatwave. Knowing what pool to get depends on many factors, including a budget, yard size, and intended use. Consider the differences between concrete, vinyl, and fiberglass pools in Missouri, and settle on the one that works best for you.

Vinyl

A vinyl-lined pool is a middle-of-the-road option as far as cost, durability, and installation time. It’s not as expensive as concrete, but also not as permanent. It can suffer damage from errant pool toys, playful dogs, and sharp objects, but thicker liners can mitigate the risk.

Concrete

The most popular and expensive pool installation is concrete. Depending on the size and complexity, it can take weeks to months to install, but it’s there for good once complete. They can even be enlarged, rebuilt, and updated.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass pools are the most economical option and come in a wide range of sizes to suit your needs. They come prefabricated, so they are also the fastest installation, with some only taking three days from start to finish.

If you can’t decide, talk to a pool installation contractor. They’re experts in their field and can supply the guidance needed to bring your pool dreams to life.

Obviously, the smaller the pool, the less expensive the installation and maintenance. But the cost is not always the driving factor when deciding what pool material, size, and shape will work best for you. You need to determine your budget and then select the inground pool that is most appropriate for your purposes. There’s no sense in getting a pool too small to do laps if that is your intent.

Trust Your Local Swimming Pool Contractor

Knowing initial cost and maintenance expenses will go a long way toward finalizing your selection. Your best resource for helping determine a budget is a St. Louis County, MO, swimming pool contractor. They can assess your requirements, make suggestions for the best location, and provide details on materials like fiberglass, vinyl, and concrete.

Worth the Effort

Inground concrete pools are by far the most expensive option. The national average installation cost is around $35,000, with up to $5,000 in yearly maintenance and repairs. However, they are also the most permanent. With routine maintenance to keep them in good shape, they will provide years of service.

The Cost of Custom

The price of your pool will depend largely on the material, size, shape, and any custom features you request. In the end, the most cost-effective pool size is the one that works for your purposes. Put your trust in an experienced swimming pool builder, and you’ll get to enjoy endless entertainment and relaxation.

Most above-ground pools feature one of six different attachments that will need to be removed when you request a vinyl liner replacement in St. Louis, MO. To make sure you are ready for your upcoming pool liner replacement, our pool maintenance company has each of these standard attachments featured below so you can learn more about them and what they do.

Overlap Liner – Hanging over the sidewall, this liner is seen from the outside of your pool. Typically, they feature a repetitive pattern at the water level that helps to create a pleasing effect in your pool.

Regular Beaded Liner (Standard) – These liners have a bead built into the top of the liner that serves as an attachment. A bead receiver can be installed at the top of the pool wall during the installation, and the bead liner can then snap into it.

J-Hook Liner – Featuring a bead that is shaped like a hook, these liners are very similar to the regular beaded liner in that they are installed at the top of the pool wall. Unlike beaded liners, however, the j-hook is installed directly onto the wall without the need for a bead receiver.

Uni-Bead Liner – Equipped with a universal bead, this is a liner that works with both j-hook liners as well as regular bead (standard) liners. A few quick adjustments will make this liner work perfectly for your needs.

EZ-Bead Liner – Also known as the “multi-bead liner,” the EZ-bead is an improvement on the uni-bead liner. How? Because it is constructed to work with both j-hook and regular bead liners (standard) without any adjustments needed.

Johnny Weissmuller & Ester Williams Liner – These liners were explicitly made for older aluminum-style pools popular in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s.

There is nothing like stepping outside on a hot summer day and jumping into your very own pool. Not only does this impressive feature provide you with a quick way to cool off and have fun, but it is also great for exercising and improving the overall aesthetic of your backyard.

However, to ensure you are getting the results you want from this new addition, you are going to want to work with a skilled swimming pool contractor in St. Louis County, MO. How do you know you have found the right pool company for the job? Here are some top qualities to look for before you sign any contracts:

Experience – Experience is essential anytime you are hiring any type of contractor. This is especially true when it comes to swimming pool contractors. Why? Because—unlike some other types of buildings—swimming pool construction involves a specific set of skills and base knowledge that is best learned on the job. Simply put, there is no substitute for experience.

Solid References & Portfolio – Don’t just take the word of your contractor; see their work for yourself. The best contractors should either have a portfolio of past work that they can show you or a list of references that you can reach out to. If you are given references, make sure you follow up with them to hear what past clients have to say about the company and its work.

Insurance – Insurance is a must for any type of construction work. The contractor you work with should have both liability and workman’s comp insurance to ensure you are protected if any accidents or problems arise during the construction process. If the company you work with isn’t insured, you might find yourself on the other side of expensive medical or property damage bills.

Detailed Warranty – Your swimming pool is a significant financial investment that will bring you and your family joy for many years to come. That is why you want to make sure you are protected against future pool problems by only working with pool builders with detailed, comprehensive warranties on the pool you are having installed.

