
Topics:
June 10th, 2010
2 min read
Although there are certainly quite a few myths out there regarding the drawbacks of fiberglass pools, one of the most amusing has to do with its ability to deal with adverse soil conditions. For example, just the other day, I had a lady ask me this question after she had sat down with a concrete pool salesman.
"So I hear fiberglass pools do not work well with shrink-swell soil conditions. Is that the case?"
At first, I could only smile, as it always amuses me to see the extent some swimming pool ‘experts' will go to introduce fear in the minds of consumers in an effort to push them one way or another.
But my answer to this lady was just like it is to anyone that poses such a question: "What do you think?"
The lady thought for a second and then retorted, "I would think fiberglass would be perfect for such a situation."
I smiled at her answer, knowing that common sense had again won over befuddling sales tactics.
You see, when someone actually considers the well known flex-strength of fiberglass, and then stacks it up against the utter inflexibility of concrete, it becomes quite apparent that fiberglass pools are perfectly ideal for adverse soil conditions—especially shrink-swell.
This rule of thumb also applies to just about any other soil type, whether it is sand, rock, or clay. Simply put, fiberglass pools are incredibly adaptive to their environment and are therefore the most versatile pool in the world when it comes to soil conditions.
Now some reading this blog may say that I'm being biased. But for those of you that read the information found herein on a regular basis, you're already well aware of the fact that the purpose of this blog is to bring to light the good, the bad, and the ugly of all types of swimming pools, with a particular focus on fiberglass.
So even though fiberglass does have its own set of drawbacks (size/shapes limits), please don't let soil types be one of them. In fact, the next time you hear a concrete or vinyl pool sales person use this false analysis you can then be rest assured the individual is either a) pretty clueless regarding swimming pools or b) trying to pull the wool over your eyes.
Until the next time...as always...happy swimming.
At River Pools, we manufacture world-class fiberglass pools for customers across North America. If you're interested in getting a fiberglass pool for your home, you can browse our catalog of models, try out our pool pricing calculator, or request custom pricing using the button below.
Up Next:
Fiberglass Swimming Pools 101: Manufacturing, Cost, and More
Topics:
River Pools® manufactures fiberglass pool shells and does not install pools. Pools are installed by locally owned and operated dealers and franchisees. The relationship between the dealers and franchisees to River Pools® is that of an independent contractor. River Pools Franchising LLC (Franchising) provides independently owned and operated River Pool franchisees with the right to market the River Pools brand of pool shells as a franchisee. Franchising does not manufacture pool shells. Due to the unprecedented and historic growth of the River Pools brand, this website contains an abundance of information that has been created over the last decade. Some of the content on this site may reflect prices, perspectives, processes, entities, and names that were relevant at the time but may not be as relevant today.
Consumers should consult their local installer (independent dealer or franchisee) for the most accurate and updated information based on the unique conditions of their property. Consumers should verify specifications with the installing dealer rather than relying on the information on this website, which is not intended to be a final specification.