Shopping for a fiberglass pool? You’re probably swimming in options—shapes, finishes, pricing, timelines.
But before the first piece of equipment hits your yard, there are a number of important planning and construction details that most homeowners don’t learn until they’re in the middle of the process—or even after it’s over.
This article is here to help you stay ahead of the curve.
Whether you’re just starting to research or you’ve already chosen a builder, these 26 tips will help you ask the right questions, understand what to expect, and set your project up for success from day one.
Plumbing, Equipment, and Electrical Know-How
1. Electrical costs can vary widely depending on location.
Most builders include a basic allowance for electrical work—usually in the $1,000–$4,000 range—based on a typical setup near your home’s existing electrical panel. However, if you want your pump and filter system placed farther away, additional costs may apply.
The farther the distance (or “run”) from your electrical panel to the equipment pad, the more labor, trenching, and materials will be needed. Be sure to ask your builder what length of electrical run is included in your project scope and what the cost will be for any extra footage beyond that standard.
2. Filter systems are designed for outdoor use.
No need to build a shed around your pump and filter—they’re made to handle the elements.
3. Your equipment doesn’t need to sit right next to the pool.
In most cases, placing the system within 5–60 feet of the pool works just fine. Here's a deeper dive on filter system location.
4. Most contractors use a plastic equipment pad—not poured concrete.
This is common and totally fine unless your build has special requirements.
5. Understand the term "bonding"—it’s crucial.
Bonding ensures all metal components and water around the pool are at the same electrical potential—critical for swimmer safety. Check out this bonding guide.
6. What gets bonded?
Rails, ladders, metal lights, water, and even some fences. It’s all about reducing shock risk.
7. You’ll need a power outlet near the pool—usually 10–20 ft away.
It’s a safety code requirement. Plan ahead so your builder includes it in the layout.
Decking, Coping, and Patio Options
8. Concrete cracks—count on it.
Contractors use control joints to guide where it cracks, but unexpected shrinkage cracks still happen. Explore pros and cons of concrete pool decks.
9. Most fiberglass pools use cantilevered concrete coping.
It looks great and is budget-friendly—but it’s tricky to get right. Choose an experienced concrete finisher.
10. Want pavers? Use concrete coping and butt pavers to it.
This method offers solid support, keeps costs down, and looks clean. See more affordable pool upgrades here.
11. Stamped concrete can vary in color.
If your patio requires multiple concrete deliveries, there may be slight color inconsistencies—especially with darker shades.
12. Use a non-slip additive with stamped concrete.
Otherwise, it can get slippery when wet. The additive keeps things safe and swimmer-friendly. Or opt to go with textured concrete, which is pattern stamped into concrete without dyes. This offers an upgraded look to poured concrete without the need for dyes or sealers.
13. Lighter patio colors stay cooler on your feet.
It’s not just about aesthetics—lighter pavers or concrete actually stay cooler in direct sunlight. When barefoot around your pool, this makes a noticeable difference. Want proof?
Excavation and Yard Realities
14. How is your builder getting access to the site?
Most contractors don’t remove or replace fences. Talk about access upfront.
15. Brace yourself: your yard will take a beating.
This is one of the most overlooked realities of pool construction. Even the most careful crew can’t avoid tearing up grass, compacting soil, or leaving ruts in your yard during excavation and installation. The good news? Grass grows back, and many builders include basic grading or reseeding as part of the cleanup. Still, it’s smart to plan ahead for yard restoration—and budget accordingly.
16. What will you do with the dirt?
A standard fiberglass pool excavation generates tons of dirt—literally. Unless you have plans to regrade or fill low spots in your yard, most of it needs to be hauled off. Some contractors include this in their base price, while others charge extra for dump fees and trucking. Ask early, and don’t assume “cleanup” includes dirt removal unless it’s spelled out.
17. Don’t assume your yard is level.
Get elevations measured before installation. A 3-foot slope could mean needing a retaining wall—and several thousand dollars more.
18. Avoid flexible PVC around your pool.
The best installers recommend rigid PVC. Flex pipe is more prone to collapse or failure over time.
Permits, Safety, and Code Considerations
19. Know your local fence laws.
Most require gates that swing outward, self-close, and self-latch. Also, check spacing between pickets, distance from the ground, and alarm rules for doors opening into the pool area.
20. Metal fencing within 5 feet of the water must be bonded.
This is a safety code requirement that often gets missed. If you’re using aluminum or steel fencing—and it’s within 5 feet of the water—it needs to be electrically bonded to the pool system. Why? To prevent electrical differences between metal and water that could lead to shock. If you want to avoid the hassle (and cost), use a non-metal fence material or position it farther away.
21. Pressure test your plumbing.
Leaks are preventable. A good builder will test before backfilling. See the installation methods preferred by builders and taught by the industry.
22. You need a dewatering pipe.
This inexpensive addition allows you to relieve groundwater pressure if the pool ever needs to be drained. See more about the dewatering pipe here.
23. Backfill with gravel, not sand.
While some builders use sand to save time or cost, gravel is recommended and taught in industry installation courses. It compacts more consistently, drains better, and helps prevent settling that can damage your pool or deck over time. Ask your builder what material they plan to use—and why.
24. If trucks will use your driveway, expect possible damage.
Fiberglass pool installations require heavy machinery—excavators, concrete trucks, delivery rigs—and most of it isn’t kind to residential driveways. If your project calls for using the driveway as an access lane or staging area, ask your builder about potential damage and if it may be preventable. If your driveway is paved or poured concrete, you should consider damage unavoidable.
25. Reputable builders will pull permits and locate utilities.
Make sure these basics are part of the process before breaking ground.
Practical Expectations & Pro Tips
26. Your pool will hold 1,000's of gallons.
Each gallon is an opportunity for relaxation, laughter, and memories. Enjoy every drop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the most overlooked part of pool planning?
Site prep. Many homeowners assume their yard is level and accessible when it’s not. Elevation and access surprises can quickly impact budget and timeline. Learn about what you can do to prepare to meet with your builder.
Why is gravel backfill better than sand?
Gravel compacts more effectively and drains better, reducing risk of settlement or movement. Learn more about proper fiberglass pool backfill here.
Is bonding really that important?
Yes—bonding protects swimmers from electrical shock. Here’s a full guide to pool bonding and why it matters.
Can I pour stamped concrete around my pool?
Yes, but use a skid-resistant additive in the sealer to keep it safe. Consider color matching challenges if your patio requires more than one concrete truck.
Should I prepare anything before installation starts?
Yes—fence removal, utility location, site access, and dirt removal plans should be discussed ahead of time. See our full fiberglass pool preparation checklist here.
From the Author: Jason Hughes
After more than 20 years installing fiberglass pools, I can tell you—some of the biggest surprises for homeowners don’t happen during the dig, but before it even starts. Things like electrical runs, backfill choices, even how much dirt comes out of the hole—these are real conversations that happen on real job sites.
I put this list together so you don’t have to learn the hard way. Whether you’re weeks away from installation or just starting to explore, I hope this gives you a solid head start. You deserve to go into this process informed, confident, and excited for what’s ahead.
From the Manufacturer: River Pools
At River Pools, we manufacture fiberglass pool shells—but our hope is that your project goes smoothly from start to finish. We talk with builders across the country every day, and we hear where things go right… and where things go sideways.
That’s why we partnered with Jason to bring you this list. These aren’t fluff tips—they’re the small details that can make a big difference. And while we can’t install your pool ourselves, we’re here to help you ask better questions, understand what to expect, and feel great about your decision to choose fiberglass.
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