Get the answers you need about pool liners here. If you have any additional questions, contact our pool maintenance company.

What is a pool liner?

A pool liner is a layer of resilient vinyl or another syntenic material that helps protect the floor and walls of your pool and also helps prevent leaks. They are typically applied to in-ground and above-ground pools during the installation process, but they must be replaced eventually.

When should a pool liner be replaced?

With careful maintenance, you’ll only need pool liner replacement in Missouri every 12 years or so. However, this time frame varies based on weather conditions, the chemicals used, and other factors. If you notice your liner is significantly faded in certain areas, looks wrinkled, or you suspect a leak, you likely need to call a pool repair company for a replacement.

How thick should my pool liner be?

Most pool liners are about 20 mil thick. Thicker liners are more damage-resistant and last longer, but they are also more expensive. You should shop around to determine the best option for your pool.

Are dark or light pool liners better?

Dark and light liners each have advantages and disadvantages, so it is a matter of preference. Dark liners tend to keep your pool warmer and hide debris better, but any discoloration from sun exposure or chemicals will be more noticeable. Light liners keep your pool cooler and resist discoloration better, but debris will be more noticeable.

How do I find a reliable team for above-ground pool liner replacement near me?

Do your research, whether it’s online or by talking to your neighbors. Keep in mind that a good pool liner replacement company will have extensive experience working with a variety of different pool types. When you contact them, they should be able to answer any liner questions you have easily.

In Missouri, fiberglass pools are an increasingly popular choice among homeowners. Also known as “one-piece pools,” they are built from a factory mold and shipped to their location ready to be installed. While fiberglass is in their name, they are also made with several other materials to ensure their strength. There are four reasons why our swimming pool contractors recommend this option.

Quick Installation: Once your pool’s shell is made, installation is as quick as seven days—a relatively short period compared to other in-ground options. Plus, the installation process isn’t as dependent on the weather, meaning you’re less likely to encounter delays and other issues.

Durability: Fiberglass shell pools are remarkably strong and less likely to be damaged than vinyl pools. Many pool owners report their liner being punctured by everything from dog claws to children’s toys; you don’t need to concern yourself with things like this when you choose fiberglass.

Low Maintenance: These pools are virtually maintenance-free. Their smooth, less porous surface prevent algae accounts, and there is no need for liner replacement or resurfacing. You’ll spend less time caring for your pool and more time enjoying it.

Low Lifetime Cost: While a fiberglass pool can be a big investment, its overall lifetime cost is notably low due to its durability and low maintenance. Talk to a qualified installer for an estimate on your new pool and find out how much you will save over time.

As your pool ages, its surface becomes prone to damage. You may begin to notice stains, rough patches, and cracks that not only hurt the pride you have in your pool, but also may also take a toll on your home’s resale value if you’re thinking about moving. The good news is that Little Giant Pool & Spa is here to keep your swimming pool in top shape.

Our services include complete pool renovations in St. Charles County, MO. We are ready to take your call when you notice any of the following signs that your pool is due for resurfacing:

1. Stains – Certain chemicals, metals, natural debris, and algae can all leave stains that prematurely age your pool’s appearance.
2. Erosion marks – These will occur naturally over time as the water constantly moves along the pool’s surface; signs of erosion may mean you should consider pool renovation services.
3. Corroded Tile Grout – Over time, grout corrodes, and often this is due to poor installation. Whatever the cause, though, corroded gout can lead to tiles popping out of place.
4. Rough Spots – If there are spots that scuff your feet while you’re in your pool, that may indicate damage, improper installation, or a pH imbalance—all signs you may need to resurface.
5. Water Loss – When you have trouble keeping your pool filled to the right level, that means you have leaks caused by a damaged pool surface.

In swimming pools, the liner does an important job. Basically, this vinyl layer covers the structural surface to retain water and give a smooth, attractive finish. Pool liners will typically last for about 12 years. If you’ve had your pool for that long and haven’t replaced the liner, chances are you’re due for a replacement.

However, as with any material that is constantly exposed to harsh chemicals and ultraviolet light, vinyl liners can begin to deteriorate earlier than that. Little Giant Pool & Spa is here when you think you need swimming pool repairs in St. Louis County, MO. Since it is significantly less expensive to repair a liner rather than replace it, it’s always best to go for repairs whenever possible.

Liners that are only a few years old and have damage that is easy to spot are good candidates for repair. Whatever your case may be, here are signs that it’s time to repair or replace your pool liner:

1. Small Cracks and Holes – As vinyl deteriorates, cracks and holes may begin to appear. When you notice cracks, it’s time to call for swimming pool repair.
2. Fading and Stains – Vinyl with rust stains or fading due to sun exposure are strong indicators that the material is about to start breaking down and tearing.
3. Water Loss – Torn, damaged vinyl leads to water loss that makes it difficult to keep your pool filled to the proper level.