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Understanding Fiberglass Pools and Cold Weather

Fiberglass Pools in Missouri

If you are worried about how fiberglass pools handle Missouri winters, fear not. Fiberglass is one of the leading choices for pools across the nation because it is known for its versatility and strength. Your installation will easily sail through the winter when properly closed by an experienced pool company.

Structural Strength

Fiberglass doesn’t move much with fluctuations in heat and cold, making it the ideal choice for both inground and above-ground pools.

Chemical Stability

Fiberglass is a stable material, which means it doesn’t react to UV rays or pool chemicals and will maintain its integrity for years to come.

Material Strength

The high strength-to-weight ratio of fiberglass means it is resistant to damage and the wide temperature fluctuations of the seasons.

Flexibility

When you compare inground fiberglass pools to other materials, like concrete, it offers much more resilience when the ground shifts. You don’t need to worry about frost heave or pressure from the soil.

If you are concerned about how a fiberglass pool shell will stand up to the cold weather, speak to an experienced pool installation company. They will provide all the information needed to determine whether to choose one of the best ways to cool down during a summer heatwave.

Choosing the Best Month to Open Your Pool

Pool Opening Service in St. Charles County, MO

Every spring, pool owners ask themselves the same question: when should I open my pool?

The best time to schedule your pool opening service in St. Charles County, MO, is when the temperature is consistently above 70 degrees during the day. Although it may still be a bit cool to take a dip, there are good reasons to open your pool early:

Algae Growth

Algae growth can occur while your pool is still under wraps for winter. It can be challenging to get ahead of the growth if you leave your pool opening service to later in the season.

Mother Nature

Mother Nature sometimes decides to heat things up early, so it is nice when your pool is ready for action. If the temperatures rise, you will be ahead of the game and can spend extra time enjoying your fiberglass in-ground pool.

Pollen

Pollen causes all kinds of problems for uncirculated water. If you open your pool while the pollen is at its peak, you are less likely to discover a yellow lagoon in your yard.

Expense

Many pool owners believe that the earlier in the season you open your pool, the more it will cost you. However, the reality is that it doesn’t cost much more than waiting until later in the season.

Beauty

Fiberglass pools are an esthetic choice as well as a practical one for homeowners. There is nothing quite like enjoying an early-season barbeque at the poolside.

What Do I Need to Know to Install a Pool?

Swimming Pool Builders in St. Louis, MO

You’ve always dreamed of a pool to float your cares away on a hot summer day. Once you have a budget and a location, it’s time to start planning. Your first step is to call swimming pool builders in St. Louis, MO, to prepare for the process. They’ll provide the information needed to ensure a smooth operation so you can enjoy your pool as soon as the sun reaches its zenith.

Location

Although you want a large pool, you may have to adjust your goals if your yard can’t accommodate the dimensions. Consider the square footage of your space and select an appropriate pool size and shape.

Material

Pools are available in several materials, including concrete, vinyl, and fiberglass. Concrete pools may have the highest price tag, but they also last the longest.

Electrical

You’ll need an electrician who understands the codes and requirements for pools. Because you have a large volume of water in combination with electricity to run the pump and heater, it needs to be right.

Plumbing

Some swimming pool builders have an in-house plumber, but if they don’t, you’ll need someone who knows how to plumb a pool correctly.

Your pool is a permanent fixture that can add property value, elevate the esthetic of your yard, and enhance your summer. If you have all the information you need before committing, you’ll never regret the investment.

Are Concrete Pools Easier to Maintain?

Concrete Pools in Missouri

Perhaps you’re trying to decide between vinyl, fiberglass, or concrete pools in Missouri. Although you may have budgeted for the initial expense, you need to consider the ongoing costs of having a pool. While a concrete pool is a luxurious addition to your backyard, is it worth the maintenance required to ensure it stays looking great?

It’s important to understand that the upkeep of a concrete pool is along the same lines as its installation; it comes at a premium. But while the price tag far exceeds vinyl and fiberglass pools, you can’t beat the esthetic of a custom pool.

A Roster of Requirements

Concrete pools require more extensive ongoing maintenance, which includes:

Regular acid wash
Minimizing algae growth
Annual professional cleaning
Steel brushing weekly
Twice daily filter circulations
Refinishing
Closely monitored water chemistry

The Leading Choice

Despite the maintenance, concrete pools lead the way in permanent installations. They are an excellent investment, add incredible luxury to your yard, and are entirely customizable. If you prepare for the initial cost and know the service requirements, you will likely be far happier with concrete than settling for a fiberglass or vinyl pool.

However, if you’re unsure what installation will work best for you, talk to your local pool supplier about your options. No matter the material, your swimming pool is sure to be a popular destination for family, friends, and neighbors who want to take a relaxing dip.

How to Take Care of Your Fiberglass Swimming Pool

fiberglass pools in Missouri

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.

Is It Safe to Use Saltwater for your Fiberglass Shell Pools?

missouri fiberglass shell pools

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.

What Type of Pool is Best for You?

fiberglass pools in Missouri

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.

What is the Most Cost-Effective Pool Size & Shape?

swimming pool contractor in st louis county mo

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.

What Needs to be Removed During Vinyl Liner Replacement

Vinyl Liner Replacement in St. Louis, MO

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.

Top Qualities to Look for in a Swimming Pool Contractor in St. Louis County, MO

swimming pool contractor in st. louis county, mo

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.