Author: Ysabel Mano

Pool Pirates installs fiberglass swimming pools with precision and care. Discover how we turn your dream fiberglass pool into reality.

Step-by-step Fiberglass Pool Installation Process

It might appear to be a meticulously complex project, but our team of professionals are experts at fiberglass pool installations. At Pool Pirates, we follow an efficient process to ensure your fiberglass swimming pool is installed to the highest standards. Here’s how we do it:

1. Design and Layout

Transforming your backyard into a personal retreat starts with choosing the perfect pool design. Pentarm Pools offers a range of fiberglass pool models tailored to fit your style, space, and lifestyle needs. When you’re looking for treasure, only the best will do!

Once you’ve selected your ideal design, the installer will receive a detailed dig sheet and mark the outline with precise measurements to ensure a flawless fit. Make sure you remember to discuss the pool’s placement and landscaping preferences in advance, so every detail aligns with your vision. This is your oasis, after all!

Excavation (Aye, we dig the hole!)

Using an excavator to remove the grass and soil, the installer will reference the dig sheet to ensure the hole is being dug to the correct specifications. The installer will carefully excavate the area according to the dig sheet details, allowing extra space for plumbing and other necessary accessories.

3. Setting up the Base

Once excavation is complete, a layer of gravel is spread across the floor to create a solid base for the pool. Screed bars are installed to guide the slope, making the screeding process more precise. The gravel is then compacted to ensure a stable, level foundation for the pool.

4. Pool Placement

The fiberglass pool shell is precisely positioned to maintain balanced pressure inside and outside the pool. A crane is used to lift the pool into position. Once the pool is lowered into the hole, all levels are double-checked to confirm it’s perfectly aligned and ready for plumbing and backfilling.

7. Plumbing and Additional Treasures

The plumbing process begins with installing key components such as the skimmer box, deep-end suction fittings, and return fittings. PVC pipes are then connected from these fixtures to the pump and filter. The pump, filter, and optional salt system are installed following these steps.

To enhance your pool’s functionality and efficiency, we also offer a range of Hayward products that can be integrated into your system, such as advanced filtration solutions and energy-efficient pumps. With these additional features, your pool will run smoothly and stay clean with minimal effort.

6. Reinforcement and Concrete Filling

Backfilling involves carefully filling the space around the pool with gravel, ensuring the pool remains stable as the surrounding earth is returned. After the backfill is completed, reinforcing rebar is attached to the perimeter to add strength, and concrete is poured again around the pool.

This bond beam greatly enhances the pool’s strength and provides a stable foundation for the coping finish, which will be added in the next step. No one’s taking this treasure away from you!

7. Polish And Protect Your Bounty

The last step includes creating a polished surface around the pool and installing a coping (protective cap) along its edge. After the paver coping is in place, the final touches are added, including the decking, landscaping, and fencing. Don’t forget your pool accessories!

Pool Pirates ensures fiberglass pool installations are a smooth, expert-guided process from design to finishing touches. Starting with a customized layout and precise excavation, up until completion of the project with polished surfaces, coping, and optional features like energy-efficient pumps to transform your backyard into a personal oasis. With Pool Pirates, your dream pool is just a splash away—contact us today and let our crew bring your vision to life!

Step-by-Step Vinyl Pool Installation Process

At Pool Pirates, we follow a precise and detailed process to ensure your vinyl swimming pool is installed with the highest standards. Here’s how we bring your backyard vision to life:

1. Design and Planning

We start by designing a custom vinyl pool that suits your needs and space. From choosing the shape and size to selecting features like sun ledge entry, deck jets or a waterfall feature to lighting, and your vinyl liner’s color and pattern, we work with you every step of the way. View the Pentarm Pool Brochure to learn more.

2. Site Preparation and Excavation

When considering a pool location a few things we help you consider. The size and shape of your pool and how you intend to use your new space to entertain and enjoy with family and friends. How this new feature in your yard impacts the rest of your space and placement is paramount in the overall design.

