The good and very bad experiences of the fiberglass pool

Monocoque fiberglass pool: what you need to know before buying

Competitive price, quick installation, modern look: the fiber pool is attracting more and more owners. But not all pools are created equal. Some design mistakes can have costly consequences.

Over the past ten years, the Monocoque fiberglass pool has become very popular and new manufacturers have emerged.

The democratization is not necessarily a guarantee of improved quality. Instead, it paved the way for inexpensive products at the expense of sustainability. A well-designed fiberglass pool shell can last over 30 years.

Détecto, which evaluates over 500 pools per year, has seen deformed pools after only a few years of use. We have accompanied numerous owners before the courts in order to assert their rights. Time and again, our expertise and professional relationships have made it possible to clearly establish accountability before judges.

Poor design was then most often at the heart of the problem. For example, it is not normal for a pool manufacturer to ask you to install “restraint bars” during the winter. This is an indication that the shell does not know how to withstand the changes in the soil that are inherent in the Quebec climate.

Formerly, the manufacturer always installed its basins himself. Nowadays, many offer a “self-construction” formula: the customer finds and contracts a contractor who will put the basin in the ground.

While this can sometimes lead to savings at the start, that's not always the case in the long run. In the event of a problem, once the work is shared between 2 teams, their responsibility can be extremely difficult to establish — everyone will throw the ball at each other!

In conclusion, do your research before buying a fiber pull — price is not the only factor to consider; the history of the company and the design are the ones that will help you make the right choice.

At Détecto, our expertise in pool inspection has been built over the past 30 years. With more than 15,000 pools inspected, our team brings a sharp eye and an accurate assessment of your pool’s true condition.

Our neutrality is what truly sets us apart. We do not sell pools or equipment, which allows us to provide objective evaluations and tailored recommendations — with no conflict of interest.

Whatever your situation, do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to help you better understand your pool and make informed decisions.