why choose fibreglass
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There are many factors to be considered when looking at different pool lining types. Certain countries offer different types owing to the soil and substrates the pools are built in, climate and material availability.
Let’s focus on what is typically offered here in France.
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vinyl pool liners
Probably the most common type of pool liner. It can be shaped to fit free form pool structures and is generally very affordable with prices typically ranging from €50 to €150m². It is an effective waterproof membrane. Armoured vinyl liners have an extra layer between the pool shell and the liner (Polypropylene Geotextile blend). The price variation is due to the different thicknesses (20mils – 30mils – 1mil = 1000th of an inch) installation methods and double or single welds. Typically vinyl liners need replacing every 5 – 10yrs.
Pro's
Affordable
Readily Available
Good choice of colours & styles
Flexible & unaffected by movement
Low Entry price point for the most basic liners
Con's
Easily damaged & cut
Wrinkling, creasing & shrinkage
Scum line can be difficult to remove & damaging to the liner surface
Welded seams are all potential leak points
Thicker liners are more difficlult to form to contours
Surface become more porous & brittle over time allowing algae growth
Can be damaged by extreme weather & temperatures
Consulting
tiled pools
There’s no denying that tiled pools can look very high end. Tiles can be porcelain, ceramic, glass or natural stone and are durable and long lasting. Typically tiled finishes are the most expensive liner option with prices ranging from €150 - €600+m². The key to a tiled pool is the type of adhesive and grout as this will fail long before the tiled itself. A tiled pool can last over 20yrs but mosaics will typically start to ‘pop off’ after around 8yrs and will need to be refixed yearly. Tiled pools are not the best solution in clay soil areas or where there is other types of ground movement.
Pro's
Durability
Readily available
Huge range of finishes & designs
Luxury appearance & feel
Con's
Easy to chip or crack
Medium to high chemical usage
Algae growth including black algae
Grout staining & degradation
High cost
Can be damaged by extreme weather & temperatures
plastered/rendered/
polyurethan pools
A very popular choice which is affordable. Most plastered pools will have a painted finish, usually an epoxy, acrylic or polyurethane product applied to the render surface. A good quality hydraulic pool render costs €50 - €100 m² with paint costing around €20 - €70 m². When choosing a surface paint it is vital to check the UV and chemical resistant properties. In some instances ordinary Portland cement renders are used which are cheaper but have a shorter life, are less flexible and porous.
Pro's
Easy to install & free forming
Readily available
Good range of colour finishes available
Easy DIY to re-paint
Easy to install & free forming
Con's
High PH
High chemical usage
Porous causing algae growth & high chemical usage
Short life span of paints typically every 3yrs
High maintenance, difficult to keep clean
Can be damaged by extreme weather & temperatures
Consulting
fibreglass
Often referred to as glass reinforced plastic (GRP) it is one of the most versatile building materials known. It’s strength and flexibility make it an excellent choice for pool linings as it can be perfectly moulded to every shape and contour. It is resistant to chemicals, salt and UV and is completely impervious to water ingress. Typically fibreglass linings will last 20 – 30yrs and costs range from €100 - €200m²
Pro's
Long life
Easy maintenance & reduced chemical consumption
Reduced algae growth
UV, chemical & impact resistant & flexible
Wide range of colours available
Free forming to every shape & contour
Can be used to repair step moulds in the pool avoiding costly replacement
Mosaics & motifs available to give a high end & unique finish
Can withstand the most extreme weather & temperature conditions
Con's
Less commonly available
Mid range price