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Swimming Pool Extras That Won’t Break The Bank

Swimming Pool Extras That Won’t Break The Bank

Sometimes a swimming pool just isn’t enough. There may come a time when you want to add accessories to your pool. Today there are hundreds of accessories available that you can purchase to enhance your swimming pool fun. Pool owners buy these accessories for different reasons. Some reasons may include, accessories to improve cleanliness, safety, functionality, games and others which enhance the design or creativity of the pool’s layout.

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How to Choose the Right Swimming Pool Size for Your Family and Your Home

How to Choose the Right Swimming Pool Size for Your Family and Your Home

A swimming pool installation project requires many considerations. These considerations, among many others, include size, shape, and the materials necessary to build your outdoor living project. These are important when outlining the components of your pool. There are many sizes of pools and with certain types of pool construction methods you really have no limitations to what kind of sizes your pool could be. The most important considerations are the cost, who will build your project, the design and the location of where your pool will be placed in the ground. In this blog post, we will evaluate what size of pool to choose when building your backyard oasis. We will also provide you with a few smart tips to consider when looking at a swimming pool size for your backyard.
a tape measure up close
the best pool size for your yard
a woman in a red bikini sunbathing in her pool on a raft

What is your purpose for a pool?

Seems like an easy enough question, but when you delve deeper you may decide that you need a swimming pool in your backyard for many reasons. Constructing a swimming pool doesn’t just happen because you want one. In most cases you have an initial reason why you are having a swimming pool installed. So, it’s important to review all the options a swimming pool can offer you and your family and then from there determine the right size pool for your yard. Here are some ideas to consider: A. For recreational purposes, pools must have a shallow and, in some cases, a deep end. The shallow end is safe for children while the deep end can be used by older or more experienced swimmers. This is important as you could expect that a person of any age could be utilizing the pool. It’s recommended having a depth fewer than six feet to meet most pool needs.
  • For a family of six to eight people, an 18 foot by 36-foot pool is recommended. This should be sufficient to avoid crowding and allow for the playing of games. Rectangle shaped pools look best for this size. Want to see a great model in this size range? See the Grande.
  • For a family of less than six, a 16 foot by 32 foot would be a little more compatible. This size would allow for swimming and casual relaxation while staying cool in the pool. Kidney, free form, or bean-shaped pools work best for this pool size. The Coral Sea and Oyster are good options for this size range.
  • For smaller backyard foot prints, you will be looking for a pool that offers the ability to just chill and relax. For that kind of pool, you will be looking for a size that’s under the 14-foot by 25-foot size range. You can get a lot of versatility from smaller pools and they take up a much smaller space, which is perfect if you have a smaller backyard to work with. The Outback EscapeMilano and Pixie are good fiberglass pool models in this size range.
B. Swimming laps for regular exercise, this type of pool size should be a rectangular shaped pool. We recommend a minimum of 30 feet in length to provide enough space for lap swimming and exercise. The swim lane is important, but so is the depth and other features. The Coral Sea and Whitsunday offer wide swim lanes for swimming laps. C. For competitive and athletic swimmers, pool depths should be more than your height and you should have a pool that allows you to practice complete strokes so that you can maximize your efforts. We have two pool models that are 40-foot in length and these pools are also great for entertaining. See all of our pool models here.

How Big is your Living Space?

Not all pool needs are the same and not all backyards are of a standard size. So, the space you must work with in your backyard will dictate the pool size you can install and any other design features you will want to integrate. Nonetheless, not all houses have large outdoor spaces to accommodate wide-ranging pool sizes. Thus, it’s important to maximize the use of your living space when designing your swimming pool project. Because we offer a wide range of pool sizes you will be able to optimize your project accordingly.

How often you will use your fiberglass pool?

Another factor to consider is the frequency of usage. This will have an impact on the amount of pool maintenance your pool will need. Humans, pets, insects and other debris can make your pool unusable, so it’s important to consider maintenance when determining the right pool size for your needs. An in-ground fiberglass swimming pool will provide you with longevity and stability. Using strong and secure materials such as fiberglass rather than concrete will help insure you get the most from your pool while minimizing your pool maintenance efforts.

