how does it work
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Fibreglass is a generic term used to describe many different types of fibre reinforced plastics. There are a great many different types of fibre and resins which when used in the right combination and application provides one of the strongest and most versatile building materials known.
For the purpose of this page let’s focus on what we use in pool lining applications. We use a four-step, hand lay-up process as detailed below. This sets us apart from other fibreglass or resin installation companies who may not use all of the same steps or products
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step 1 - resin primer
A moisture cured, single part polyester resin. It performs a vital component for bonding fibreglass to wood, cement and metal. A tough, hard wearing and flexible product that should be applied to a clean, dry surface.
While many pool laminators do not use this step in their installations I use this product to provide the best possible anchorage of the fibreglass and to improve the water proofing of the pool basin. This product provides a barrier between the glass laminate and the basin and helps prevent osmosis (sometimes known as Black Plague, Osmosis is the deterioration of the top coat of fibreglass when air or contaminated water seeps through the pool lining, causing the surface to develop blisters)
Consulting
step2 - fibreglass
This product comes in many forms but typically for pool linings chopped strand mat (CSM) is the preferred product. CSM is made up of chopped strands of glass fibre laid randomly and held together with a binder which dissolves in contact with styrene based resins. CSM is designed to cover a wide range of layup techniques, it easily conforms to contours and has fast wet out properties. There are several different types of CSM each with its own benefits according to its application and type of resin used. Powder glass has anti osmosis qualities and is the product I choose for pool linings.
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Polyester resin – there are three main types
Orthophthalic (ORTHO): are the cheapest and most used but with the most limited mechanical properties.
DCPD (Dicyclopentadiene): intermediate price. Widely used for multiple applications. Intermediate properties.
Isophthalic (ISO): more expensive, better performance and with better mechanical and chemical properties, used especially in nautical applications.
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I use Lloyds approved, flexible ISO polyester resin for all pool linings which are the best available for this type of application.
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The CSM combined with the polyester resin creates the fibreglass lining. The mat is wetted through with the resin and then rolled out to remove any air pockets (laminating).
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The combination of the glass and resin creates an extremely strong but flexible liner to the pool basin.
step 3 - surface tissue
A lightweight, continuous strand material which is wetted out with resin and gives a smooth surface covering any strand imprint. It also creates a high resin finish eliminating pin holes.
While some pool laminators, particularly spray applications, do not use this step in their installations I use this product to achieve a smooth, osmosis resistant finish.
Easy to install & free forming
step 4 - top coat
Topcoat is a gelcoat that has been modified with paraffin in order the get rid of the tacky finish typical from the polyester or vinyl ester gel coats and is used as a final surface coat. The heat created by the chemical reaction with the catalyst forces the paraffin to the surface allowing the gel to cure to an almost ceramic like finish.
Isophthalic neopentyl glycol is especially recommended for pool lining surfaces. It is an unsaturated polyester resin to which isophthalic acid is added. In this way we obtain a more reactive resin with a high impact resistance once cured.
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We offer a standard colour range of blue or white and transparent for mosaics and motifs. However, any colour is possible by adding specialist pigment pastes. If you require a different colour finish just ask at the time of your survey.
Optional, mosaics & motifs – these can be added to give your pool a unique and luxurious feel. They are laser printed glass tissue and are fully bonded to the liner. They can never peel, fade or crack and are easily wiped clean to remove tide marks at the water line. See our Mosaics and Motifs page for more information.