Fiberglass Pool
If you live in Manitoba and are buying a pool, you have a lot to think about – and a lot of options to consider. Whether you want your pool to be the hub of activity in your backyard or an extension of your home, there’s a pool to fit every lifestyle. However, keep in mind that a pool is only part of the package! MB residents experience all four seasons, ranging from hot, humid summers to chilly winters and autumnal weather marked by beautiful foliage. Accessories like an automatic pool cover and a winter cover can help keep falling leaves and debris out, making upkeep even easier while saving on energy costs.
To help you make the best decision for your needs, we’ll guide you through the basics of owning a pool in Manitoba, why you may want to opt for either a fiberglass or vinyl liner pool, maintenance tips, and some of the ever-changing state and local regulations on pool ownership. Let’s dive in!
Fiberglass Pools in Manitoba
Fiberglass pools offer a gloriously smooth finish that makes them easy on the feet and won’t snag your swimsuit. They’re also a breeze to install. Fiberglass pool shells are prefabricated and can be transported into an excavated area in your backyard. This speeds up installation time, which means you get to enjoy your pool even sooner.
Fiberglass pools are also easy to maintain and renowned for their structural integrity. Compared to older materials like concrete or gunite pools, fiberglass requires considerably less scrubbing and worry about algae bloom and calcium deposits. That means more time for you to enjoy your pool!
Fiberglass Pool Designs for Manitoba In-Ground Pools
If you’ve been dreaming of adding a pool to your backyard, you probably have a distinct vision in mind. Maybe you love the graceful lines of a rectangular fiberglass pool or prefer the winding curves of a freeform pool. Pools come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. but when it comes to pool design, choosing a shape is just one part of your project. How your pool fits into your lifestyle is another major factor.
Think about how you plan to use your pool and who will use it:
- Do you have young children or teens?
- Will they bring friends over to use the pool?
- Do you love to entertain and imagine your pool at the centre of cookouts and backyard BBQ’s?
- Do you plan to use your pool for exercise or relaxation?
Asking yourself these questions can help you design a pool that works for you so you can play!
You’ll also want to consider how your property layout supports the design of your pool. Think about how your pool will fit into its surroundings – from landscaping to decking to the type of fencing you have around your yard.
You may initially be drawn to a particular shape. However, after speaking with Aqua-Tech’s design team, you may discover that another shape in a different size may work better for how you plan to use your pool and any constraints of your property. For instance, if you have a smaller or sloped backyard, we can recommend options to work with your yard and also help you make sure your new pool Manitoba pool regulations.
Whatever your style or aesthetic may be, Aqua-Tech can make it work. We’ll show you some breathtaking real-life examples of pools in their natural habitat here, but remember just because there isn’t a picture, that doesn’t mean it’s not possible! If you’re looking for even more local examples of pools, contact us to see additional photos, videos, or walkthroughs.
Pool Ideas for Small Backyards
Just because you have a smaller backyard doesn’t mean you can’t have a pool! Homeowners in urban MB areas like Winnipeg often have smaller yards. More compact models can give you all the fun of a larger pool, but in a smaller package.
Rectangular pools like the 11’ x 20’ Tuscan keep things simple and streamlined – and with plenty of space to swim laps. Similarly, a rectangular-shaped plunge pool, like the 10’ x 16’ Milan packs a ton of features into a small space, as well as a more shallow 4’ depth for homeowners who just want to wade or float.
Kidney-shaped pools are another stylish classic that can easily tuck into a smaller backyard, such as the feature-rich 10’ x 20’ Jamaica model, with slip-resistant, elegant wedding-cake steps and swim-up seating.
Pool Ideas for Larger Yards
If you plan to incorporate an outdoor kitchen or grilling station or want to use part of your backyard to grow a garden, consider a small-to-medium sized 14’ x 30’ pool, like the Laguna or Laguna Deluxe, which features a smaller wading area perfect for kids to join in the fun.
On the flip side, if you want your pool to be the centre of the action, consider a larger model, pre- loaded with features like the modern freeform Cancun Deluxe, with a built-in spillover spa, swim-up seating, and an ultra-wide top step that can double as a small tanning ledge. If your goal is a lively place for family and friends to congregate, a larger-sized freeform pool can be a gorgeous centrepiece for your backyard, surrounded by decking and landscaping to offset its winding curves.
