8 Reasons Why Fibreglass Pools Are Best for Mackay's Climate

Big storms, baking sun, and muggy days. We know, and you know, Mackay has it all. Pools can crack, warp, or turn green in this climate, leaving families with repairs and lots of cleaning instead of fun.

If you're always fighting algae during the sticky months and other pool-related problems, you're not alone. Concrete can crack, vinyl liners can wrinkle, and even some fancy-looking pools can start to fade, leak, or stain after just a few seasons. 

Here's the good news: fibreglass pools are made for Mackay. They handle wild weather, shifting soils, and that tropical heat, all while staying easy to clean and safe for the whole family. 

Let's take a closer look at why a fibreglass pool is the smart choice for anyone living in Mackay.

1. Fibreglass pools handle Mackay's heavy rain

Mackay gets some pretty heavy rain, especially in summer. This can be a big problem for many pools, because all that water can push up the water table and cause damage from below. But fibreglass pools are made to handle these wet conditions.

When you install a fibreglass pool the right way, special drainage systems go underneath and around the shell. This also includes the layer of gravel, crusher dust, or washed river sand being compacted to help control the water under the pool and for stability. 

A figure from Page 12 of AS 1839:2021 showing pool drainage for installations above natural ground level.

Subsoil pipes are usually placed under the pool to drain extra water from the ground, and a hydrostatic relief valve is installed at the deepest point of the pool to release pressure if the groundwater gets too high. This setup is a standard for installing fibreglass pools, especially for those pool above natural ground level, as it stops the pool from cracking or 'popping' out of the ground after heavy rain.

A standpipe is also required when building a fibreglass pool. It's a vertical pipe that goes down the side of the pool shell to the base, so you can check how much water is under and around the pool. If you see the water level in the standpipe getting too high, you can use a pump to easily remove the extra water.

So, even when Mackay gets days and days of rain, you can trust that a properly installed fibreglass pool will stay in place and not be damaged by flooding or rising groundwater.

2. Fibreglass pools withstand ground movement and reactive soils

Many areas in Australia have what we call 'reactive clay', and it can be present in Mackay as well. This type of soil swells up when it's wet and shrinks when it's dry, which means the ground may move around quite a bit, especially after heavy rain or during very dry spells. 

Ground movement can usually crack concrete pools or make them shift out of shape. 

Thankfully, fibreglass pools are different.

Fibreglass pools are made with a bit of flex. They can bend just a little without breaking if the ground moves. This is a big help in places where the soil doesn't always stay the same. But it's not just the pool shell that matters. How you install it is just as important.

To make sure the pool stays safe and steady, you need to set the shell on a proper base. A layer of gravel is needed, and sometimes a concrete slab for extra support, depending on the soil. Special backfill and drainage pipes go in and around the pool to let water dissipate. This stops pressure from building up and the shell from being squeezed.

When you pick a fibreglass pool and have it installed correctly on reactive clay, you don't have to worry as much about ground movement or cracks. Your pool stays strong and keeps its shape, year after year.

3. Fibreglass pools resist tropical heat and sun

During the summer, it's normal to get bright sunlight and steamy, hot days. These conditions can be tough on outdoor pools, especially on their surfaces. Some pool types crack, fade or get rough after only a few hot seasons. Fibreglass pools are made to avoid these problems.

The top layer of a fibreglass pool is called a gel coat. Besides being skin-friendly due to its smoothness, it acts like a sun shield. It's made to handle intense UV rays and high temperatures without blistering, fading or cracking. 

Fibreglass pool manufacturers are required to make the pool surface finish properly, so even after years in the sun, your fibreglass pool keeps its colour and stays smooth to the touch.

4. Fibreglass pools prevent algae in humid weather

That humidity in Mackay, mixed with heat, makes backyard pools a favourite spot for algae and bacteria to grow. Many pool owners need to clean their pool walls and add lots of chemicals just to keep things under control.

Fibreglass pools do things differently. The cause of this problem is still summer, and the solution is still its gel coat surface. This finish is non-porous, so it doesn't have the tiny cracks or rough patches you might find in other pool types, like concrete or pebblecrete. 

Because the gel coat surface is so smooth, algae and bacteria can't get a grip. Without places to hide and grow, they don't spread as easily, and this design means less work for you. 

