Quebecers have a strong and unwavering love when it comes to swimming, and an inground pool is definitely a backyard MVP and must-have. 

Perhaps that’s why inground pools have somewhat changed over the last decade or so, to meet the new expectations of homeowners. More and more, people want to have some sort of body of water in their backyards, to cool off during those warm summer days, to incite kids to play outside, and to give their little oasis a resort-like feel. However, homeowners aren’t willing to invest $50,000 to put in a pool, nor are they willing to give up the majority of their green space. 

This is where fibreglass pools come into play. They are ultra stylish and available in a range of shapes and sizes better suited to suburban and city backyards. With a little scrutiny, one will quickly gather that inground pools are now more than ever accessible to all. What are you waiting for? Dive in!

How much does a pool with a fibreglass shell cost?

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In Ontario and the United States, between 60-70% of swimming pools are made of fibreglass. In Quebec, the percentage isn’t as elevated, yet fibreglass pools are gaining traction.

This is mainly on account of ingenious manufacturers retailing a wide variety of models made in local manufacturing plants. As such, homeowners are no longer limited to restricted sizing nor paying sky-high transportation fees from the manufacturing plant to their backyards, as was once customary.

Pre-engineered pools are one-day installation, single-shell pools. Albeit a great advantage, there are a lot more.

Fibreglass is available in a wide range of designs, sizes, colours, and finishes. One can also easily customize their pool, adding a waterfall hot tub, swim spa, benches, kids’ water toys, waterfalls, etc. And the best is yet to come…

Fibreglass pools are retailed for a fraction of the price of traditional, inground concrete pools. One can purchase such handcrafted pools for as little as $10,000, all included. One will typically spend another $5,000 to $11,000 for installation purposes. (We will circle back to this and detail how you can curb—if not eliminate—installation fees!)

Pool installation costs vary based on the following:

• Pool retail distributor

• Pool size

• Pool model and options

• State of the land

In fact, the installation process includes excavation, backfill, and water filling. While fibreglass pools can be installed in all types of soil, the state of the land can significantly influence the project's cost. 

However, rest assured, as a worst-case scenario, the cost of a pool will rarely top $25,000, installation, maintenance, and landscaping costs included. Overall, it represents 20% savings compared to traditional liner pools or concrete pools.

Costs Related to a Fibreglass Pool Installation

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Several fibreglass pool manufacturers include, along with the purchase, several essential parts, on top of the full set of plumbing and fittings:

• Skimmer box

• Sand filter and filter sand

• High-performance pump

• Maintenance kit with a telescopic pole

• Dewatering system 

This comes as significant savings as you would have otherwise needed to purchase those items separately. 

However, there are other mandatory fees, such as those associated with putting up a fence around your new body of water. While certain fencing is cheaper than others, rare are homeowners who will get an inground pool to then line it with a chain link fence. A decent, and aesthetic-looking, aluminum fence costs about $45 to $80 per linear foot, while a glass fence, which is rather appealing given that it offers an unobstructed view, can be up to three times more costly.

One must also factor in the hired electrician’s fee, which typically wavers between $1,000 and $2,000 for this type of work, provided that the electric panel isn't replaced nor are changes made to it. 

If you plan on getting a pool heater as well, here’s a glimpse at what you would be spending:

• Between $1,000 and $2,000 for a solar water heater

• Between $2,000 and $5,000 for a heat pump

• Between $3,000 and $6,000 for a gas-powered pool heater

Lastly, you have to budget for landscaping needs: add sod and replace the raised flowerbeds post-excavation, build a deck or patio area around the pool, add lighting, and a few lawn chairs and patio furniture while you’re at it! Note that, with blinders on, this step can easily cost you as much as the pool itself. 

Fibreglass Pool: A Worthwhile Investment!

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While the costs may seem steep, bear in mind that prices listed above would be the same, no matter what type of inground pool you purchase.

Luckily, buying a pool is a durable investment that will increase the market value of your home by 8-15% and appeal to potential buyers from the get-go. Also, note that financing options are also available when purchasing a pool.

Purchasing a fibreglass pool remains an extremely wise choice compared to vinyl liner or concrete pools. Here’s why:

• Superior durability

• Easy installation and maintenance

• Doesn’t mandate as many chemical products

• Provides better energy efficiency

• Great structural resistance

• Unmatched waterproofing on account of its gel coat shell

• Doesn’t need to be regularly repainted

• You won’t need to spend between $5,000 and $10,000 every five to 10 years for a new liner

Now then, here’s another way to curb installation costs courtesy of a very appealing option made possible with fibreglass pools: self-building!

Self-Build Models and Pool Shell Manufacturers

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A fibreglass pool is entirely moulded and shelled in a manufacturing plant, which greatly streamlines its installation. As such, some manufacturers offer the possibility of saving on installation costs by carrying out said step yourself. Rest assured, you’re far from left to your own devices, as such manufacturers or distributors typically provide assistance services during the process through a specialist and will provide you with a professional and detailed installation guide.

You can save big by taking over the excavation stage. Then, the pool distributor can handle the shell’s installation and levelling. They can also handle the device connections. Instead of opting for a turnkey service, you can choose a partial installation option, cherry-picking the steps you wish to carry out yourself or with the help of the contractor you choose.

Now that’s an option that will be very appealing to those who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty!

Here’s the 6-step process all laid out for you:

1. Proceed with land excavation based on the specific data provided by the distributor.

2. Prepare the stone bed. The geotextile fabric is included in the installation kit.

3. The pool distributor will drop the shell in place.

4. Backfill the area around the pool shell with crushed stones.

5. Install the perforated drain pipes and dewatering system.

6. Connect the piping to the filter system, suction fittings, and return fittings. All required parts are provided by the manufacturer and are pre-assembled and vetted.