Composite pool: do-it-yourself installation + owner reviews

Composite pools are swimming pools made of fiberglass with the addition of special components. One of the distinguishing features of structures made of composite materials is the possibility of their use not only as a seasonal structure, but also for year-round use with covering for the winter period.

Features of composite pools

Composite compounds include polymer-type products reinforced with heavy-duty fibers of synthetic material. The strength provided by such substances makes it possible to create an alloy capable of withstanding fluid pressure even in composite structures with large dimensions.

This affects the fact that manufacturers indicate a warranty period for products within 15-20 years. However, while guaranteeing excellent strength characteristics of the structure, manufacturers cannot guarantee the preservation of its original appearance. It, as well as the indicators of elasticity of the building, changes under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, temperatures, chemical compounds.

This type of alloy, according to experts, allows not only to provide sufficient characteristics of strength and durability with a careful attitude to the product, but also allows manufacturers to experiment with the shape and shades of products. Others argue that there are no more than 5-6 varieties of shapes and tones of composite structures. In their opinion, this is due to the insufficient number of alloys of this type and the need to manufacture an expensive matrix for the introduction of a new form, which increases the cost of the product for the buyer.

What is the difference between a composite pool and a polypropylene pool

Before installing a composite pool in the house, gardeners compare this type of pools with polypropylene products that are closest in characteristics and are competitors on the market. It is worth taking into account the design features and nuances of operation of both varieties:

1. Pools made of polypropylene require mandatory concreting, during which the speed of work is limited by the possibility of laying only 20-30 cm of concrete per day.
2. Unlike composite pools, polypropylene structures are not made of a solid material, but consist of a large number of interconnected sheets.
3. Common designs made of polypropylene are only 5 mm thick.
   Important! When exposed to temperature changes, damage to the composite pool often occurs, which is almost impossible to repair.
4. Structures made of polypropylene have one shade – deep blue, while structures made of composite materials have at least 5-6 color variations.

Composite-based compositions during manufacture can be filled with crumbs of luminous materials, which, in addition to a pleasant glow, will provide an opportunity for additional heating of water.

Experts emphasize that the composite pools shown in the photo below are superior to polypropylene structures in all technical characteristics. However, such equipment has a slightly higher price, which, according to experts and users, pays off with high reliability and the absence of problems in installation and operation for a long period of time.

Pros and cons of composite pools

The popularity of products from composite compositions is due to a number of their advantages, among which experts include:

1. The strength of the material, which is 10 times higher than that for concrete structures.
2. The product is made of a monolith and subjected to control at all stages of the production cycle; with careful attitude, the service life of such a container can reach 50 years.
3. Attractive appearance, a large number of shapes and colors, causing the possibility of using in various interiors.

   

4. Light weight, allowing summer residents to install equipment on their own.
5. Compared to concrete structures, the costs for the purchase, installation and maintenance of the pool are low.
6. Properties of the composition, which allow for less contamination of pools made of composite and, accordingly, less frequent cleaning.
7. Ease of maintenance, achieved through the use of components in the composition of the material that prevent the emergence and reproduction of microorganisms and mycotic structures.
8. The tightness of the pool bowl made of composite, achieved by manufacturing from a single piece.

   

In addition, if necessary, the composite pool can be dismantled and installed in a new location. However, along with the listed advantages, experts also name a number of disadvantages of such pools, including:

1. The impossibility of installing a composite pool in the places of localization of electrical power, air and underground gas communications.
2. The presence of the possibility of a pool floating when emptying for cleaning or fluid replacement.
3. The presence of deformations and bending of the pool shape, which in turn causes difficulties (the appearance of cracks) with the arrangement of the cladding in the area of ​​the bypass zone located along the perimeter of the composite pool.
4. The inability to support the pool bowl when it is installed on the surface of other structures, which in turn causes a change in the shape and dimensions of the bowl, the deformation of which leads to the destruction of the supporting floor slabs.

