Fiberglass Pool

Fiberglass Pools: History, Innovations, and Why They Might Be Right for You

Fiberglass pools have evolved significantly over the years, making them an increasingly popular choice for homeowners. In this blog, we’ll explore the history of fiberglass pools, how they’re made, the variety of designs available, and some of the latest innovations that set them apart. We hope this helps you learn more about fiberglass pools in general and, more specifically, about Thursday Pools!

The History of Fiberglass Pools

We’ll start telling the story of where Fiberglass started! We’ve mentioned it a bit in our Buyers

Guide here but we’ll take it a bit further! The story of fiberglass pools begins in the late 1950s when Bob Stark of Seattle adapted fiberglass technology from the boating industry to create a durable, one-piece pool shell. While he wasn’t the first to use fiberglass for pools, his expertise led to a design that would stand the test of time. Initially, these pools didn’t gain widespread popularity.

It wasn’t until the 1990s that fiberglass pools saw significant growth. Improved manufacturing techniques led to stronger, more durable products, and consumer demand for diverse shapes and sizes fueled innovation. Enhanced filtration, purification systems, and improved pool vacuums made fiberglass pools easier to maintain, increasing their appeal.

By the 2000s, fiberglass pool manufacturing had evolved further, introducing colored finishes, waterline tiles, poolside spas, and tanning ledges. These advancements transformed fiberglass pools from simple backyard installations into elegant, customizable retreats.

Today, fiberglass pools make up about 20% of the market, and their popularity continues to grow. The integration of safety features, creative steps, tanning ledges, and shallow wading areas—all built into a one-piece mold—has solidified their place as a top-tier option for residential pools.

How Fiberglass Pools Are Made

The strength and flexibility of fiberglass make it a widely used material in industries such as automotive, marine, and construction. The same qualities make it ideal for pools, allowing for innovative designs with safety ledges, benches, tanning ledges, sun shelves, and play areas.

Step-by-Step Manufacturing Process

1. Design & Engineering

   • Pool designs are created based on feedback from homeowners and builders.

   • A 3D software program generates the shape, size, depth, and features.

   • A CAD blueprint is finalized, ensuring compliance with safety standards.

2. Mold Construction

   • Expert craftsmen build the structure from wood on an I-beam steel framework.

   • A laser ensures level accuracy within a fraction of an inch.

   • Once the mold’s steel substructure is completed, it is removed and prepped with a specialized sealer to ensure a smooth gelcoat finish.

3. Pool Fabrication

   • The gelcoat finish is applied first, ensuring durability and a smooth surface.

   • A vinyl ester barrier coat follows, providing adhesion between the gelcoat and fiberglass layers.

   • Multiple layers of chopped and woven fiberglass, combined with resin, create incredible strength and durability.

4. Final Steps

   • The pool is cured, removed from the mold, and trimmed.

   • Final inspections include visual assessments and ultrasonic measurements to ensure proper thickness and weight.

   • Once approved, the pool is ready for delivery to your backyard!

Sizes, Shapes & Design Options

Fiberglass pools offer a wide range of design choices, ensuring that every backyard can have a pool that fits its aesthetic and functional needs. Whether you want a space for lounging, swimming, or playing water sports, there’s a fiberglass pool for you!

As you look over your options, great things to consider might be:

•  What might be the best fit for your backyard space?

•  What town restrictions might be regarding setbacks from property lines or your home?

•  How do you envision the pool being used most?

  • Swimming

  • Lounging

  • Kids play and fun

• What type of space might be utilized around the pool (which may affect the size of the

pool

• What type of seating, lounging or other features might be perfect for your pool?

  • Type of stair entry/ Beach Entry/ Deep end benches/Tanning Ledge or Sun shelf/Spillover spa / tanning ledge options

Size & Shape Options

• Small Plunge Pools: Under 10’ wide

• Mid-Size Pools: Up to 16’ wide

• Lengths: Ranging from 19’ to 40’ long

• Shapes:

  • Rectangular – Classic and modern appeal

  • Double Roman End – A rectangle with rounded bump-outs on both sides

  • Freeform/Curvy – Organic shapes for a natural look

    
    

For a closer look at fiberglass pool shapes, visit Mud Turtle Pools.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Pool

• Backyard space and town restrictions (setbacks, permits, etc.)

• Intended use (swimming, lounging, family fun, etc.)

• Surrounding area (seating, decking, landscaping)

• Entry and stair options:

  • Beach Entry

  • Deep End Benches

  • Tanning Ledges or Sun Shelves

• Additional features:

  • Spillover spa

  • Integrated spa

  • Water depth and slope options

  • Flat bottom vs. constant slope

Thursday Pools offers great “wet tour” videos showcasing different pool designs, helping you visualize water levels and depth preferences.

Innovations in Fiberglass Pools

The fiberglass pool industry has made incredible advancements, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.

Gelcoat Finishes

Early fiberglass pools were only available in standard white. The introduction of vibrant color options in the 2000s dramatically improved their visual appeal. Check out Thursday Pools’ color options.

Tanning Ledge Innovation

Tanning ledges are now a must-have feature, but they posed a challenge due to the traditional sloped design of fiberglass pools. Thursday Pools developed the Backfill Eliminator, which ensures proper support and prevents shifting or cracking. Learn more about this innovation here.

Lucky 7 Skimmer

Traditional pool skimmers were designed for flat walls, making them difficult to install on the 7-degree angled walls of fiberglass pools. Thursday Pools patented the Lucky 7 Skimmer, specifically designed to fit fiberglass pool walls seamlessly, improving both function and aesthetics. See it in action here.

Double O7 Skimmer

Taking innovation further, the Double O7 Skimmer was designed to match the round shapes of pool lights and return jets, making the overall pool installation look more cohesive. More details are available here.

These innovations demonstrate our commitment to quality, ensuring that every fiberglass pool we install meets the highest standards.

Final Thoughts

Fiberglass pools have come a long way since their inception over 70 years ago. With advancements in manufacturing, expanded design options, and continued innovation, they offer a durable, low-maintenance, and beautiful backyard retreat for families to enjoy.

Now all that’s left is to find the perfect model for you! We can’t wait to help you through this exciting process!