Embarking on the journey to install a beautiful, low-maintenance fiberglass pool in your Utah backyard is an exciting prospect. A swimming pool represents a significant investment in your home, your lifestyle, and your family’s future enjoyment. Unlike the lengthy and often disruptive installation of a gunite pool, fiberglass models offer a quicker, smoother, and more durable solution. However, the finished product—the quality, the longevity, and the overall experience—hinges almost entirely on one crucial decision: selecting the right manufacturer. Understanding the industry and knowing what separates the best fiberglass pool makers from the rest is paramount to making an informed choice that you won’t regret.
The fiberglass pool industry has grown substantially, offering an impressive array of shapes, sizes, and features. But this variety also means a wider range of quality. As a homeowner, you need to become an informed buyer, delving into the specifics of the pool shell, the company’s reputation, and the warranty that backs your investment. This is where your research must be thorough, precise, and focused on long-term value over short-term savings. After all, once the pool is in the ground, changing your mind isn’t an option. To ensure your dream pool is built to last a lifetime, we’ve compiled the five most critical factors you must scrutinize when evaluating fiberglass pool makers.
1. Fiberglass Pool Makers: The Manufacturing Process and Material Quality
The pool shell is the core of your investment, and its quality is directly tied to the manufacturer’s materials and methods. Not all fiberglass is created equal, and some companies cut corners to lower costs, which can lead to long-term issues like osmotic blistering, structural failure, or fading.
A high-quality fiberglass pool shell should utilize an advanced, multi-layer construction process. The most critical layers are the gelcoat and the barrier coat.
- The Gelcoat: This is the visible, final layer that gives the pool its color and smooth, non-porous surface. A high-grade, UV-resistant gelcoat is essential to prevent fading and to naturally resist algae growth, which drastically reduces your long-term maintenance time and chemical costs. Ask the manufacturer about the quality and testing of their gelcoat.
- The Vinyl Ester Resin Barrier: Directly beneath the gelcoat is the barrier coat, which must be made with 100% vinyl ester resin. This resin is chemically formulated to be highly water-resistant, protecting the underlying structural layers from moisture penetration. Water absorption is what causes the dreaded “osmotic blistering” on the pool’s surface. Reputable fiberglass pool makers use this costly, high-performance resin to ensure the shell’s longevity and structural integrity.
- Structural Reinforcement: The final layers are made of standard polyester resin and chopped fiberglass, but the pool’s critical stress points (such as where the benches and steps connect to the walls) should be reinforced with woven roving fiberglass matting or other high-strength materials. This prevents the shell from flexing or bowing after installation, especially in the variable soil conditions often found here in Utah.
Key Question to Ask: “Do you use a 100% vinyl ester resin barrier coat, and what is the total number of layers in your shell construction?”
2. Warranty Coverage and Fine Print
A warranty is not just a piece of paper; it’s a legally binding promise that the manufacturer stands behind the quality of their product. Given the 25+ year expected lifespan of a quality fiberglass pool, the warranty is one of the most important considerations.
You should look for two distinct types of coverage:
- Lifetime Structural Warranty: This is the industry standard for any top-tier fiberglass pool. It should guarantee the shell’s structural integrity for the entire pool life. A true lifetime warranty is non-prorated, meaning the coverage value does not decrease over time.
- Surface Warranty (Gelcoat): This covers the visible gelcoat surface against issues like osmotic blistering. While a structural warranty is often lifetime, the surface warranty is typically shorter, ranging from 5 to 10 or more years. The longer the surface warranty, the more confidence the manufacturer has in their gelcoat material and process.
The Fine Print is Crucial: Read the warranty documentation thoroughly. Look for exclusions that might void the warranty, such as using an unauthorized installer, improper winterization, or even the type of backfill material used during installation. A trustworthy manufacturer provides a clear, comprehensive warranty with minimal ways to void the coverage.
3. Industry Reputation of Fiberglass Pool Makers
In the pool industry, a company’s past performance is the best indicator of its future reliability. You are making a long-term investment, so you want to ensure the manufacturer will still be in business decades from now to honor the lifetime warranty they provide.
- Years in Business: How long has the company been manufacturing fiberglass pools? A manufacturer with decades of experience has weathered economic cycles, perfected its manufacturing process, and is likely financially stable.
- Dealer Network Vetting: Top-tier manufacturers are highly selective about who sells and installs their pools. They understand that a poor installation reflects negatively on their product. Find out if the manufacturer requires their dealers (like Utah Pool Construction) to be certified or specially trained in their specific installation methods. This speaks volumes about their commitment to quality from factory to backyard.
- Online Reviews and Industry Affiliations: Look for independent reviews of the manufacturer, not just the local installer. Are they consistently rated well for product quality, or do the same issues pop up repeatedly? You can also check if they are members of industry associations, such as the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), which often indicates adherence to higher industry standards. For a resource on pool ownership and maintenance, you might consult a helpful site like swimmingpool.com to learn more about basic pool care, which further proves the credibility of the company’s industry standing.
4. Innovation and Design Variety
The best fiberglass pool makers are not content to simply churn out the same molds year after year. They are constantly innovating and offering new features that improve usability, safety, and aesthetic appeal.
When you research, consider the following design innovations:
- Tanning Ledges/Baja Shelves: These expansive, shallow areas are incredibly popular for sunbathing, toddlers’ playtime, or relaxing with a book. A manufacturer offering a wide range of pool models with integrated tanning ledges shows they are in tune with modern homeowner desires.
- Integrated Spas and Water Features: Modern pools are often integrated into a larger backyard oasis. Look for shells that seamlessly incorporate spa areas, fountains, or waterfalls into the design.
- Variety of Shapes and Sizes: While fiberglass shells are built from fixed molds, the top manufacturers invest heavily in creating a diverse portfolio. Whether you need a small, sleek plunge pool for a compact urban yard or a large, rectangular design for lap swimming, the manufacturer should have a model that fits your unique needs and space constraints.
5. Transport Logistics and Site Preparation Requirements
This factor is particularly relevant in a state like Utah, where transportation distances and specific geographical considerations can complicate the process. A fiberglass pool shell is a massive, pre-fabricated item that must be shipped from the factory to your backyard.
- Shipping Experience: Ask the manufacturer about their experience shipping shells to your region. They should have a well-established logistics network to ensure the shell arrives safely and without damage.
- Dig Specifications: Every pool shell has a precise set of excavation specifications (often called a “dig sheet”). A quality manufacturer provides highly detailed, clear documentation that your chosen local installer (like us) will use to prepare your yard. Clear instructions minimize errors during site prep, which is vital for a smooth, swift installation.
- Support for the Installer: Does the manufacturer offer dedicated support or on-site consultation to their dealers during complex installations? A manufacturer that is fully invested in the success of the installation process, not just the sale of the shell, is a manufacturer you can trust.
Take the Plunge with Confidence
Selecting your fiberglass pool is an exciting first step, but choosing the right manufacturer is what ensures that excitement lasts for decades. By focusing on the quality of the materials, the strength of the warranty, the company’s reputation, their commitment to innovation, and their logistical support, you’ll be well-equipped to filter out the lesser options and select a manufacturer that will deliver a reliable, beautiful, and lasting product.
Ready to choose a high-quality fiberglass pool shell and have it installed by local experts? Contact Utah Pool Construction today for a free, personalized consultation. We partner with the industry’s leading fiberglass pool makers to ensure your new pool is a flawless, lasting addition to your home!