Depending on the size of the pool and the dig site, it takes about 3–6 weeks to fully install a fiberglass pool, including finishing the patio and landscaping. Compare that to 4–8 weeks for vinyl liner pools and 3–6 months for inground concrete pools.

Inground pools come in all shapes and sizes, but there are only 3 types of pools:

• Fiberglass pools: Alaglas pools are sturdy fiberglass—prefabricated and installed at your home as-is. We have lots of designs and sizes, and of course, you can fully customize your patio, features, and landscaping. They’re relatively quick to install, and they’re more affordable and easier to maintain than other types.
• Concrete pools: Concrete pools can be designed in any shape or size, and one could argue they’re the most “luxurious,” but they are much more expensive to install, run, and maintain.
• Vinyl liner pools: The least expensive pool to build, vinyl pool pools are also more customizable than fiberglass. However, the vinyl lining is prone to damage and needs replacing every 7 years or so, which adds to the cost significantly over time.

It depends on who’s using it and what they want to do with it

• Looking to lounge in a sunchair on your beautiful patio with a drink, or maybe float around with a drink to cool off? You don’t need a large or deep pool for that.
• Is your new backyard oasis going to be the new neighborhood party spot? You can either go with a larger pool if you anticipate lots of swimming or a smaller pool for more patio and grilling room.
• Got kids who want to splash about all day long? Go with a medium-to-large pool with shallow and deeper ends, which gives you the option for all sorts of water activities.
• Are you looking to swim laps and stay in shape? Go with a longer, thinner pool if you want to save space—just make sure it’s deep enough if you need to practice your flip turns too.

No matter what you want to do, Alaglas has the perfect fiberglass pool design and size for you.

Check out our collection of unique fiberglass pool designs—we have something for everyone!

Maintaining a fiberglass pool is probably a lot cheaper than you think. It only costs about $375 in yearly maintenance—including chemicals and utility costs. Compare that to $2,750 for concrete and $1,300 for vinyl.

If you’re running a heat pump or other add-on features, you may need to repair or replace those every few years or so.

Though we’re blessed with good weather most of the year, some South Carolinians choose to close their pools for the cooler months. If that’s the case, you’ll want to get your pool ready for swimming season every year by completing the following in the Spring:

• Drain your pool 6” (never drain it completely without talking to us first), and use a non-abrasive cleaner like 409 and a soft sponge to clean your pool walls
• Skim your pool for any debris then vacuum the bottom to catch anything that dropped to the floor. Also, check your filters to make sure they’re clean.
• Get your chemicals balanced correctly:
• pH level:2–7.6
• Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
• Chlorine residual:0–3.0 ppm
• Calcium hardness: 200 – 400 ppm
• Cyanuric acid: 30–60 ppm
• Metals: 0 ppm

For more in-depth information, check out our blog here!

If you’re living in a colder climate and worry about freezing, you should close your pool for the year once it gets too cold to regularly use. Make sure you any and all of these applicable steps:

• Skim and vacuum your pool and thoroughly clean out your filters.
• Balance your chemicals as follows: 
• pH level:2–7.6
• Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
• Chlorine residual:0–3.0 ppm
• Calcium hardness: 200 – 400 ppm
• Cyanuric acid: 30–60 ppm
• Metals: 0 ppm
• Alternatively, you can buy a special winterizing kit for a one-shot chemical kill.
• If you experience freezing temperatures, drain any pumps, heaters, and pipes of water. Freezing water can damage equipment and burst pipes.
• Get a good seasonal cover for your pool. In areas with regular freezing and snow, a special winter cover will better protect your pool.

Check out this blog about winterizing your pool for more information!