If you have a larger yard, your only limitation for a backyard oasis is your imagination and your budget. The question is whether you want your pool to be a part of your backyard or a focal point?
Pools for Irregular or Sloped Yards
If you have an irregularly shaped yard, freeform and kidney-shaped pools can be great options. These pools differ slightly from model-to-model, allowing you to find one that fits the unique shape and contours of your yard. For instance, the modern freeform Genesis is narrower at 16’ wide, but has a longer 40’ width. For smaller irregularly shaped yards, a traditional freeform model, like the 12’ x 25’ Freeport can fit the bill.
If you have an unusually shaped backyard, come to the table with your measurements. Aqua- Tech can help you find options that will work with the shape of your yard, as well as deliver the experience you want from your pool.
But irregularly shaped yards just skim the surface. (Pardon the pun.) Manitoba is home to both valleys and hills, which can translate to uneven backyards or rocky terrain beneath the soil that can create a barrier to installing a pool.
In some cases, Aqua-Tech can grade the land to make it hospitable to a fiberglass pool. However, there may be some instances where a vinyl liner pool may be a better fit, offering more flexibility of customization due to their construction, compared to prefabricated fiberglass pool shells. If this is the case, be open to new ideas, as vinyl liner pools come in many of the same beautiful shapes and models as their fiberglass counterparts. What matters most is finding a pool that can work with your unique backyard features to give you the most enjoyment.
Fiberglass Options to Work with Your Lifestyle
When you’re thinking about your pool’s design, consider what features you may want to include to be sure everyone can enjoy it. Maybe you have small children, older or mobility-comprised individuals who will use your pool. Making sure your pool is safe and accessible for them ensures that everyone gets to enjoy the pool.
Consider fiberglass pools that have multiple entry points and/or wading areas, perfect for kids – like the Astoria, which boasts both in addition to slip-resistant steps and a built-in spa. Similarly, the Astoria can be a great option for folks who plan to use their pool for exercise and swimming laps, as well as easing sore muscles in its spillover spa.
If the kids have flown the nest and you’re leaning into your golden years, a pool like the Axiom 14 can be a great option that works for entertaining friends and family, in a relatively compact package. Features like swim-up seating and a beverage bar make it a great place for friends to chill out, and a generous underwater tanning ledge gives you a spot that’s ideal for lounging without fully submerging yourself.
Think about how you plan to use your pool and you’re bound to find a model that incorporates features to help you live your best pool life now and well into the future!
In-ground Vinyl Liner Pools in Manitoba
In-ground vinyl liner pools are another popular choice for pools in Manitoba. These types of pools are known for their longevity, cost-effectiveness, ease of maintenance, and are highly customizable. A well-maintained vinyl liner can last roughly 10 years, but you can replace it sooner for a relatively inexpensive way to refresh the look of your pool.
Vinyl Liner Pool Designs for Manitoba Homes
Vinyl liner pools offer a ton of flexibility in terms of design. While there are a wide variety of vinyl liner pool shapes and sizes, vinyl liner pools can be further customized to accommodate add-ons like tanning ledges before vinyl is laid over the structure. Additionally, because vinyl liner pools are poured into place, they can be an excellent choice for homes that have uneven backyards.
Vinyl liner pools are highly customizable. While some of the photos here are prime examples of their beauty and flexibility of design, Aqua-Tech has the capability to create a vinyl liner design that meets your unique needs. Even if you don’t see a photo of your dream pool, chatting with us can give you access to photos and videos of custom vinyl liner pool designs. Think of these images as a springboard to limitless possibilities!
Benefits of Vinyl Liner Pools for Manitoba Homes
While fiberglass pools are touted for their beauty and ease of maintenance, don’t sleep on vinyl liner pools! There are numerous vinyl liner pool benefits. Here are just a few that may be of particular interest to Manitoba residents.
