New technologies create beautiful and functional designs
By Jonathan Davis
As the surge in demand continues for new pool and patio projects, the industry keeps developing strategies to service and install more pools in less time—to maximize every moment of daylight during the busy season. With consumers investing more in their backyards, many builders are adding fibreglass pools to their repertoire, to ensure they get as many installations done as possible. There are some definite benefits to this type of offering, as well as a few things to consider. A better understanding of the installation process will make it easier for professionals to embrace fibreglass pools as an alternative option.
Why offer fibreglass pools?
Fibreglass pools are quickly becoming the product of choice for busy builders, along with service professionals who want to begin installing pools. More builders have begun to offer them, as it takes far less time to get homeowners swimming compared to a gunite or even a vinyl liner pool.
Fibreglass pools do not require on-site assembly like a gunite or vinyl liner pool, nor do they command a high price tag. They offer in-demand features such as large tanning ledges, beach entry designs, and even sunken living areas. Unlike the fibreglass pools of the past, today’s options not only have multiple shapes, sizes, and features for homeowners to choose from, but they also have improved construction components to give builders an easy-to-install pool. In fact, several manufacturers have even added patented features to their fibreglass pool construction, so professionals can install them quickly and without error. Installing a one-piece fibreglass shell reduces installation time and enables builders to complete more projects per year.
For some perspective, it is important to compare the process to building a vinyl liner or gunite pool. Getting a vinyl liner pool finished can take two to four weeks with site preparation, liner installation, and timing and weather co-ordination. This compares to a fibreglass pool, which will take one to two weeks—including the deck. Gunite pools can take up to eight weeks, with a lot of labour involved. Vinyl liner and gunite pools are subject to variables which do not apply to fibreglass pools, making them easier to schedule with limited labour.
Excavation
For those who are newer to fibreglass pool installation, it is important to understand the differences between excavating for a fibreglass pool and excavating for a vinyl liner or even a gunite pool. The main difference when excavating for a fibreglass pool is the finished shell gets installed in one piece. Unlike liner or gunite pools, where crews dig a hole and then build the pool in the opening, fibreglass pools are manufactured in a controlled environment at a factory and then placed directly into the hole. This allows for a quick excavation, as tolerances for the dig do not need to be as tight and over-digs (the amount of dirt removed beyond the pool size) can be minimal.
Pro tip
Rather than creating hash marks at given intervals and measuring down at their respective depths, a dual grade slope laser can help measure the exact depth at any point within the dig. By entering the slope of the pool floor into the dual grade slope laser, builders can more quickly and accurately complete the dig. When setting the laser depth, it helps to add 101.6 mm (4 in.) to the depth for the stone base. When the dirt excavation is complete, simply raising the height on the grade stick by 101.6 mm will allow for perfect top of base (bottom of pool) height for setting the base material.
Builders should allow space in each dig for a standpipe or access point to monitor ground water after the pool has been installed. At minimum, this is usually a 203.2 mm (8 in.) vertical pipe at the deep end of the pool which is set 154.2 mm (6 in.) lower than the deepest point and is tied to the rest of the dig, so any ground water around the pool can freely flow to this access point. This will be crucial if the pool ever needs to be drained.
