The beach-entry phenomena: Staying afloat with current trends in fibreglass pool design

Installation process

The real difference between a beach-entry fibreglass pool and a traditional gunite or concrete-type beach entry is the ease of installation. It takes a lot less time to put in a fibreglass pool than a traditional beach-entry pool, which is one of the reasons professionals include fibreglass as part of their pool construction offering. The reduction in the overall time also minimizes the need for labour and, thus, allows builders to install more pools.

“Since we have experience building beach-entry pools in gunite, it is easy for us to discuss this option with homeowners,” explains Burton. “It’s important for the client to realize that because of the large, slow-transition slope, there will be less swimming room compared to a pool of the same size with a large tanning ledge that you can step into.

“We found the fibreglass beach entry was much easier to build than a gunite one,” says Burton. “There is a lip around the entire perimeter of the pool that makes it much easier to pour up to the edge.”

It is also advantageous to add a fabricated structure that supports the ledges with backfill and allows a sturdy and level installation. Typically, crushed stone or flowable fill is used under the beach-entry area. But, if the backfill is not completed properly, the ledge can feel hollow when stepped on. Over time, the fill can also shift and settle, creating a void. The last thing an installer wants is a potential crack in the pool. “We have been using a patent-pending backfill eliminator on all our fibreglass installations that have large tanning ledge areas,” says Burton. “It’s faster and hassle-free. Although it adds to the overall cost, it’s something we strive to include in the price of the pool because it saves time and is worth the money.”

“The installation of our first beach-entry pool was really quite simple,” says Hendrick. “It wasn’t much different from installing one of the large fibreglass pools with a tanning ledge. Basically, you just need to keep the same angle of the pool all the way into the deck. It’s about a 10 per cent grade, and you just need to run the concrete out to where the pool and deck meet. So, for example, with the coping, which adds about 51 mm (2 in.) of height, you only need to run the concrete out about
305 mm (12 in.).

“On this particular project, we also installed a pool cover,” says Hendrick. “The fibreglass pool is particularly well designed for including an automatic pool cover. It adds about 76.2 mm (3 in.) of height, so we had to come out a little further to make the two grades meet.

A fibreglass beach entry has many advantages compared to a gunite pool. First, one does not need to worry about freeze-thaw conditions. On the other hand, the shallow area in a gunite pool is susceptible to cracking; therefore, it needs additional product treatments to prevent damage. In addition, the porous nature of gunite requires more maintenance than fibreglass, especially in the beach-entry area. When the water is shallow, it is more stagnant and warms up faster, making it an ideal place for algae to grow. Even if one adds more returns, there is a higher chance of algae clinging onto the surface in the beach entry, which will require thorough cleaning, as it can make the area more slick and potentially a slip hazard. With a fibreglass pool, the texture is built into the design and complies with the safety requirements. Therefore, these pools are easy to clean as the surface is non porous, making it easier to remove any algae that may start to develop.

Conclusion

Now that beach-entry design features are available in fibreglass, pool builders can offer these unique pools to clients. Much like the initial introduction of tanning ledges, consumers may start to see this option and invariably ask builders to create a beach-entry pool in their backyard.

“When we first posted the availability of the pool on our website, we received more than 50 requests from homeowners who asked to be added to the waiting list to get one installed that season,” says Khamis.

Burton agrees there will continue to be a growing demand for beach-entry pools, especially now that they are available in fibreglass, too.

“This was the case with our very first beach-entry pool,” explains Burton. “When the client learned, almost nine months ago, that we would be able to install a beach-entry fibreglass pool, she was willing to wait, because she really wanted a pool in which she didn’t have to step down, and this option was the perfect fit.”

“We are a family business and our reputation is everything,” says Hendrick. “Now that we have installed this type of pool, we are ready to start promoting to everyone.”

Edward Vondell is co-owner and chief operating officer of the fibreglass pool manufacturer, Thursday Pools LLC—a position he has held since 2012. Prior, he was employed with Chrysler Corp. He earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering from Purdue University in 1985 and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame in 2001. Vondell is vice-president of the Indiana Chapter of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP). He is a successful inventor of automotive and fibreglass pool innovations and their accessories and has five products patented and multiple patents pending.