A fiberglass pool offers a lot of advantages over other types of pools, but price isn’t one of them. True, fiberglass is durable and algae resistant, and this will save you money over time. But if you’re looking for cheap fiberglass pools, you might be disappointed by the price quotes you receive from pool builders. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the cost if you’re willing to be flexible.
One thing you shouldn’t do is buy a cut-rate fiberglass shell, or skimp on other materials. A low quality pool shell can bulge or crack in a few years or less, costing you thousands to repair or replace. But maybe even more important, don’t try to save money by hiring a sketchy pool contractor to do the job. This will jeopardize the project and almost certainly cost you more in the long run.
Here are some legit ways to save money on a fiberglass pools. Most of these tips apply equally well to inground pools in general – but hey, if it works, it works.
1. Get a small fiberglass pool
Size is the main factor that determines pool cost. If you can live with a smaller pool, you will save a significant amount of money – both on the shell itself and on the labor required to install it. While this may seem like a downgrade at first, there’s an upside, too – you may someday appreciate having the extra room in your yard.
2. Do it yourself
Fiberglass pools are comparatively easy to install, and there are fiberglass pool kits that include all of the parts you need to get it done. You’ll still likely have to contract out the plumbing and electrical work, but if you can do most of the other work yourself, you will enjoy massive savings. But even if you don’t feel up to doing it all yourself, you could at least do some of the grunt work to reduce labor costs. Another possibility is to buy a fiberglass pool kit and then hire a general handyman to install it (much cheaper than hiring a pool builder).
3. Cut down on extras
Accessories and extras, while not always included in the price quotes you get from contractors, can add up to a lot of money. You shouldn’t sacrifice features that are essential to your enjoyment of the new pool, but keeping a leash on your impulse to “add on” can save you some cash.
4. Install it during the offseason
Most people want their pools installed during the summer, and that means more competition for the services of pool contractors. You’re much more likely to get a deal if you install during the offseason. Depending on where you live, the weather may not be ideal for a pool installation in winter (frozen ground) or spring (wet ground). However, fall is often a great time. In addition to potentially getting a discount from the pool builder, installing during the offseason also reduces the disruption to your backyard at the time when you most want to use it.
If in the end your search for cheap fiberglass pools comes up empty – in other words, if you can’t find something you can afford – it might be time to consider some of the other options. Vinyl pools are more affordable than fiberglass, and the decorative liners can be really attractive. Above ground and semi inground pools can also look great, especially when complemented with a wraparound deck. There’s a swimming pool out there for everyone – it just takes a little hunting to find it sometimes.
Hi. I purchased a home that had a fiberglass pool already installed. Its been two(2) years later and the pool is starting to show wear, that has not been there before; white-ish discharge and stain to skin when pool wall is touched, small bubbling in certain spots and small cracks. I was told by a few lay-people ( without visual inspection), that I probably need to have it resurfaced. Others said that my “gel coat” should be re-applied. Other than the afore-mentioned problems, the pool is fine. What can I do to bring it up to 5 star status, without mauling my wallet.