Fibreglass pools have a lot going for them. They’re cost effective, flexible and strong, far easier and faster to install than other types of inground pools, cheaper to repair (in the unlikely event you ever need to repair one) and their nice smooth surface feels great on everyone’s feet. Yet in spite of all that folks are still prone to making a few common errors when buying and installing their new fibreglass pool.
Installation of Fibreglass Pools Made Easy by Avoiding These Mistakes
Fibreglass pool installation mistakes fall into two categories: those having to do with the selection of a contractor and those having to do with the mechanics of the installation. Below we’ll share 2 or 3 from each category, contractor first:
- Failing to Ask for References – Some homeowners will be so bowled over by a slick sales pitch they’ll forego the need to check references. Sometimes they won’t even ask for them never mind check them. This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Insist on references (plural) and follow up on each one. If the contractor is pressuring you to make a decision now, give him what he wants: say, “No thanks” and call the next contractor.
- Choosing a Contractor By Price – When someone waves a ‘too good to be true’ price in front of you it can be hard to resist. But if it seems too good to be true, it probably is, and so you should take a pass, as difficult as it may be to do. Remember, if the price is substantially lower than everyone else’s price, the contractor will have to cut corners somewhere in order to make ends meet. Do you really want them cutting corners on your pool installation?
Here are some common problems arising from a poor quality pool installation; the kind that happens when you don’t check references or choose a contractor based on price alone:
- Failure to Pressure Test the Plumbing – This step is necessary to ensure there are no leaks in the plumbing before the deck is installed. Failure to conduct a pressure test can result in having to dig up the decking/stonework around the pool later on once the leaks have made themselves known through subsidence or worse, a pool failure.
- Inadequate Support for the Steps – Fibreglass pools are renowned for their step and bench design features that make entering/exiting and resting if you’ve overexerted yourself a breeze. However if, during the pool installation, not enough attention was paid to supporting these step and bench features, you’re likely to have saggy steps and bowed benches on your hands pretty quickly.
- Levelling with Dirt – If your yard is a bit uneven to begin with it might be tempting to level out the patio area around the installed pool using dirt. The fact is though that most dirt simply can’t be adequately compacted to provide a sufficient base for the beautiful stonework you’re going to surround your pool with. It will eventually settle and so will your pool patio.
Call a Firm That Will NEVER Make These Mistakes: Seabreeze Pools
Seabreeze Pools are the Toronto area’s premier swimming pool design and installation company with a diverse and extensive portfolio of satisfied clients. Every one of our installations is conducted with the thoroughness and attention to detail you’d expect from an industry leader and we pride ourselves on always getting the job done right the first time.
Call us on 416-238-9703 to discuss your fibreglass pool installation questions or to receive a free quotation. We’ve helped hundreds of Toronto area residents realize their inground pool dreams and we can do the same for you. Call us today to learn more.