Knowledge for the Consumers

Our team would like to give you an update on the fiberglass pool industry, and the technology that has been developed.

There have been some cheap fiberglass pool coatings in the past that have tarnished the reputation of anything having to do with fiberglass in the pool industry.

The Term Fiberglass refers to the mat (or strands) of strengthening product--not to the resin.

Fiberglass mats are all similar, but the bonding resins are very different.

The most common resins are polyester or vinyl ester resins that are then coated with a gel coat. Boats, cars, surfboards, and one piece pools are all poly or vinyl esters.

Polyester and vinyl ester resins are the old technology---epoxy polymers are the new technology.

Some states are now fining contractors $5000 for installing polyesters resin pools and forcing them to remove and dispose of the pool.

Only recently are some expensive boats and yachts being made from the superior epoxy polymer resins.

Epoxy polymers are significantly stronger in every strength test and bond tenaciously to virtually any surface. In addition, the epoxy polymers made by Oceaneering Research and Development are virtually non-porous. Polyester and vinyl esters are porous when viewed under a microscope, as are other coatings.

In addition, polyesters and vinyl esters contain noxious vapors which can gas-off for up to twenty years. This is precisely why standard fiberglass products are being phased out by EPA restrictions. Oceaneering's epoxy polymers have no MEK's, toluene, acetone, xylene, or benzene, and are virtually odor-free.

Fiberglass pools are vastly superior to gunzite, and vinyl liner pools. Look at your driveway, then look at your shower(Made with Fiberglass). Vinyl Liners have to be changed out about every 5 years very lovely, not to mention if Fido the dog happens to jump in and rips the liner!.

You will save time on maintenance with cleaning the waterline. You will also save money because of the Chemical Dispersion rate is dramatically lower since the shell is virtually none porous and wont absorb the chemicals like the other pool liners. If you are buying a Fiberglass Pool ask these questions!

Next time you get a fiberglass pool, ask these questions!

This post was edited by AffordablePoolsInc on Thu, Jun 20, 13 at 13:33