After everything is considered we will mark out the pool area and excavate the exact dimensions needed for the pool while trying to minimize the impact to the surrounding area.

3. Pool Foundation and Concrete Base

Setting up the steel perimeter sides to the pool and setting the grade height to the customers’ vision of the yard profile will ensure the rest of the build is on track. We pour the concrete pool bottom, stairs and deepened side profiles in stages to provide a solid base for the pool structure ensuring that each phase of the build is built on a solid foundation.

4. Pool Plumbing

Afterwards, we’ll set up the plumbing around the pool’s perimeter, connecting it to the pump, chlorination and filtration system. Our partnership with Hayward ensures that your pool has top-of-the-line technology for seamless operation. Explore Hayward Materials and Brand Guides.

5. Vinyl Liner Base

We install the vinyl pool liner once the pool structure is in place. The vinyl lining pool is key to maintaining the pool’s waterproof integrity while offering a range of design options, from patterns to textures.

6. Pool Liner Installation

We will carefully position the liner in the pool, making sure it’s installed securely. Our team will then fill the pool with water, cut openings for lights, jets, and steps, and attach faceplates to properly secure the liner.

Final Checks and Pool Filling

We perform thorough quality checks to ensure every aspect of the vinyl pool construction meets our high standards. Once approved, we fill the pool with water and inspect the vinyl swimming pool liner for any issues.

Do Fiberglass pools crack easily?

The great news is that fiberglass’s durability and flexibility make it highly resistant to cracks causing structural damage to the pool. While fiberglass pools are known for being durable and resistant to damage, it is still possible for the shell to develop cracks. However, regular maintenance and proper care can minimize this risk, extending the pool’s lifespan.

Pool Pirates, offers regular maintenance services to ensure your pool stays in top condition. Contact Pool Pirates to learn moreContact Pool Pirates to learn moreContact Pool Pirates to learn more.

What is better, a vinyl or fiberglass pool?

Fiberglass pools are a popular choice for modern pools since it is more cost-effective taking less time to set up compared to vinyl liner pools. They also require little to no long-term investment, as the material doesn’t wear out or need replacing. However, fiberglass pools offer fewer design options, which can limit customization for those looking to incorporate a specific landscape design with a pool.

On the other hand, vinyl liner pools can accommodate a wider variety of shapes and sizes, providing more flexibility in design. Despite this advantage, they take longer to install and require more labor. Additionally, vinyl liners need to be replaced every 8-12 years, which leads to higher long-term costs compared to fiberglass pools.

Is saltwater good for fiberglass pool?

Each pool type has its unique requirements, so understanding what’s safe to use in your water is essential. The great news is that fiberglass pools are well-suited for saltwater systems. Additionally, because salt acts as a milder water cleanser, it reduces the likelihood of skin irritation, offering a more comfortable swimming experience.

To enhance your pool further, explore our heating and salt chlorination products for optimal water care and comfort. Explore our Accessories and SuppliesExplore our Accessories and SuppliesExplore our Accessories and Supplies.

What is behind a vinyl pool liner?

Underneath the vinyl liner is the pool base, an essential element that influences both the pool’s durability and comfort, constructed from concrete. The choice of material significantly affects the smoothness of the surface and the overall stability of the inground pool.

In contrast, fiberglass pools feature a solid shell that provides inherent strength and flexibility. The fiberglass structure not only ensures a smoother surface for added comfort but also enhances the pool’s longevity by minimizing the risk of cracks and leaks, making it a robust option for any backyard pool and spa.

Are fiberglass pools too slippery?

With smoothness being associated with being slippery, as resounding as it sounds, fiberglass pools are not slippery. Its reason is behind its coating. The gel coat finish of a fiberglass pool offers an excellent blend of non-skid texture and a super smooth surface, making it safe for entering and exiting the pool. This finish is not only gentle on your feet but also minimizes wear and tear on swimsuits.