What kind of budget do you have to work with? Do you need financing?

Long-term financial planning is often an important part when considering the size of your pool project. Pools cost money to install, operate and maintain, so there is no magic number when determining how to plan for maintaining you pool long term. It’s best to gauge your expenses on your usage, location and a maintenance schedule determined with your builder. Other payments to consider include; general pool maintenance, covers, fencing, chemicals, cleaning and more. Your pool size will impact every aspect of the mentioned pool requirements. That is why you should understand what pool size or design will be most convenient for your budget. To help minimize your upfront expenses from your pool project, there are many finance companies that provide financing specifically for outdoor living and fiberglass installation projects. This type of financing can provide you with the pool you desire while freeing up money for maintenance and other related pool upkeep needs over the long term.

To wrap things up on the right swimming pool size for you

Choosing the perfect swimming pool size and shape for your family may not be as easy as you once thought. You will have to consider many things and it might seem overwhelming at first. This is where a good swimming pool installer can help you out. They can help you explore your swimming pool model options, based on your needs and help you decide the best pool size to meet all the considerations we discussed in this blog post. However, if you’re still uncertain on who to contact, we work with many great dealers across the USA and we can recommend a dealer to you. Contact us today and we can put you in touch with a Barrier Reef Fiberglass Pool dealer and you could be swimming in the perfect size pool to meet your needs this summer.

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How much do fiberglass pools cost Video

In this video we explore the question How much do fiberglass pools cost?

Curious how much a fiberglass pool costs? Here's a helpful video we've posted on our YouTube page about the cost of a fiberglass pool.

Video Transcript | Length ~ 4 minutes

In-ground fiberglass swimming pools - How much do they cost?

In this video we're going to answer that question. How much do fiberglass pools cost?

One of the first questions dealers are commonly asked, is what's the price of a fiberglass pool?

It makes sense that cost would be the first question that comes to mind as you begin the pool buying process. Like purchasing a car, you want to know what you’re getting, and how much it’s going to cost.

There isn’t much out there describing the costs of fiberglass pools, and that’s because there are many variables that change from project to project, and from one location to another. Often there are unforeseeable issues that occur, which is why it’s best to have a good, and reputable pool company install your swimming pool.

But we understand. The cost of a pool matters. So, let’s discuss some basic estimates, and price ranges. Please note that final costs can change dramatically, from one manufacturer to another, and from one installer to another.

In general, most fiberglass pool projects cost between $45,000 and $85,000. This usually includes concrete or paver patios, standard pool operating equipment, and basic accessories. As with any swimming pool installation project, these costs can increase drastically when you add other outdoor living features, like water falls, stone hardscaping, lighting, salt water systems, and so on.

A general guideline can be used for the cost of a pool shell. A small pool shell, 26 feet or less, is roughly between $12,000 and $16,000. A medium shell, between 27 and 34 feet, is in the range of $15,000 to $20,000. A large shell, 35 foot or longer, is in the range of $18,000 to $30,000. And a fiberglass spa is in the range of $4,000 to $7,000.

Now a basic installation package. If there were such a thing as a “basic” installation package, it might include things as the fiberglass pool shell, the shipping of that shell, excavation, backfill, the pool collar, usually 3' of concrete around the pool, a pump filter system, the electrical components for the pool, and the filling of the pool with water. Most basic pool packages don't include premium outdoor living options, such as a fire feature, patios, pergolas, bars, kitchens, etc. Typical price range for a basic pool package is in the range of $35,000 to $50,000 when all is said and done.

Now if you were to go with a basic install like we just discussed, and throw in some paverscapes, some more custom options if you will, such as a paverscaped patio or seating area with a firepit, the typical price range of a project of that nature would be in the $45,000 to $60,000 range.

So in conclusion, the cost estimates we've discussed in this video, are for general purposes, and are meant as a guideline to help you during your pool shopping experience. You may notice that costs may vary significantly from one dealer to another, so it will be important to check reputations, and all the information that might be available to you online.

Thanks for watching the video, and we hope that you get into a pool soon.

