When investing in a fiberglass pool, quality, durability, and craftsmanship matter. Rainforest Pools USA is known for its premium, nature-inspired designs, while offshore fiberglass pools from South America often come with lower costs but potential quality concerns. Let’s break down the key differences.
1. Build Quality & Materials
- Rainforest Pools USA: Uses American-made, high-quality composite materials designed for longevity, with reinforced layers to prevent warping and cracking. Additionally, 4″ honeycomb reinforcements are placed at 4′ intervals giving the pools addtional strength. Rainforest Pools weigh 3 1/2 times as much as their South American counter parts. For example, a 14 x 30 Rainforest Pool weighs 3,500 pounds. A similar model made in South America weighs 1,000 pounds
- Offshore Fiberglass Pools: Often made with lower-grade fiberglass, leading to thin shells that may deteriorate faster. As pools are produced in South America, the materials and construction process are unknown.
2. Durability & Longevity
- Rainforest Pools USA: Engineered for decades of use, resistant to UV damage, chemicals, and temperature fluctuations. The American made resins and components in their pools are built to last a lifetime. The offer a lifetime warranty of the structure.
- Offshore Fiberglass Pools: May experience gel coat fading, structural weaknesses/failure, and osmotic blistering over time. Their warranty is limited to 15 years. As an importer and distrubuter, the offer limited recourse to homeowners should an issue arise as manufacturer is offshore. No warranty information is published on their websites or available to the public.
3. Design & Aesthetics
- Rainforest Pools USA: Offers nature-inspired themes, including rainforest aesthetics, custom finishes, and sleek edges. Pools are available in 5 beautiful gelcoat finishes.
- Offshore Fiberglass Pools: Often generic designs, limited customization, and less refined finishes. Colors are limited to white, blue and gray.
4. Installation & Support
- Rainforest Pools USA: Provides expert installation guidance through a dealer/builder network ensuring proper leveling and reinforcement. Rainforest Pools USA dealers must install according to manufacturer specifications.
- Offshore Fiberglass Pools: Installation may be less precise, leading to potential structural issues.
5. Warranty & Customer Service
- Rainforest Pools USA: Comes with strong warranties, backed by responsive customer support. Their facility is Longwood, FL is open to the public to tour and learn about fiberglass pool manufacturing.
- Offshore Fiberglass Pools: Warranties are limited, and customer service can be inconsistent. As an importer and distributor, consumers have no connection to the manufacturer.
Choosing the right fiberglass pool provider involves weighing various factors, and the comparison between Rainforest Pools USA and offshore brands highlights the diverse approaches within the industry. Rainforest Pools is proudly Made in the USA. Their process is transparent and open to the public. When you purchase a Rainforest Pool, you are part of a family of pool owners supported by the dealer who installs the pool and the manufacturer who produced it with the peace of mind knowing the should an issue arise, Rainforest will be there for you.