
If you’ve following our fiberglass pool manufacturing series to this point, you know we’ve already covered:
1. Step One: The importance of Proper Mold Preparation
2. Step Two: Manufacturers guidelines for Gel Coat Application
3. Step Three: The Importance of the Vinyl Ester Resin Layer of a Fiberglass Pool
Today we’re going to discuss the fourth and final stage of fiberglass pool construction:
We have shot our surface layer (gel coat), and we have our water barrier (vinyl ester resin layer), now it’s time to add raw strength to the pool.
How is This Done?
Typically two ways:
1. With large sheets of fiberglass matt, or woven roving, that are hand laid on the pool shell then wetted with a general purpose (usually polyester) resin. After each layer is applied, the fiberglass is hand rolled to remove any air bubbles that may be present.
or
2. With fiberglass "chop" that is blown onto the pool and simultaneously mixed with resin. This is the same process used to apply the vinyl ester layer to the pool, the only difference being the type of resin used. The same process of hand rolling is critical to ensure all air is removed from the layers of laminate.
Anywhere from four to eight layers of fiberglass matt are applied, and as much "chop" as needed to reach the desired thickness. Some areas of the pool require more strength because they come under greater stress when the pool is full of water. These areas, such as the transition from the floor to the side wall, steps, seats, and corners, will be thicker so they can better accommodate the load placed upon them.
This final layer of laminate is typically an average of 100 to 120 mils thick.
Most fiberglass pool manufacturers aim for a total pool thickness of between 3/16” and 3/8”. The key is to achieve a proper balance of strength and flexibility. Most manufacturers try to achieve a strength to flexibility ratio of about 70/30.
The key to building a great fiberglass pool is finding this balance between strength and flexibility. The pools must be strong enough to handle the loads placed upon them while in the ground, but must also be flexible enough to withstand the pressures of lifting and leveling.
As you can tell, pool thickness is one of the most important aspects of fiberglass pool manufacturing, and frankly most manufacturers do a great job at producing a consistent product. As fiberglass pools have become more popular over the past decade, and as manufacturing processes become more and more advanced, fiberglass pool manufacturers have reached new heights in terms of producing quality products that stand the test of time.
If you would like to learn more about the fiberglass pool manufacturing process you might want to check out the first three parts in this series:
If you live in Virginia or Maryland and would like more information on inground pools, contact us—we'd be thrilled to help you on your pool journey!
Please feel free to join the conversation by leaving a question or comment below.
Thanks a bunch!
At River Pools, we manufacture world-class fiberglass pools for customers across North America. If you'd like to get a fiberglass pool for your home, you can browse our catalog of models, try out our pool pricing calculator, request custom pricing, or download our free ebook below.
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Fiberglass Swimming Pools 101: Manufacturing, Cost, and More
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River Pools® manufactures fiberglass pool shells and does not install pools. Pools are installed by locally owned and operated dealers and franchisees. The relationship between the dealers and franchisees to River Pools® is that of an independent contractor. River Pools Franchising LLC (Franchising) provides independently owned and operated River Pool franchisees with the right to market the River Pools brand of pool shells as a franchisee. Franchising does not manufacture pool shells. Due to the unprecedented and historic growth of the River Pools brand, this website contains an abundance of information that has been created over the last decade. Some of the content on this site may reflect prices, perspectives, processes, entities, and names that were relevant at the time but may not be as relevant today.
Consumers should consult their local installer (independent dealer or franchisee) for the most accurate and updated information based on the unique conditions of their property. Consumers should verify specifications with the installing dealer rather than relying on the information on this website, which is not intended to be a final specification.