We talk a LOT about how much we love the smooth surface of a fiberglass pool.
It’s skin-friendly.
It’s comfortable underfoot.
It’s easier on swimsuits.
It’s easier on paws.
And because it’s smooth and nonporous, it’s also a BIG part of what makes fiberglass pools easier to clean and maintain.
But all that talk about SMOOTH naturally brings up another question:
Are fiberglass pools slippery?
It’s a great question.
Because when you’re walking down the steps, standing on a tanning ledge or getting in and out of your pool, traction matters.
And here’s where thoughtful fiberglass pool design comes into play.
Smooth doesn’t have to mean slippery.
Smooth and Slippery Aren’t the Same Thing
Let’s clear this one up first.
When we describe fiberglass as smooth, we’re talking about the comfortable gelcoat surface of the pool.
It’s one of our FAVORITE things about fiberglass.
You don’t have the same rough, abrasive texture against your feet, knees, elbows, hands or swimsuit that you can experience with some other pool finishes.
But that doesn’t mean a quality fiberglass pool is designed like one giant slick bathtub.
Not even close.
Pool manufacturers understand that certain areas of a swimming pool serve a very different purpose than others.
You’re swimming against the walls and floor.
But you’re walking, standing, entering and exiting on steps and other designated areas.
And those areas deserve special attention.
Latham Builds Slip-Resistant Steps Into Its Fiberglass Pool Designs
This is one of the reasons we’re proud to offer Latham fiberglass pools.
Latham specifically incorporates slip-resistant entry steps into its fiberglass designs. Latham describes these areas as providing secure entry points into the pool while remaining easy on the feet. Latham Pool
That’s an important distinction.
You don’t have to make the entire pool rough and abrasive just to provide additional traction where swimmers need it most.
Instead, you can have the smooth, comfortable fiberglass surface we talk about so often AND slip-resistant entry areas designed for better footing.
Latham offers this feature across numerous fiberglass models. In its current San Antonio pool information, for example, Latham specifically highlights slip-resistant steps on models including the Delray, Synergy and Milan. Latham Pool
Smooth where you want it. Slip-resistant where it matters.
Pretty smart, right? 😉
Pay Attention to Where Your Feet Actually Go
Think about how you use a swimming pool.
You’re not normally walking around vertically on the walls.
You’re using specific areas to get in, get out, stand, sit and lounge.
Depending on the fiberglass pool design you choose, that can include:
👣 Entry steps
☀️ Tanning ledges
💦 Shallow or wading areas
🪑 Built-in benches and seating
🏊 Multiple entry and exit points
That’s one of the things we love about today’s fiberglass pools.
These aren’t just shells filled with water.
Modern fiberglass pools can be designed with incredible built-in features that make the pool more comfortable, functional and FUN to use.
And manufacturers like Latham have thought about how people actually interact with those features.
Comfortable Underfoot AND Designed for Traction
Here’s where fiberglass really gets it right.
You don’t necessarily want a rough surface throughout your entire swimming pool just to create traction.
After all, your skin is going to be touching that surface, too.
So are your kids’ knees.
Your swimsuit.
Your dog’s paws.
And maybe your backside while you’re sitting on that tanning ledge with a cold drink. 😂
Comfort matters.
That’s why we love the combination fiberglass gives you.
A smooth, skin-friendly pool surface where comfort is important, along with slip-resistant entry steps where additional traction is particularly important.
You get the benefits of a smooth pool surface without sacrificing thoughtful design in the places where you’re actually stepping into and out of the water.
So, Is a Fiberglass Pool Slip-Proof?
No swimming pool surface should be described as completely slip-proof.
Water is water.
Wet surfaces require common sense, regardless of what type of swimming pool you own.
Sunscreen, body oils, improper water care, algae or other buildup can also affect how a surface feels underfoot.
That’s one reason proper pool care still matters.
But there’s a BIG difference between saying:
“Fiberglass is smooth.”
and assuming:
“Fiberglass must be slippery.”
Those aren’t the same thing.
Latham’s use of slip-resistant steps is specifically designed to provide more secure entry points into the swimming pool. Latham Pool
And we think that’s a pretty important feature.
What About Tanning Ledges?
We LOVE tanning ledges.
And if you’ve looked through the fiberglass pools we offer, you already know today’s designs can have some pretty incredible ones.
Tanning ledges aren’t just beautiful.
They’re places where you actually LIVE in your pool.
You sit.
You lounge.
You stand.
The kids play.
The dog may decide it’s his new favorite hangout.
You might put a ledge lounger there and decide you’re never leaving. 😂
Latham offers numerous fiberglass designs incorporating tanning ledges, wading areas, benches, swim-up seating and multiple entry and exit points. Latham Pool
When choosing a pool, we can help you look at the entire design, including where you’ll enter, where you’ll sit, where the kids will play and how you expect your family to use the pool.