Flexibility of Design – From a variety of add-on features to liner colours and patterns, vinyl liner pools are highly customizable and come in a range of shapes and sizes. Aqua-Tech can tweak an existing vinyl liner pool design to incorporate tanning ledges or wading areas perfect for kids and seniors, custom stairs and multiple entry points. As a starting point, shapes can range from classic rectangular and kidney-shaped models, to more eclectic shapes like freeform or L-shaped models that can work beautifully for irregularly-shaped yards. For Manitoba residents who live in metro areas like Winnipeg with smaller backyards, vinyl liner models like the Gemini come in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes – making it a great kidney-shaped option that fits into the vision you may have for your backyard. If you live in a suburban or more rural part of Manitoba, you have your pick of the litter with a wide range of medium-to-large sized models.
Great for Uneven Backyards
MB is known for its gorgeous natural scenery, hills and valleys. This diversity of geography can make its way into backyards, sometimes gracing homeowners with backyards that aren’t quite level or that sit on a slope or rocky terrain. Because of their highly customizable nature, vinyl liner pools can be an excellent choice. Aqua-Tech can offer options to grade your backyard or install a retaining wall during the excavation process of your vinyl liner pool.
Vinyl Liner Pool Installation Process
Another benefit of vinyl liner pools is that they can be installed relatively quickly. For MB residents who typically use their pools from May to October, getting your pool up and fully operational can help you maximize time spent poolside once it’s installed.
From measuring your backyard to sealing your vinyl liner in place, learn more about what you can expect throughout the vinyl liner pool installation process.
When Should You Replace Your Vinyl Liner or Update Your Pool?
If your older vinyl liner pool develops a rip or a tear, replace your liner immediately. Liner tears can lead to leakage, which can throw off the balance of your water chemistry – among other problems! A well-maintained vinyl liner can last for nearly 10 years.
If you want to upgrade an existing pool and add new features, timing those updates to coincide with replacing your vinyl liner can save you both money and headaches in the long run. If you also plan to add any exciting new features – like pool lights or bubble jets – these should be done alongside replacing your vinyl liner as those projects are a bit more invasive and you’d need to remove and replace your liner anyway.
Building the Perfect MB Pool Package: Covers and Winterizing Options
Regardless of whether you choose a fiberglass or vinyl liner pool, keep practical elements in mind and some room in your budget for a pool cover. Because MB residents experience all four seasons, it’s a good idea to invest in a cover.
Should I Get an Automatic Pool Cover in MB?
Automatic pool covers can help you save between 50% to 70% on energy costs, as well as reduce water evaporation and chemical usage to maintain your pool. An auto cover can also save you time spent skimming your pool.
While the Manitoba’s fall foliage is certainly beautiful, it’s a lot less enjoyable when those leaves are scattered across the surface of your pool. Most importantly, auto covers can save lives, preventing kids and pets from accidentally falling in when unattended, as well as keeping unwanted visitors from hopping your fence and using your pool.
If you’re working with a smaller budget, many rectangular pool models are auto cover ready. More intricate shapes, such as freeform pools, may require a custom-cut auto cover, which can be a bit more costly.
The Difference Between Winter Pool Covers and Auto covers
Due to MB’s cold winters and heavy snowfall, Manitoba pool owners should budget for a winter cover, as well as an automatic pool cover. While automatic pool covers add an element of safety to your pool, they aren’t made to support heavy piles of snow.
Without a specially designed winter cover made to support the weight of heavy snowfall, you could potentially compromise the mechanical components of your pool cover.
A specially designed winter pool cover can help you safely close your pool before winter and can be removed when you’re ready to reopen your pool the following spring.
Learn more about how to winterize your pool.
Manitoba Pool Maintenance Considerations
There’s a lot to love about both vinyl liner and fiberglass pools – including the fact that they’re relatively easy in terms of upkeep. However, depending on which type of material you choose for your new pool, you may have a slightly different task list and maintenance schedule to add to your calendar.
Maintaining Your Fiberglass Pool in Manitoba
Although fiberglass pools are low maintenance, it’s important to keep up with weekly and monthly maintenance tasks. Set aside time each week to check your pool’s chemistry and water levels, as well as empty filter baskets.
