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When it comes to backyard swimming pools, fibreglass options often come out on top. They are fast to install, low maintenance, and last for decades. But are they perfect for everyone? Not necessarily.
At Complete Fibreglass Pool Kits, we’re big believers in helping you make informed decisions. That means talking honestly about both the benefits and drawbacks of fibreglass pools.
In this article, we’ll jump into the common (and lesser-known) disadvantages of fibreglass pools, so you can decide whether a fibreglass pool hits the spot or it is a hard no.
Why Fibreglass Pools Are Popular, But Not Perfect
You’ll see them everywhere. Fibreglass pools have become the go-to for DIY installs across Australia. And it’s no mystery why.
They arrive in one piece, drop straight into the ground, and can be ready for a swim in under a week. Plus, they don’t chew up your weekends with maintenance.
That silky gelcoat surface? Lovely to swim in and a breeze to keep clean.
But here’s the rub. They’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. If your block’s a bit awkward, or your dream pool looks like something from a sci-fi movie, fibreglass might not be the right fit.
1. Limited Shape and Size Flexibility
Pre-Moulded Means Pre-Defined
One of the big differences with fibreglass pools is that they come off a mould, so you’re picking from a fixed range of shapes and sizes. That’s great for speed and cost, but it does limit your options to what is available from the different manufacturers.
If you’ve got a tight or unusual backyard layout, or you're set on a custom design (think multiple curves, unusual angles, or extra-deep plunge zones), limited design options are one of the more common disadvantages of fibreglass pools and might not give you the freedom you need.
For example: dreaming of an L-shaped pool with a built-in tanning ledge and a waterfall wall? That’s likely concrete territory. But if your wishlist includes things like bench seating or a beach-style entry, many fibreglass models can still deliver on comfort and function.
Helpful read: Buying Pools Direct - How To Choose The Right Size Pool For Your Family
2. Site Access Can Be a Deal Breaker (But Not Too Often)
Crane required? Here’s what to know
Because fibreglass pools arrive as one big shell, your backyard needs to be accessible. If there’s no clear path down the side of your house, you’ll probably need a crane to lift the shell into place.
In a best-case scenario, the crane sets up on your driveway and lifts over the roof — easy done. But if you’ve got obstacles like trees, fences, or powerlines, you may need a bigger crane with extra reach.
Bigger crane = bigger cost. Expect anywhere from $800 to $2,500+, depending on your site and location.
If access is just too tight or complicated, it’s worth considering a concrete or vinyl liner pool instead — both are built or assembled onsite.
Need help figuring this out? Give us a call and tell us about your project. We’ll let you know if fibreglass is a viable option or if it is better to look at other options.
3. You Can’t Simply Drain a Fibreglass Pool
Empty shell + groundwater = bad news
Unlike concrete pools, fibreglass shells should never be emptied without proper precautions. Why? Because an empty fibreglass pool can lift out of the ground if there’s groundwater pressure underneath.
Yep, it sounds wild, but it’s true. Without the weight of the water holding it down, the shell can float like a boat. And once it moves? It can easily be reinstalled; however, for the sake of your bank account and sanity, prevention is the best cure.
The good news: this is easy to avoid.
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A quality fibreglass pool that is well-maintained won’t need resurfacing for 20+ years.
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If draining is ever needed, your manufacturer will guide you on how to brace the shell safely.
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Suspect groundwater? Just hire a cheap transfer pump to remove excess water before draining. Simple stuff, but important to get right.
4. Why Quality Matters in a Fibreglass Shell
Cheap is cheap. Quality is peace of mind.
Fibreglass pools sometimes get a bad rap. Blisters. Colour fading. And while those issues are real, these perceived disadvantages of fibreglass pools are almost always linked to poor quality manufacturing and materials.
When you choose a high-quality shell from an experienced, transparent manufacturer, those risks drop off a cliff.
Here’s what to look for if you want peace of mind that lasts decades, not just until handover:
The non-negotiables:
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An established manufacturer with decades of field-tested experience: not just claims from a lab, but real-world proof that their pools hold up over time.
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Australian-made materials: no diluted resins or gelcoats.
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Full disclosure of gelcoat supplier: if they won’t name it, that’s a red flag. Trusted brands like Allnex Aquaguard® or similar are industry benchmarks.
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AS1838:2021 certification: this Australian standard sets the bar for structural integrity. No exceptions.
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A 35-year structural warranty: the longest available in the industry, and a sign that the manufacturer stands behind their product.
At Complete Fibreglass Pool Kits, every pool we supply ticks all of the above, because we know that quality isn’t just about peace of mind today. It’s about making sure your pool still looks and feels great 10, 20, even 30 years from now.
Dive deeper: Is Your Fibreglass Pool Shell Built to Last? Here’s How to Know
5. Repairs Can Be Visible or Colour-Mismatched
Fibreglass pools use a gelcoat surface that gives them their colour and smooth feel. It’s durable, but it’s not bulletproof. Cosmetic damage won’t cause your fibreglass pool to leak, so it will be purely personal preference whether you have it repaired or not. Like a scratch in your car, you’re likely to be the only one who keeps looking at it.