How much does it cost to install a fiberglass pool in my area

In-ground fiberglass swimming pools, how much do they cost?

woman sitting with her knees up looking at the camera
fiberglass pool
ruler and pencil sitting on a blueprint

One of the first questions we’re asked is what’s the price of a fiberglass pool?

It makes sense that cost would be the first question to arise when a pool shopper begins the research process. Like purchasing a car, they want to know the price range that works within their budget and with what options before they make any final commitments. We’ve been in front of thousands of customers and ultimately the question of cost comes up within the first few minutes of the conversation. There isn’t much out there describing the costs of fiberglass pools and that’s because there are many variables that change from project to project and from one location to another. Often there are unforeseeable issues that can occur, which is why it’s best to have a good and reputable pool company install your swimming pool. But we understand. The cost of a Pool matters (along with many other factors). It can certainly dictate what swimming pool and additional options you’re able to achieve with your backyard oasis project. A main point for consideration is that you need to develop a budget that plans for future ownership costs, as well as the initial project installation costs and possible over runs. As you can see the problem with answering this question is the fact that a fiberglass swimming pool has many add on options that it makes giving a cookie cutter price for a completely installed pool project almost impossible to cost out without an onsite visit and estimate by a fiberglass swimming pool contractor. Regardless, we can provide you an estimate with some realistic price ranges for various phases of a swimming pool installation project. Remember, these prices are just an estimated price range and as mentioned previously can change dramatically from one manufacturer to another, from different installers and in different parts of the country. In general, most fiberglass pool projects cost between $45,000–$85,000, which typically includes concrete or paver patios, standard pool operating equipment and basic accessories. As with any swimming pool installation project, these costs can increase drastically when you add other outdoor living features like water falls, stone hardscaping, lighting, salt water systems and so on.

A Fiberglass Pool Shell

I just want to buy the fiberglass pool shell! At Barrier Reef we don’t sell our fiberglass pool shells directly to the consumer. We use a dealer network of highly qualified dealers and installers that can maintain the warranty on our pools. However, there are other manufacturers that do sell direct so we’ll cover what those costs might look like. (Keep in mind these price ranges do not include shipping or additional features) Small pool shell (26 ft. long or less): $12,000–$16,000 Medium shell (27–34 ft. long): $15,000–$20,000 Large shell (35 ft. long or more): $18,000–$30,000

Fiberglass Spa: $4,000–$7,000

Basic Fiberglass Pool Installation Packages

If there were a “basic” package it might typically include:
  • Shell
  • Shipping
  • Excavation
  • Backfill
  • Pool collar
  • 3’ of concrete around pool
  • Pump/filter system
  • Electrical
  • Filling the pool
Most basic pool packages don’t include premium outdoor living options such as fire features, patios, pergolas, bars, kitchens, etc. Typical price range: $35,000–$50,000 (This, like everything else mentioned in this blog post, is contingent on a variety of factors, so please get a quoted price from a local installer in your region.)

Basic Fiberglass Pool Install plus Pavers

If you start to consider more custom and unique looks for your project you may want to consider adding a paverscaped patio and seating area with a firepit. This includes everything mentioned in the basic installation plus the additional paver projects. Most hardscape paver patios are 500–1000 square feet with a multi-tiered pit. Typical price range: $45,000–$60,000

Additional Pricing Options for Consideration

Depending upon brand, capacity and other features, most: Salt water chorine systems cost $1,200–$2,500. Pool security covers cost $2,500–$5,000. Automatic pool covers cost $8,000–$15,000. Heat pumps cost $5,000–$6,500. LED pool lighting cost $800–$3,000. Security Fencing cost $1,000–$3,000. Automatic Cleaning Systems cost $500–$1,500.

Get a Closer Look

Many pool installers use a software package called PoolStudio, which is a great tool for building 3-D renderings of your possible pool project. These renderings are great because they can give you an idea of what your pool might look like with additional features, etc. The software outputs video renderings as well for defining the project further and for sharing with friends and family.

In Conclusion

The cost estimates in this blog post are for general purposes and are meant as a guideline to help you during your pool shopping experience. You may notice that costs may vary significantly from one dealer to another so it will be important to check the reputation of the builder. Our team of sales professionals both in the USA and Canada can help you find the right dealer that can get you into your dream pool and backyard oasis. There are so many options available and financing has never been easier. To learn more please contact us by clicking here.

