Custom Pools vs Fiberglass Pools: Which is Right For You?

September 15th, 2009

3 min read

I recently worked with a customer who was trying to decide between a concrete pool and a fiberglass pool. After doing quite a bit of research he told me that fiberglass, in terms of its longevity and low maintenance, would likely suit his needs the best. But when it came time for him to choose what type of pool he would go with, he didn't follow his gut instinct. In fact, when I asked him what his final decision was, he simply responded by saying, "I've decided to go with a custom pool."

"Say, what??" was the thought that went through my mind.

Yep, he was going with a 'Custom Pool'.

Heck, he didn't even say words like concrete or gunite or anything of that nature. The only thing he wanted to call it was a Custom Pool.

The experience reminded me of something I see on occasion in the swimming pool industry. Essentially, this gentleman was caught up in the linguistics of a good salesman.

What do I mean by this? Well, here are some of the best one-liners I hear from concrete/gunite pool salespersons:

"You really don't own a pool unless it's concrete."
"The only way you truly have a custom pool is if it's concrete."
"You don't possibly want a pre-fab pool, do you??"
"All your neighbors own concrete. Don't you think it would look odd if you went with a fiberglass pool?"

I'll stop with these, but believe me when I say I've heard hundreds of variations of such statements. But when it comes to a salesperson trying to convince a homeowner that fiberglass is not a 'custom pool', well, that's just plain ridiculous.

Now granted, with fiberglass you cannot change the size and shape of a particular design. This much is true.

But after having personally assisted over 2,000 customers who were trying to find a fiberglass pool to fit their needs, less than 10% of these consumers were unable to find a shape or size that didn't fit their needs and wants, especially with the fact that just about every fiberglass pool comes with multiple benches, ledges, seating, etc.

But let's also consider the other ways in which fiberglass pools can be customized:

They typically come in a variety of color finishes. In fact, their colors are much more vibrant than your standard concrete pool color finishes.
Tile can be used anywhere on a fiberglass pool. Whether it's on the waterline or inlays and mosaics in the steps and seats, tiles can completely change a fiberglass pool to fit an individual's likes and personality.
The same patios that are available for concrete/gunite pools are available with fiberglass. Whether it's stamped concrete, brick pavers, coping stones, flagstones, etc., all can be used to customize your fiberglass swimming pool.
Just like patio options, a fiberglass pool can be built with a huge array of water features. From simple deck-jets to natural waterfalls, all are available with a fiberglass pool.

Hopefully you can see my point here.

The fact is fiberglass pools are COMPLETELY CUSTOMIZABLE.

If this wasn't the case, and if fiberglass pools weren't the wave of the future in the swimming pool industry, such massive concrete pool companies as Anthony Sylvan Pools, which have notoriously spoken down regarding fiberglass, would not be now working so hard to sell and install fiberglass pools themselves.

So, I return to the original question:

"Custom vs Fiberglass Pools: Which is right for you?"

And I'll finish with this simple answer:

"That's a trick question, as the two are one and the same!"

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