Because picking a pool isn’t just about choosing a shape.
It’s about choosing how you want to LIVE in it.
What About Kids?
If you’ve got kids, you already know they probably aren’t going to calmly float around without touching anything.
They’re going to be everywhere. 😂
On the steps.
On the ledge.
On the benches.
In the shallow areas.
Out of the pool.
Back into the pool.
And probably back out again five seconds later because they forgot something.
Thoughtfully designed entry areas are important for everyone, but they’re especially nice when your pool is going to be used by the whole family.
Of course, normal pool rules still apply.
Walk around wet pool areas. Don’t run. And supervise children around the water.
Fiberglass doesn’t eliminate the need for good pool safety.
It simply gives you a pool surface and design created with actual swimmers in mind.
What About Older Swimmers?
This is another reason pool design matters.
Depending on the model, fiberglass pools can offer features such as wide entry steps, multiple entry and exit points, built-in benches and shallow areas.
Latham specifically notes that its slip-resistant steps are intended to provide convenient entry for swimmers of different ages. Latham Pool
For families planning a pool they’ll enjoy for MANY years, those features are worth considering.
And that’s exactly why we like helping homeowners think beyond simply:
“Which pool looks prettiest?”
We want to know how you’re actually going to USE it.
And Yes, We’re Talking About the Fur Babies Again 🐾
Because they’re family, too.
Dogs need to figure out where they can safely enter and exit a swimming pool, and having clearly defined steps, ledges and resting areas can make a BIG difference.
Multiple entry and exit points, wide steps, tanning ledges and benches can also give dogs places to orient themselves, rest and get out of the water.
Combine that with the smooth fiberglass surface that’s easier on paws, and you’ve got another reason fiberglass can be such a great choice for pet-loving families.
We talk much more about that in Pet-Friendly Pools: What Does That Mean? And YES, We’ve Got ‘Em!.
Don’t Forget About the Pool Deck
Here’s another important distinction.
Your fiberglass pool surface and your pool deck are two different things.
When people ask us whether a fiberglass pool is slippery, sometimes they’re thinking about the entire pool area.
The decking and coping surrounding your swimming pool have their own materials, textures and finishes.
That’s another area where material selection matters.
Your pool builder can help you choose surrounding materials and finishes that work with your pool design, backyard and the way your family plans to use the space.
Because the goal isn’t just a beautiful pool.
It’s creating a backyard that works.
The Same Smooth Surface Has a LOT of Advantages
Here’s the fun part.
That smooth fiberglass surface we’re talking about?
It’s responsible for a whole bunch of the reasons we LOVE fiberglass.
💙 Comfortable against skin
👙 Gentler on swimsuits
🐾 Easier on paws
🦠 Extremely difficult for algae to root into
🧹 Easier to clean
🧪 Easier water care
✨ No routine resurfacing
That’s why we don’t want to trade away the smooth fiberglass surface.
We WANT smooth.
We just also want thoughtful traction in the places where we’re stepping into and out of the pool.
And Latham’s slip-resistant entry steps give us exactly that kind of thoughtful design.
Smooth Is Actually One of Fiberglass’s BIG Advantages
If you’ve been following along with us, you know we’ve been talking quite a bit about what that smooth surface actually means for pool ownership.
It’s not just about comfort.
That smooth, nonporous surface is one of the reasons algae has such a difficult time rooting into fiberglass.
It’s one of the reasons fiberglass pools are easier to maintain.
It’s part of why they typically require less chemical intervention.
And it’s one of the reasons you don’t have to deal with routine costly resurfacing.
So we’re definitely NOT giving up our smooth surface. 😉
You can learn more about how it feels in Are Fiberglass Pools More Comfortable? Why the Smooth, Skin-Friendly Surface Matters.
And if you’re curious about what that smooth surface means for algae, take a look at Do Fiberglass Pools Get Algae? Why the Surface Makes a BIG Difference.
Smooth Where You Want It. Slip-Resistant Where It Matters.
That’s really the story.
We LOVE the smooth surface of fiberglass.
We love that it’s comfortable.
We love that it’s skin-friendly.
We love that it’s easier on swimsuits and paws.
We love that it’s nonporous.
We love that it’s easier to clean.
And we love that algae has such a hard time taking root in it.
But we ALSO love that Latham recognizes the importance of secure footing when you’re getting into and out of your swimming pool.
Smooth where you want it.
Slip-resistant where it matters.
THAT’S smart pool design. 💙💦
And it’s another reason we’re pretty big fans of fiberglass around here.
Gary’s Pool & Patio has specialized in fiberglass pools since 1979, and as a Latham fiberglass pool dealer, we can help you explore the different models, steps, tanning ledges, benches, entry points and features available to find the pool that works best for YOUR family.
Let’s Get You Swimming! 💦
💙 Gary’s Pool & Patio
📞 210.494.5002
🌐 GarysPoolAndPatio.com