By Josh Savile and Mike Fox
Fibreglass pools are one of the fastest growing segments of the industry, comprising an estimated 15 per cent of the overall inground pool construction market in North America. Further, it is anticipated this market share will continue its rapid growth over the next several years as consumers are becoming more aware and educated about the different types of pools and their various benefits.
One particular advantage of fibreglass pools is their one-piece construction, which results in a much shorter installation time and less disruption to the homeowner. Another reason is the high quality materials used in today’s fibreglass products, which allow these pools to withstand Canada’s harsh winter environments, as their flexural strength helps to prevent the structure from cracking during freeze-thaw cycles. Additionally, these pools do not need to be acid washed or replastered, and there is no vinyl liner that will eventually need to be replaced.
In these authors’ findings, the cost/time of maintenance is frequently the number one objection homeowners have with respect to pool ownership. However, by comparison, fibreglass pools require the least amount of maintenance when it comes to water chemistry and surface maintenance. As fibreglass is non-porous, algae buildup—and the cost of controlling it—are much less of a problem. Over the course of a decade, the estimated cost of maintaining a fibreglass pool is less than one quarter of other pools.
The evolution of fibreglass pool installation in Canada
Savile Pool & Spa, a Stratford, Ont.-based pool builder with more than 45 years’ experience, is one company that has witnessed a lot of changes in the industry. While the company continues to install vinyl-lined pools, one of the most significant changes it has seen in recent years is the growth in popularity of fibreglass.
That said, to accommodate a growing customer base who is inquiring about these pools—especially those with smaller backyards and limited site access—Savile has had to come up with some innovative techniques for completing fibreglass pool projects in some increasingly challenging environments and terrain. In fact, one of these difficult projects earned the company a Design & Construction Award from the Pool & Hot Tub Council of Canada (PHTCC). This article will take readers through the design and construction challenges Savile Pool & Spa faced and how its installation team was able to overcome them.
