The Economics of Fiberglass
By Terry Shields
A Versatile Material's Evolution
Weaving glass into a usable fiber is not an alchemist's dream. Ever since the ancient Egyptians discovered a way to produce glass fibers, cultures have tried to utilize the strength of glass in a variety of ways. However, it was not until the late nineteenth century that a thread made with glass was used effectively. Buoyed by the results, researchers continued to experiment over the years, and by the mid-1930s, the true benefits of glass as a wonder product were realized.
In 1936, fiberglas - with one s - was patented. In the meantime, a new type of material called polyester resin was also being developed. It soon became obvious that the two new components could be combined to create a strong, versatile composite. From there, the innovative material became the choice of many diverse builders, including those in the airplane, automotive and boat industries. Today, the fiberglass compound continues to be used because of its flexibility and strength, and because end-users find the product easy and economical to maintain.
In 1958, a group of pool builders concluded that the fiberglass/polyester resin material was not just for mobile products. They believed that stationary objects, like swimming pools, could also profit from the compound's pluses. Before long, fiberglass pools started appearing in backyards around the nation.
Today, fiberglass pools are crafted in state-of-the-art factories and brought to jobsites ready for installation. This type of construction helps to trim the time and the workforce it takes to get a project completed. Because the excavation is done in advance, problems and dilemmas that crop up can be addressed before the unit arrives, giving the building crews more breathing space - and the capability of getting the pool into the ground successfully.
Poolscaping with Fiberglass
Once a homeowner decides upon a model from a pool builder's catalog, craftsmen in the factory take over and build the pool in the desired shape. A nonporous gel coat, which supplies not only additional protection against the elements, but which also gives fiberglass pools their smooth-to-the-touch and satiny-soft surface, is sprayed onto the mold. Then a compound made up of fiberglass and vinyl ester is added.
Making the pool offsite also provides more leeway in the creation process. Enhancements, like mosaics, are easily included in the design. When a project is being prepared, the insertion of artwork into the pool's floor becomes a part of the calculations. The pool is then made to accommodate the tiles, providing a smooth zone for a one-of-a-kind aquatic masterpiece.
Wallet-friendly Maintenance
Fiberglass has few natural enemies. Ultraviolet light, earthquakes and other environmental events have a hard time competing with the lightweight, yet flexible strength of the fiberglass/resin combo. This no-holds-barred characteristic gives homeowners not only an extra sense of security, but it also makes fiscal sense, as refurbishments are kept to a minimum.
The fiberglass/resin compound does not alter water's chemistry, almost guaranteeing that alkaloids will not leach into the water. Constant filtration and regular chemical balancing are needed less frequently, thus making maintenance schedules for fiberglass pools easy to follow-and economical to complete.
Algae, one of the top trouble�makers for pool owners, are no match for fiberglass pools. The construction process incorporates a number of steps that provide the pool with a powerful shield against algae. The nonporous gel coat, applied in many layers to the shell during manufacturing, is a hard-nosed sentry that stops algae from attaching itself to the pool wall. This is great news for homeowners, because with the swish of a brush, algae are swept away.
The gel coat also creates a surface that requires little maintenance. Because the walls of the pool remain virtually untouched by the passing of time, the need for any type of renovation or restoration is practically non-existent.
Fiberglass is still evolving. New models are constantly being designed, while a host of inventive features come off the drawing board regularly. The wonder product that was discovered in ancient times continues to be a workhorse that provides both economic and timesaving value.