If your shell cops a hefty scratch or chip that you would like repaired, matching the original gelcoat colour can be tricky. This is especially noticeable in darker colours where slight mismatches can stand out.
But here’s the upside: if your pool is made with high-grade gelcoat from a trusted brand, you’re far less likely to need repairs in the first place.
6. Surface Fading Over Time
It’s maintenance, not magic
Like anything exposed to sun, water, and chemicals, the surface of a fibreglass pool can lose some of its shine over time. But let’s be clear, fading isn’t a given, and it’s almost always preventable in a quality-built fibreglass pool.
Below the waterline, the most common culprit is over-chlorination. Chlorine is a bleach, and even the best-quality gelcoat will eventually fade if it’s hammered with high chlorine levels for long periods. That’s why proper water balance matters, not just for swimmer comfort, but for the long-term look of your pool.
Above the waterline, fading is usually the result of UV exposure, just like the paint on a car left in the sun. But here’s the good news: a simple cut and polish every 5-10 years (using the same products you’d use on your car) will bring it right back to life. It takes less than 60 minutes on an average-sized pool to get the job done, and anyone can do it.
Cheaper gelcoats will dull earlier, but a quality gelcoat, like Allnex AquaGuard-X™ used in the pools we supply, will hold its colour and shine for decades with basic care. As a heads up, the industry standard cosmetic warranty is 6 years. Anything less is a red flag.
7: Cracks and Osmosis? Not in a Well-Built Shell
This is where quality really counts.
Let’s talk about two of the biggest worries with fibreglass pools: cracks and osmosis. Both are real issues, but only in poorly built shells.
Structural Cracks
We’re not talking about surface marks or spider cracks; we mean full-thickness cracks that leak water. In a properly built shell, that just shouldn’t happen.
Quality fibreglass pools are designed to flex slightly with ground movement. Even in reactive soil types like H1, H2 or E, a well-made shell with the right fibreglass layers and resin strength won’t crack, even if the install isn’t perfect.
Watch out: If a manufacturer says their pool can’t go into certain soil types, that’s a red flag. A strong shell should handle any standard Aussie soil.
Osmosis Blisters
Osmosis happens when water seeps into the shell and forms blisters under the gelcoat. It’s preventable if the manufacturer uses vinyl ester resin as a waterproof barrier.
- No vinyl ester = water gets in and causes blisters
- Poor gelcoat quality = water can still get trapped underneath
- Either way, it’s the build quality that makes the difference
At Complete, the pools we supply are built with a vinyl ester resin layer, premium gelcoat, and fully comply with AS1838:2021. That’s why osmosis and cracking just don’t come up for our customers.
Should You Still Choose a Fibreglass Pool?
It depends on your site, your goals, and your budget.
No single pool type is right for everyone, and that’s exactly how it should be.
If your backyard needs a fully custom shape, or access makes it impossible to deliver a one-piece shell, a concrete or vinyl liner pool may be the better option.
But if your site is suitable and you’re after something low-maintenance, fast to install, and built to last, a quality fibreglass pool can be a brilliant choice.
At Complete, we only supply shells that meet the highest standards:
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Australian-made materials and premium gelcoats
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Certified to AS1838:2021
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Backed by a 35-year structural warranty from a manufacturer that has over 120,000 pools in the ground, around Australia, over the past 50 years
We’ll help you figure out whether fibreglass is the right choice for your block and if it’s not, we’ll tell you straight.
Other Reading You Might Like:
FAQ: Common Questions About the Disadvantages of Fibreglass Pools
Can fibreglass pools crack?
Yes. But not if the shell is properly built. Structural cracks are almost always caused by poor manufacturing, not the material itself. A quality pool with the right layers and flex can handle all soil types without issue.
Is draining a fibreglass pool safe?
Yes. However, if groundwater is present and the pool is empty, the shell can lift. Always consult the manufacturer and take proper precautions, like bracing or using a transfer pump.
Do fibreglass pools fade?
They can, especially with poor water chemistry or cheap gelcoats. But with proper maintenance and a quality finish, fading is minimal and can be restored with a basic polish above the waterline every 5 - 10 years.
Can I install one in a tight space?
Often, yes. But you might need a crane. Site access is something we discuss with every customer upfront, so there are no surprises later.
Final Thoughts
The right pool choice starts with the right information.
Fibreglass pools offer a lot - speed, simplicity, and long-term value. But they’re not right for every site or every buyer. It’s important to understand where fibreglass shines… and where it doesn’t.
The key? Be informed. Be prepared. And partner with a supplier who backs their quality with full transparency.
At Complete Fibreglass Pool Kits, we help you weigh it all up. No sales pressure. Just honest advice, upfront pricing, and top-quality pools made for Australian backyards.
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