QUICK TO INSTALL, EASY TO MAINTAIN
by Contributor
(Jul. 29, 2019) — A growing number of homeowners are choosing to install fiberglass swimming pools in Adelaide instead of traditional materials like concrete. There are many reasons for this and if you’re interested to find out more about fiberglass swimming pools and how long they last, then this article is for you.
Why choose fiberglass?
Part of what makes fiberglass swimming pools so attractive is the fact that they’re durable and long lasting. Through correct installation and maintenance, a good quality fiberglass swimming pool can last for decades.
Most good quality fiberglass swimming pools feature a hard and sturdy shell that’s practically unbreakable. They’re also flexible and better able to handle the earth’s movement without cracking. So, if you live in an area that’s prone to earthquakes and other natural disasters, it’s probably a good idea to invest in a well-made fiberglass swimming pool.
Fiberglass swimming pools also feature a non-porous and smooth surface that’s resistant to stains and algae growth.
They come pre-assembled in a mold chosen by you, the buyer. Although they don’t offer complete customization, fiberglass pools come in numerous shapes, designs and sizes.
How are fiberglass swimming pools made?
Not all fiberglass swimming pools are made equal. Some offer better quality than others. It all comes down to the manufacturing process and what materials are used.
- The manufacturing process typically starts with a sturdy, good quality mold. Coupled with quality workmanship and the right materials, this is usually a perfect foundation to create a sturdy, long lasting swimming pool.
- Next, fiberglass pools are coated with a gelcoat that’s meant to harden the surface of the pool and protect it from things like algae and dirt. This is what makes fiberglass pools so easy to maintain.
- The following step in the manufacturing process is to mix chopped fiberglass with polyester resin or vinyl ester resin to make sure the shell structure keeps its shape and sticks to the surrounding layers during installation. Vinyl ester is a waterproof substance which keeps water from getting through the gelcoat and into the inner layer of the pool.
- Next comes the application of woven roving to certain parts of the pool for added strength and durability.
- After that, structural honeycomb materials are applied to create well-supported side walls.
- At this stage, the pool is ready for a final layer of polyester resin and fiberglass mixed together.
- The pool structure is left to cure in the mold.
- After some time, the manufacturer takes the pool shell out of the mold in order to trim off extra fiberglass material.
- The last step is to perform a quality check to make sure the pool meets the required design specifications and weight standards. During this stage, the manufacturer should also check for inconsistencies or cracks so there are no surprises during the installation process.
Installation
Once a fiberglass swimming pool goes through the quality check phase with flying colors, it’s ready for delivery and installation. Unlike regular pool installation which can take anything from three to six months, a fiberglass pool only takes 3 to 6 weeks!
Here’s how the installation works:
- The installer will start by excavating the soil in your backyard
- They’ll set the pool and level it properly
- Next comes installation of the pool’s filler and plumbing systems
- The pool shell is backfilled
- After that comes installation of the patio and coping
- The final step is the pool fence installation
Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, it’s important to use the right tools and products to clean your fiberglass pool. Too much of certain chemicals can cause disequilibrium to the water and damage the pool structure as well.
The good news is it’s super easy to maintain a fiberglass pool. You don’t need to use acid or other strong chemicals to keep the pH balanced. But, you must give your pool the TLC it needs because neglecting it will cause premature damage and aging.
The non-porous and algae resistant gelcoat means that all you have to do is run the water filter and use a few, fiberglass-approved chemicals every now and then to keep your fiberglass pool clean.