Fiberglass Pools in Florida

A high-quality swimming pool is a great addition to any backyard. From pool parties to lazy days lounging poolside to the potential for an increase in home value, there are many reasons for homes in sunny Florida to have a pool installed.

What makes Florida an ideal place for a pool? Known as the Sunshine State, Florida has a warm, consistent climate that is practically begging you to take a swim any time of year!

Plus, many Florida homes either already have or are designed to support a pool cage, providing the perfect built-in location where a pool can be installed.

From small to large and everything in between, Latham has pools of every size and shape to fit your lanai or pool cage comfortably! Even if you have an existing pool cage or lanai, giving your fiberglass or vinyl liner pool a makeover can be done with minimal hassle. Simply, replace a liner or install a fiberglass shell to refresh your poolside paradise!

You may have heard myths that Florida's heat is just too intense for fiberglass or vinyl liner pools — but that couldn't be further from the truth. With proper care and maintenance, a swimming pool can be a durable (and refreshing) addition to your home that the whole family will enjoy, season after season.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about designing and building a vinyl or fiberglass pool in Florida, including topics like how to maintain your pool properly, which construction materials you should choose for your pool, some of the most popular pool designs and features that are available in Florida, and more. And if you still have questions, our friendly team of experts is just a click or call away!

Fiberglass Pools in Florida

Considering a fiberglass swimming pool for your Florida home? We've covered all the basics you need to know before you dive in. Keep reading to learn about some popular Florida pool designs, the process of replacing or upgrading your current pool, and important Florida pool regulations that will impact your project, along with a few points about seasonality and fiberglass pool maintenance.

Florida Pool Designs

Pools can be designed in a huge range of shapes and sizes. Here are four of the most popular pool styles in Florida — with countless ways to customize each one!

Choosing a shape and size is only part of the overall pool design process. Why not customize your pool further with gorgeous and functional add-ons? Here are three ways to add design flair and truly make it your own.

The best part is that your pool can be infinitely customizable. Choose any pool shape, size, and features you like, as long as you stay within state and local regulations and work with the layout of your property!

It's also worth mentioning that different shapes and designs might work better, or be more popular, in different areas of Florida. If you're curious about the best-selling and hottest designs in your location, contact our builders and we'll be happy to guide you through the most popular local options.

Transforming or Replacing You Current Pool

Gunite (or concrete) was a popular pool construction material during the twentieth century. Whether you've chosen a concrete pool or inherited one as part of a new home you've purchased, over time, these types of pools can become rough on the skin. Concrete pools can also feel a little chalky after many years of use and not as smooth-to-the-touch as a fiberglass pool. While an older concrete pool can be resurfaced, the process can be quite expensive, ranging between $10,000 and $20,000.

While gunite remains popular today, there are often more economical options available that offer equal longevity and involve less maintenance. For example, if you have an old gunite pool which is damaged or needs to be replaced, you can save money by choosing fiberglass instead of fresh gunite as the replacement material. Fiberglass is exceptionally durable and can be installed in the same hole as the original gunite pool, where — with proper care and maintenance — it can last for 25 to 30 years, or potentially longer.

Florida Pool Regulations

It's important to be aware of — and comply with — state and local regulations when planning and building a swimming pool in Florida. This includes regulations around drainage, retaining walls or safety features. For example, if you intend to build on a slope , you should know that under Chapter 18 of the Florida Building Code (1805.3.3), "[The] portion of the pool wall within a horizontal distance of 7 feet (2134 mm) from the top of the slope shall be capable of supporting the water in the pool without soil support" — one of the many regulations an experienced builder can help you interpret and follow.

However, it's important to keep in mind that rules and regulations around pool safety and maintenance change frequently. While the information offered here serves as a helpful guideline, be sure to do your homework and double check your state and local regulations to be sure your pool is compliant.

Here are a few of the most common questions we hear about the regulations that affect the pool design and construction process in Florida:

It's also important to remember that different towns or even neighborhoods can enforce their own regulations. Your expert Latham builder will help coordinate with local officials to ensure that zoning and permitting issues are all handled properly throughout every stage of your project, providing you with total peace of mind.

Florida Seasonality

Florida's hot and sunny climate provides fantastic "pool weather" practically all year long! That means you get more for your money with the ability to enjoy your pool for the majority of the year, unlike some colder states where swimming is only possible during a short summer season.

Even when the weather gets a little too chilly for swimming, the pool still provides a great focal point for barbecues, backyard hang-outs, get-togethers around a firepit, or sharing a peaceful morning coffee on the lanai. When weather turns a bit brisk, an attached spillover spa can be a welcome addition, giving you a spot to relax in warmer water – or to ease sore muscles any time of year. From Miami to Jacksonville and everywhere in between, Florida offers the ideal environment for getting a tan, taking a dip, or just enjoying the breeze — maybe while you catch a glimpse of some of the state's fantastic wildlife!

During the off-season, such as January and February, you may wish to consider utilizing a pool heater and/or cover, which a builder can advise you on. Using a pool cover will also help prevent issues like algae, cloudiness, and scum from developing in the water during extended periods of non-use, such as any time you go away on vacation. Additionally, an automatic pool cover can help protect your pool during heavy rain seasons, keeping your pool's water levels and chemistry at the right levels. Provided there are no large holes or tears in the screen, your pool cage or lanai will also offer an added layer of protection.

Maintenance

Fiberglass pools are prized for their comparatively minimal maintenance requirements — among the many other great benefits and advantages they offer! However, you'll still need to take a few steps to help ensure that your fiberglass pool stays fresh, clean, and inviting. Here are some key points to know about fiberglass pool maintenance in Florida: