What to look for when pool shopping (fiberglass pool) and things you wished you would have done from the start?

[zrtman]

After using the heck out of our little 6500gallon above ground pool we are shopping for in ground fiberglass. Other than finding a quality installer, what are some must haves or things we should really look into when getting quotes?

Things I know we want.. deep end with diving board. SWG that is big enough to handle keeping up with all the sun we have here. Auto cover (depending on price) due to tall pine trees and the coastal breezes that blow debris and needles everywhere. From everything I have heard a variable speed pump.

I am in Wilmington NC. Close to the ocean, soil is all sand, big lot 1.5 acres, no HOA. I also have not completely ruled out a DIY vinyl pool yet.. just trying to get a sense of the savings (I used to do site work and my neighbor still does).

Any comments would be appreciated!!

 

[Texas Splash]

Perhaps a port for overfill flow. I wish ours had that. Instead, when we have heavy rains I have to go out there and lower the water level myself. Doesn't happen all the time, but it would be nice.

Make sure they are using a good solid base, not just sand if you can help it. Also watch the position of the skimmer so that hopefully it will be on the downwind end of the pool where your prevailing winds can push surface debris to the skimmer. We didn't think of that, but got lucky and ours is on the downwind end, so on normal wind direction days junk goes to the skimmer.

Watch closely the size of the pump and filter. A larger filter is usually best for less times between cleanings. A good sized pump will support many things later if you decide to do more.

 

[sktn77a]

Lots of fiberglass pools there in Wilmington rental properties but they tend to be smaller than you're proposing. Just be sure there's no chance of sand movement or subsidence in the prep when you get hurricane rainfall. And don't forget a heater (gas).