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Customer Reviews – Michael Peterson of Sonco Pools and Spas greater Chicago IL

Customer Reviews Michael Peterson of Sonco Pools and Spas Rockford IL

Hi there, my name is Mike Peterson with Sonco Pools and Spas in Rockford, Illinois and we choose Barrier Reef Fiberglass Pools because the swimming pools we receive from Barrier Reef are really well built and we really like to do business with the Barrier Reef team of professionals. One of the biggest benefits to us is their culture. We really love their culture, manufacturing process and that they go out of their way to make themselves accessible when we need them.
fiberglass pools video review by mike peterson
Sonco Pools and Spas Rockford IL
Mike Peterson with Sonco Pools and Spas in Rockford, Illinois holding Masters of Design award for pool design & installation
This year our team had the honor of winning the Masters of Design award for one of our pool design and installation projects. Barrier Reef supplied us with the Whitsunday swimming pool that won the Masters of Design award. This was a proud moment for our team and demonstrates the work we can do with fiberglass pools. We recommend Barrier Reef to all of our clients and my customers can choose Barrier Reef Pools with confidence. The Barrier product line offers so many different sizes and shapes and their always very innovative with their product design. Their pools offer innovative design features like loungers, step designs, benches and more. In the Rockford and greater Chicago region we install a lot of automatic cover systems, which most customers seem to want these days. Barrier Reef pools are perfectly designed and work really well with automatic covers. The Barrier Reef product line also offers free form designs which our customers like as additional options to choose from. Some customers are looking for more natural looking designs and these pools fit that mold. Our team has worked with many different pool products and manufacturers and out of all the manufactures we have worked with in the past we believe that Barrier Reef offers the best product. We also believe that Barrier Reef USA has the best culture of any other manufacturer in the business. So, I’m giving my endorsement to a great company to do business with. If you’re looking for an inground pool manufacturer that can supply you with a fiberglass pool, you can definitely choose Barrier Reef Fiberglas Pools with confidence. – Mike Peterson At Barrier Reef Fiberglass Pools, we have the processes in place to build the best fiberglass pools in the world. We manufacture our pools in South Carolina and we pay great attention to detail in every pool that we make. This is important to us because we want to sell the best products while creating the right manufacturing atmosphere to accomplish this. Our culture is important to us at Barrier Reef. It’s for this reason that we go above and beyond for our dealers and their customer’s. For decades dealers across the country have trusted our brand to deliver the best pools to their customer’s. For more information about our pools or to have a dealer contact you please contact us today.

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Dealer Testimonial – Jason Kerner of Backyard Escapes by Kerner Pools and Spas

Dealer Testimonial – Jason Kerner of Backyard Escapes by Kerner Pools and Spas

fiberglass pool video review by jason kerner
fiberglass pools video review by jason kerner
backyard escapes by kerner pool & spas sign
I would like to tell you a little about why we install Barrier Reef fiberglass pools. Over the last decade we have installed several different brands of fiberglass pools and in the last five years we have been installing Barrier Reef pools. We made the switch and have successfully installed many Barrier Reef pools. There are three main reasons why we choose to install these fiberglass swimming pools. Our customers love these pools because of the array of colors and the models they can choose from. Barrier Reef has a great product line. My customers and our team enjoy working with the Barrier Reef team and the great customer service and support that we get from them. I’m up in North Dakota, the pools travel a long way and we need a strong pool that can withstand the travel and the frost that we get deep in the ground. We have not had issues with Barrier Reef pools. I highly recommend Barrier Reef Fiberglass Pools and I will continue to sell them. At Barrier Reef Fiberglass Pools, we have the processes in place to build the best fiberglass pools in the world. We manufacture our pools in South Carolina and we pay great attention to detail in every pool that we make. This is important to us because we want to sell the best products while creating the right manufacturing atmosphere to accomplish this. Culture is important to us at Barrier Reef. It’s for this reason that we go above and beyond for our dealers and their customer’s. For decades dealers across the country have trusted our brand to deliver the best pools to their customer’s and we have.

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