Learn more about weekly and monthly/periodic fiberglass pool maintenance tasks.
Vinyl Liner Pool Maintenance in Manitoba
If you own or are planning to own a vinyl liner pool in Manitoba, it’s important to stick to a regular maintenance schedule to keep your pool looking its best. Not to worry! Vinyl liner pools are easy to maintain and require a little love to get the most enjoyment out of them.
In addition to weekly skimming and testing your water’s pH levels, prioritize time each week to gently scrub your vinyl liner with a soft bristle brush and only use soft pool toys made with vinyl liners in-mind. Periodically check your liner for leaks and patch them as soon as possible.
For even more tips, download our vinyl liner maintenance checklist to help you stay on top of keeping your pool sparkling!
Seasonal Pool Maintenance in Manitoba
Regardless of whether you choose a vinyl liner or fiberglass pool, in addition to regular upkeep, here are a few other seasonal tips to keep in mind if you own a pool in Manitoba.
Fall: Manitoba’s abundance of trees and foliage can mean skimming your pool more often during autumn when leaves may fall into your pool.
Spring: During spring months, pollen can wind up in your pool. If left to accumulate, it can clog your pool filter. Pollen can also lead to algae, if not skimmed off. Pollen in your pool looks like little yellow or green grains of rice floating on top of the water. Be sure to skim your pool regularly to help keep your pool looking its best and keep your water chemistry at the proper levels.
Winter: Close your pool down before winter, taking care to make sure all air is removed from water lines and pool equipment, and that your skimmers are protected from cracking. You can either consider closing your pool yourself or enlist the aid of a professional service. Investing in a winter pool cover can also help to protect your pool during inclement weather. Winter covers are different from automatic pool covers and equipped to handle the weight of snow.
Manitoba In-Ground Pool Costs
The total cost to install an in-ground pool in Manitoba can vary based on a number of factors. For instance, the size and materials are just one part of the equation. You’ll also want to consider the cost to install a deck around your pool, as well as accessories you may want to add – such as an automatic pool cover, water features, pool lights, a tanning ledge, or even a spillover spa.
Manitoba also requires that all residential pools (including hot tubs or spas) must have a fence. When planning your MB pool, be sure to budget for necessary items to be sure your new pool is compliant.
A backyard pool can provide endless enjoyment and family memories, but there is no denying that it can be a costly undertaking. But what they don’t realize is that, with the wide variety of pool financing options available, the dream of owning a pool is likely within reach for many homeowners. Learn more about financing options here.
Manitoba Pool Seasonality
Manitoba experiences the beauty of four full seasons every year. The province has hot, humid summers and cold winters with heavy snow. Spring and fall months can be fairly warm, but also usher in brisk weather.
While late May through early September is prime time for pool season in MB, adding a heater to your pool or a spillover spa can extend time spent in your pool. Typically, MB pool owners close their pools in either late September or early October and re-open in May.
Manitoba Pool FAQs
What Type of In-Ground Pool is Best for Manitoba?
Although both are relatively low-maintenance choices, fiberglass pools are popular for their smooth finish and ease of installation, while vinyl liner pools can be an affordable option that offers comparable benefits as fiberglass, as well as work with uneven backyard grading.
If you’re unsure of which option may be best for you, reach out to the design team at Aqua-Tech who can help you narrow down your choices and find a pool you’ll love for years to come.
How Much Value Does a Pool Add to a House in Manitoba?
Adding a pool can increase your home’s resale value between 5% and 8%. However, even if you aren’t planning to sell your home, adding a pool can up the ante in terms of fun and enjoyment with decades of memories to be made.
Regardless of any local allowances around closing and draining your pool for the winter, Manitoba has strict laws against draining pool water into any body of water, including streams, ponds, or lakes.
How Long will a Fiberglass Pool Last in Manitoba?
A well-maintained fiberglass pool can last between 25 to 30 years, or potentially longer. If you decide to add a beautiful new pool to your backyard, you can expect it to be a beloved fixture for decades – and generations – to come.
If you are ready to start planning your new Staycation Destination, the design team at Aqua-Tech is ready to help! Contact us here today!
