If you’ve ever dreamed about creating your very own backyard paradise, chances are you’ve considered adding a pool. There are many types of pools from concrete to vinyl to fibreglass, but which is the most affordable and durable whilst boasting eye-catching good looks and easy maintenance? The answer lies in how different pool types are constructed.
What is a fibreglass pool?
Fibreglass pools became increasingly common from the 1960s onward, popular for their fast installation times and attractive, durable pool shells. Over the past several decades, continuous innovation in materials and construction methods has led to the high-quality, long-lasting fibreglass pools we see today, making them a well-established and trusted choice for homeowners around the world.
A fibreglass pool is a pre-formed, ‘ready-to-install’ swimming pool shell crafted from woven glass fibres and tough resin. This combination results in an incredibly durable material—think of the same fibreglass used to build yachts—and one that’s virtually maintenance-free. Unlike concrete pools, which require a lengthy on-site construction process, fibreglass pools are created in a specialised facility and then delivered to your home in one solid piece. With a pre-made fibreglass pool, you’ll be swimming much sooner and with far less hassle! Click here to explore Summertime Pool’s easy all-in-one pool installation process.
Key Benefits at a Glance:
- Easy and fast installation
- Strong, durable structure that resists damage
- Minimal ongoing maintenance
- Vibrant, long-lasting gel coat colour
- Smooth, seamless finish
Read more about the benefits of a fibreglass pool here.
But have you ever wondered, how are fibreglass pools made? Let’s take a deep dive into the process and explore what makes these pools the crystal-clear choice…
From Pattern to Pool: The Fibreglass Manufacturing Process
The creation of a fibreglass pool shell involves several carefully controlled steps. Each phase contributes to the pool’s exceptional strength, stability, and style.
Fibreglass pools arrive at your home as ready-made shells that simply need to be installed into your backyard – resulting in a fast process with minimal disruption and mess. How’s that for a plug-and-play solution?
Fibreglass pool shells are cast using high-quality moulds in accredited manufacturing facilities, and several innovative technologies, materials and processes are used for their creation. So how exactly does it all work?
Creating the Pattern (The “Plug”)
Before the pool shell is produced, manufacturers start with what’s known as the “pattern” or “plug.” This pattern is essentially a life-size model of the intended pool shape/ design. It’s made using wood, fibreglass, primer, and body filler, and takes several months to complete. It must be perfect, as it will directly influence the final mould used to create every fibreglass pool shell that follows. At Summertime Pools our moulds and materials are made to exceed Australian standards in our Melbourne factory, so you can be sure you are getting the best possible quality!
Constructing the Mould
Once the pattern is perfected, it’s used to form the mould. The mould is built with a steel-frame interior, layered with fibreglass. Interestingly, moulds are often a distinct colour—commonly a red-orange—so that manufacturers can easily differentiate it from the blue gel coat that will eventually form part of the pool shell. This colour contrast streamlines the fabrication process.
Building the Fibreglass Pool Shell
Now for the exciting part—building the fibreglass pool shell itself! Compared to the earlier steps, this phase is surprisingly quick, often taking only a day or two.
Layering for Strength and Durability
High-quality fibreglass pools are constructed with a series of layers that each serve a specific purpose:
- First Layer: A white, high-resin fibreglass layer that forms a hardened exterior barrier. This sets the stage for strength and durability, ensuring all subsequent layers bond effectively.
- Foam Core Supports: A foam core is added to create stiffness and structural integrity, forming a strong backbone for the pool shell and contributing to a lifetime guarantee.
- Additional Fibreglass Layers: Another white resin and fibreglass layer enhances structural integrity and reinforces the pool’s overall strength.
- Vinyl Ester & Fibreglass Layer: This layer acts as a protective barrier against bacteria growth, ensuring the pool’s interior remains hygienic and safe.
- Marine-Grade Colour Gel Coat: Here’s where you choose your pool’s personality! Whether you prefer a deep-sea blue or a calmer neutral tone, the gel coat brings colour and character that will last for decades.
- Colour Shield Clear Gel Coat: Finally, a clear gel coat adds unbeatable UV protection and guards against colour fade. This outermost layer ensures that your fibreglass pool looks as good as new for the long haul. Read more about Summertime Pool’s innovative gelcoat technology here.
Releasing the Shell from the Mould
Once the layers are complete and the fibreglass shell has fully cured, it’s time to carefully separate it from the mould. The mould is rolled out of the building, and using straps, the pool shell is gently pulled free. While the very first shell released from a brand-new mould can be a bit tricky, experienced builders know exactly how to manage a smooth separation.
… and there you have it! A spectacular contemporary pool that will add that resort feeling to any backyard. Summertime fibreglass pools come in a range of spectacular shapes, sizes and colours and with our customisation options like water quality, heating and more. Your ideal lifestyle in just a dig away – click here to explore our fibreglass pool designs
Final Thoughts: What are the benefits of fibreglass pools?
Of all pool types, including concrete pools, fibreglass pools require very minimal maintenance as fibreglass is a highly sophisticated and high-preforming material. You don’t need to worry about algae growth, damaged concrete, colour fade/ staining or resurfacing like you would with a concrete pool. Unlike concrete pools, which require a long, complex installation process, fiberglass pools arrive at your home fast, pre-made and ready to be placed in your backyard with minimal hassle.
In short, it’s crystal clear why a fibreglass pool is your ticket to a stress-free, long-lasting backyard oasis that you can enjoy season after season!
