The Shift to Fiberglass Pools: A New Era for San Antonio Homeowners

The Fiberglass Revolution in San Antonio

In a recent episode of The Building Texas Show, hosted by Justin McKenzie, the conversation centered around a significant shift in pool preferences among San Antonio homeowners. Recorded live at the San Antonio Home and Garden Show, the episode titled San Antonio Homeowners Are Choosing Fiberglass, Here's Why, features Jeff and Kelley Turner, proprietors of Staycation Fiberglass Pools. This engaging episode, part of the San Antonio Home and Garden Series, delves into the growing trend of choosing fiberglass over concrete pools.

The Turners offered a comprehensive analysis of why many concrete pools, constructed during the COVID-era construction boom, are now failing. Homeowners are facing exorbitant repair costs, ranging from $200,000 to $400,000, due to issues like ASR, commonly known as 'concrete cancer'. The Turners' insights into these growing concerns underscore the importance of making informed decisions when considering pool construction.

Understanding the Pool Construction Landscape

The episode further explores the regulatory landscape in Texas, where, surprisingly, no certification is required to build a pool. Jeff Turner highlighted this gap, drawing a parallel to the stringent certification requirements for hairdressers, which starkly contrasts the lack of regulation in the pool construction industry. This lack of oversight can lead to significant issues for homeowners, who may find themselves unprotected when faced with costly repairs.

Kelley Turner offered a unique perspective on the value of manufacturer warranties, likening the builder-client relationship to a dating scenario. Her analogy serves to emphasize the critical nature of understanding warranties and choosing reputable builders. The Turners also discussed renovation options, such as EcoFinish flame-applied polymer resurfacing, which provide homeowners with viable solutions for failing concrete pools.

The Case for Fiberglass Pools

Throughout the episode, the Turners articulated the benefits of fiberglass pools, using their experience with a hybrid negative-edge rebuild in Dripping Springs as a case study. This project, a rescue mission for a client whose original fiberglass installer left them with a deteriorating pool, illustrates the potential of fiberglass when executed correctly. The Turners credited their training with Jason Hughes and River Pools for their ability to educate clients and deliver high-quality results.

Highlighting manufacturers such as San Juan and Aqua Technics, the Turners set benchmarks for quality and reliability in the industry. They stressed the importance of comprehensive turnkey fiberglass quotes, which should include engineering plans, proper bonding, and correctly sized pump equipment. The episode encourages homeowners to be discerning, emphasizing the importance of understanding every detail before signing a pool contract.

For those interested in exploring the Turners' work or learning more about fiberglass pools, visit Staycation Fiberglass Pools or watch the full episode of The Building Texas Show on YouTube. This episode is part of an ongoing series that provides valuable insights into the builders, tradespeople, and innovators shaping the Texas economy.