A surge in concrete pool failures across Texas is prompting homeowners to reconsider fiberglass as a more durable and cost-effective alternative, according to a recent episode of The Building Texas Show. The episode, recorded live at the San Antonio Home and Garden Show and released on September 14, 2026, features Jeff and Kelley Turner, owners of Staycation Fiberglass Pools, who explain why fiberglass is gaining traction in the region.
The Turners attribute the shift to a wave of concrete pools built during the COVID-19 construction boom that are now deteriorating. Many of these pools are exhibiting alkali-silica reaction (ASR), commonly known as “concrete cancer,” which can lead to repair bills ranging from $200,000 to $400,000. “In Texas, you need more certifications to do hair than you do to build a pool,” Jeff Turner said, highlighting the lack of state certification requirements for pool builders. He noted that PHTA certification exists but is voluntary, leaving homeowners vulnerable to unqualified contractors.
The episode serves as a cautionary tale for consumers, emphasizing the importance of asking the right questions before signing a pool contract. The Turners discuss the true cost of low bids, explaining that cut-rate contracts often skimp on critical elements like engineering plans, proper bonding, correctly sized pump equipment, and full deck scope. They also stress the value of manufacturer warranties from companies like San Juan and Aqua Technics, which they consider benchmarks in the industry. “You're dating us as a builder...” Kelley Turner said, illustrating the ongoing relationship a warranty represents.
For those considering renovation instead of replacement, the Turners mention EcoFinish flame-applied polymer resurfacing as an option. They also share a recent hybrid negative-edge rebuild in Dripping Springs, where they rescued a one-year-old fiberglass pool that looked thirty years old. The full build sequence, including a 30-foot infinity edge over the Hill Country, is available in the video. Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example.
The implications of this trend extend beyond individual homeowners. As more concrete pools fail, the demand for fiberglass pools is likely to rise, potentially reshaping the Texas pool construction industry. The Turners credit training from Jason Hughes and River Pools for shaping their client education approach, and they point to San Juan (with over 70 years in business) and Australia-based Aqua Technics as warranty leaders. Homeowners can view completed projects at staycationfiberglasspools.com.
This episode is part of an ongoing series profiling builders and entrepreneurs shaping the Texas economy, with new episodes posted two to three times a week. Subscribe to The Building Texas Show on YouTube for more insights: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBuildingTexasShow.