With a fibreglass pool, you're not just saving time on cleaning. You'll also use fewer chemicals, since less algae means you don't need as much chlorine or algicide. That's better for your skin, too, especially for kids who like to swim every day.

5. Fibreglass pools install quickly, despite the weather

Sometimes in Mackay, the weather can change fast, and some types of pools can take weeks or even months to build, especially if the weather doesn't play along. 

When it comes to installation, fibreglass pools can be installed faster than other pool types. They come pre-made, which means the pool shell is already shaped and finished before it even gets to your house. 

Once the ground is ready, workers can lift the shell into place using a crane. This usually takes just a few hours. After that, they connect all the plumbing and fill in the area around the shell with gravel, making sure it's firm and drains well.

Considering the ground works and compliance processes, most fibreglass pools are ready to swim in within 1-4 weeks, instead of dragging on for months. So, you spend less time waiting and more time enjoying your new pool, even when the weather doesn't want to cooperate.

6. Fibreglass pools keep water warmer

One thing most families in Mackay love about having a pool is being able to swim for more months each year. In Mackay, some pools can lose heat quickly, especially at night or during windy weather. 

Fibreglass pools win this feature. The reason is simple - fibreglass, its main layer, is a natural insulator. It slows down how fast heat leaves the water and doesn't let heat escape as quickly as concrete or tiles. 

When you also use a pool heater with a fibreglass pool, the heat from the heater is kept in the pool water for much longer than in other pool types. The water won't cool down as fast, so you'll use less energy to keep your pool at a comfy swimming temperature. 

For Mackay, where the weather is warm but can turn cooler at night, this really matters. You don't have to rely so much on pool heaters to keep the water comfy. Kids can swim for more weeks in autumn and even start earlier in spring.

7. Fibreglass pools are safe for families in the heat

Hot Mackay summers mean the sun beats down on everything, including your backyard pool. Some pool surfaces, like concrete or tiles, can get so hot they burn bare feet, especially in the middle of the day. 

The gel coat surface doesn't absorb the sun's heat the same way as rough surfaces do. With this, you won't get that sharp, burning feeling on your feet or hands when climbing in or out. It's a small thing, but it makes a big difference for families, especially those with young children.

With a fibreglass pool, you can relax, knowing it's a safe place for your family to cool off and have fun, even on the hottest Mackay afternoons.

8. Fibreglass pools meet Australian Standards

The climate here throws a lot at your pool - heavy rain, shifting soils, high humidity, and hot sun. That's why the installation and manufacturing of fibreglass pools must follow all the rules set out for the tough local climate and surroundings. 

Fibreglass pools in Mackay must follow the Australian Standards, which cover everything from the materials used to how the pool sits in the ground. These are:

• AS 1838-2021: Swimming pools - Pre-moulded fibre reinforced plastics - Design and Fabrication
• AS 1839-2021: Swimming pools - Pre-moulded fibre reinforced plastics - Installation

The seven reasons we've mentioned above are all interconnected through these standards. 

For example, the standards say you need drainage pipes under and around the pool, a gravel bed that's the right size and depth (usually 20cm deep with 8-16mm aggregate), and good backfill for support. These steps work together to stop the pool from shifting, lifting, or cracking when it rains a lot or when the ground moves.

The standards also make sure the gel coat finish can stand up to strong sun and protect the shell from the wet, salty air that Mackay sometimes gets. 

We can't tell you everything here, but you can check the standards by searching for them or clicking the links above.

Choosing a fibreglass pool that meets Australian Standards is your best bet for a pool that can handle Mackay's unique climate and surroundings. It means you get peace of mind, knowing your pool stays secure, safe, and easy to use.

Final Thoughts

A fibreglass pool is a smart choice for Mackay families who want more fun but less hassle. These pools handle our climate well, stay strong, and are easy to look after, even when the heat and rain hit hard. Enjoying a clean, safe pool shouldn’t be a big job - it should just add to the good times at home.

And before you dive in, always check if your pool builder follows the Australian Standards and understands Mackay's local weather and soil. A well-installed pool leads to fewer problems and happier swimming moments.

If you ever need help with your fibreglass pool project, just reach out to us. We are licensed installers with years of experience installing fibreglass pools in Mackay, and we're happy to chat or give you a quote.

And if you're still thinking about which fibreglass pool to choose, check out the fibreglass pool designs our partner offers. There's always something for every backyard and budget.