Fiberglass vs. Plaster |
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| Pool Conditions | Fiberglass | Plaster |
| Rough Surfaces | Always smooth. No scratched feet and toes. |
As plaster wears, roughness increases. |
| Structural Cracks | Adds structural strength to pool shell. Prevents leaking. |
Any substantial pool movement can cause cracks and leaks. |
| Blemishes - Stains | Resistance to stains with easily cleaned surface. | Little resistance to stains and blemishes even if surface has been recently applied. |
| Algae Resistance | Smooth, dense, non-porous surface prevents algae from adhering. |
Algae adheres to porous surface. |
| Chemical Demand | Noticeable reduction chemical usage due to the inert nature of fiberglass. Makes pool chemicals more efficient. |
High chemical requirement at all times. Reactive surface |
| Attractiveness | Maintains attractive appearance. | Unsightly when stained/deteriorated |
| Durability | The superior corrosion resistant and inert properties of fiberglass ensure exceptional durability. |
Depends on application. Re-plastering often separates from original surface (poor adhesion). Material limitations reduce the durability of plaster. |
| Water Chemistry | Inert surface less sensitive to out-of-balance water chemistry. | Very sensitive to incorrect water chemistry. Plaster surface easily compromised |
| Life Expectancy | Exceeds that of plaster. Time tested with 25 years industry experience. | Varies. Depends on water chemistry, maintenance regime, plaster mix, and application technique. |
| Leachable Material | Due to the inert nature of fiberglass, no leachable material is available to cause roughness. Surface remains smooth. |
Salts/plaster constituents will adhere, and create a very abrasive surface. |
| Start-up | Simple. No brushing needed. Allow to cure, then start-up. |
Complicated. Requires brushing and attention. |
Why Fiberglass?Reasons Why Fiberglass is the Best Choice1) Fiberglass is the material that has modernized swimming pool renovation. It is the ideal way to contain water. This material is well known for its durability, and unlimited application possibilities. It can be used virtually anywhere that water containment is required. 2) Fiberglass is inert, waterproof, and corrosion resistant. Years of field experience demonstrate that the fiberglass can dramatically reduce construction, or renovation cost, limit maintenance, and extend the life of a swimming pool, or aquatic facility. 3) Fiberglass acts as a pool shell that seals, protects, and waterproofs. 4) Fiberglass, is a corrosion resistant, highly durable material that results in considerably lower maintenance costs, as well as significant overall reduction in pool care. 5) Fiberglass provides superior strength, far beyond that conventional plaster, coatings or vinyl liners ... it outlasts them all. This surface is relatively immune to the damaging effects of pool water. Furthermore,the nonporous surface inhibits algae penetration, and minimizes staining. 6) Fiberglass resurfacing greatly reduces the time and effort, of maintaining any pool or aquatic facility. 7) Fiberglass is not a new material. GRP (Glass Reinforced Polymer) products have been used in the construction, corrosion, and marine industries for many decades. 8) Fiberglass is widely used for corrosion control in harsh chemical environments. GRP composites are totally engineered materials. The physical, mechanical, electrical, chemical and corrosion resistant characteristics of these composites can be adjusted to suite a particular application. 9) FRP has the advantage of corrosion resistance,high strength - to - weight ratio,low maintenance,and a longer life cycle, as compared to traditional materials such as concrete,and other entrenched materials. Go back to the Pool Resurfacing Home Page. |
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