Prepping for Summer Fun: How to Build a Fiberglass Pool

A swimming pool addition makes summers more enjoyable. When evaluating various swimming pool options, one option that can completely transform the backyard and emerge as one of the most rewarding is fiberglass pools. Technological advancements over the years have made one-piece fiberglass pools a popular alternative to vinyl and concrete swimming pools. 

Fiberglass pool shells are factory-made in a controlled environment and shipped to the location in pre-engineered, ready-to-install condition. As fiberglass pools are built in a facility, buyers do not know how these pools are constructed or the different stages required to create the shell they purchase for installation. Let's discuss the construction process for a fiberglass pool.

What goes into making a fiberglass pool?

A fiberglass pool comprises layers of materials combined in a predesigned mold to manufacture the shell. After the layer cures and bonds, pool builders pop the shell out from the mold for trimming to give it the perfect shape. The pool shell is then checked for quality to ensure it does not have any chips, dents, cracks, or other inconsistencies. 

Let's explore the steps involved in the making of fiberglass shells:

The plug or pattern

The first step is to create a replica of how the pool was shaped originally. This replica serves to create the mold. Manufacturers use wood, fiberglass, steel, body filler, or primer to make the pattern. After making the pattern, they apply release agents and liquid sealers to remove the mold.

Mold

The next step in the fiberglass pool design is to build the mold using the plug. The mold is made from fiberglass and steel-framed interiors with orange-red exteriors. Different layers are combined in this mold and released to get the pool shell. A steel frame supports the underside of the mold. After removing the mold from the pattern, its surfaces go through a similar preparation process to the plug to allow easy release of the pool shell. 

Different pool shell layers

Gel coat surface layer

The gel coat layer is the actual pool color that buyers choose. It consists of a colored resin, which manufacturers apply in three separate layers through a spray gun. The gel coat protects the layers underneath, is smooth, durable, and algae-resistant.

The vinyl ester resin layer

The next layer is 100% vinyl ester resin. It is sprayed on as a protective layer after the gel coat cures. It makes the pool waterproof and corrosion-resistant.

Chopped fiberglass layer

It adds more strength and durability to the first two layers.

Roving layer

The purpose of a woven roving layer is to reduce the overall stress. 

Structural comb layer

The structural integrity of the pool walls is strengthened by inserting vertical strips of honeycomb core along the walls. They provide added support for the tension points.

Chopped fiberglass layer

The shell is strengthened by adding the chopped fiberglass layer at the end. The layers are then rolled with a roller to prevent air bubbles. 

After removing the pool shell, manufacturers use the mold to make more such shells. 

Access the best pool building professionals

Creating a fiberglass pool is a complex process. Fiberglass pools support quick installation (three to six weeks) as a significant part of the construction of the swimming pool is already taken care of before arriving at the installation site. Contact a local pool expert to know more about fiberglass pools or to get assistance with installation.

If you have a pool need, whether it’s service, renovation, repair, lighting, or something else, call Magic Matt’s Pools at 623-255-2239 today!