Hot Trends in Cool Fiberglass Pools

Today, there are more reasons than ever for consumers to choose fiberglass pools over concrete or vinyl. These four trends are turning up the heat in the fiberglass pool market:

• More features for fiberglass pools. Today, more than ever before, homeowners can choose from a varied array of features, many of them high-end, that can add value and enhance their fiberglass pool experience. From mosaic tile designs (which stick more easily and solidly to fiberglass than concrete) to spillovers, color finishes, fiber optic lighting, LED lighting and waterfalls, fiberglass pool owners reap the benefits of industry leading-edge design and maintenance options. In fact, it is estimated that 90% of fiberglass pool installations include some form of water feature, with spillovers being the most popular choice.
• Consumer demographics are changing. Concrete pools once dominated the market, but recent industry buying patterns reveal that nearly 40% of second-time pool owners choose fiberglass pools. Apparently, after years of enduring the sometimes sharp surfaces and rough plaster finishes of gunite pools, people opt for the silky smooth finish only fiberglass pools deliver. Plus, fiberglass pools are easier to clean and maintain, leaving more time to actually enjoy your pool.
• Even long-time gunite and vinyl builders are now offering fiberglass pools. This trend falls squarely in the “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” category. After spending years defending the supposedly superior features and construction of their pools, gunite and vinyl dealers watched the rising sales of fiberglass pools and decided to pursue their slice of the fiberglass pool pie. While they are slow to recommend one material over another, once consumers state a preference for fiberglass, they will be quick to point out the advantageous features and construction of fiberglass pools.
• Choices in styles and finishes for fiberglass pools are increasing. Manufacturers have also seen the increase in fiberglass pool installations and are moving to draw even more people to fiberglass pools by offering wider selections of colors, and finishes. Why? Consumer demand for high-end features is on the rise. Fiberglass pool styles featuring vanishing-edge and overflow options are becoming more popular and therefore more numerous, as are non-traditional color choices such as bright yellow, deeper blues and faux granite finishes. As demand increases, manufacturers will offer even more of the high-end features and add-ons that complement the beauty and style of fiberglass pools.