   

5. High duration (up to 4-5 weeks) and labor intensity of installation work.
6. The need to use special transport for the delivery and installation of the finished product, which increases its cost for the buyer.
7. Low maintainability and high cost of restoration work.

Despite these shortcomings, composite pools have been able to win their niche in the market and firmly hold their positions due to the release of high-quality and durable products.

Types of pools made of composite materials

From a variety of types and sizes, experts distinguish products that have an oval, rectangular shape, composite round pools and structures with a complex configuration. The bowls of such equipment can be made in various color shades, for example, blue, greenish, emerald brown and others.

Among the well-known solutions, experts mention the use of advanced NOVA colors technology, which allows to achieve a holographic effect through the use of a new color palette. Another option is to use unique color shades with 3D Bi-Luminite colors that help achieve different refractive and reflective values ​​through layering.

Rating of the best composite pools

To ensure a long service life of the pool, it is necessary to purchase products offered by manufacturers of composite pools in Our Country and the Near Abroad, using high-quality materials. Such designs provide users with safe operation, high strength, long service life, which only according to the manufacturer’s warranty is about 20 years. Among the most popular manufacturers offering customers high quality products, experts include:

1. Equipment “Eri” from the Belarusian company Composite Group, which is distinguished by a favorable ratio between the cost of products and their quality.

   

2. Composite pools “Toba”, manufactured by the Lithuanian company Luxe Pools. In addition to providing the necessary thickness of the product and its insulation, for ease of use, the manufacturer pays increased attention to the ergonomic performance of the equipment.
3. The Minipool model, produced by the Moscow company San Juan, is distinguished by a variety of shapes and colors, a common feature of which is practicality and the absence of insulation. Such products are characterized by high strength and have an average market price.

   

4. Equipment “Victoria”, “Grenada”, “Rhodes Elite”, produced by the St. Petersburg company Admiral Pools, is distinguished by low prices and a wide range of manufactured products. This company produces pools with a depth of up to 2,5 m and a length of up to 14 m.
5. The rating of composite pools also includes products manufactured by Сompass Pools (Krasnodar). They offer consumers equipment “Riverina”, “X-Trainer”, “Brilliant”, the distinctive features of which are an attractive appearance and high ergonomic design.

Choosing from the listed models, consumers prefer the option that best suits the operating conditions, the intended purpose of the pool and the available financial opportunities.

Do-it-yourself installation of a composite pool

Before installing the structure, it is recommended to study the available methods for installing pools made of composite materials. Among them, experts include:

• installation of equipment inside the capital building;

  

• lowering into a prepared pit with partial penetration;

  

• installation in a bowl made of composite or concrete, located on the surface;

  

• installation on a surface located inside a closed-type pavilion;

  

• installation with the implementation of a concrete border;

  

• installation on the surface flush with the ground line.

  

When installing a pool made of composite materials, it is necessary to comply with a number of requirements regarding the safety of the structure.

Installation of a composite pool in a country house on the street

Having decided to independently install a composite pool on your site, you need to prepare the space for installation. To do this, use an excavator to dig a pit for the given dimensions of the structure, with a slight slope, the value of the leg of which should not exceed 50 cm.

The parameters of the pit for arrangement make 15-20 cm more depth of the bowl for organizing a pillow of sand and gravel. The width of the pit is determined by the indicators of soil freezing and the degree of heaving in the region, it can be increased depending on them by 50-150 cm compared to the overall dimensions of the pool for each of its sides.

After that, it is necessary to lay plumbing communications and ensure the organization of the drain of the liquid when it is replaced. The sequence of actions when installing a composite pool with your own hands includes the following procedures:

• backfilling the bottom of the pit with crushed stone and sand;

  

• location of the housing at the installation site using improvised means or special equipment;
  Important! Pools made of composite materials can be installed around the circumference of the tank on a base made of metal or wood.

  

• connection of equipment that drains the liquid during maintenance and fills the bowl;

  

• backfilling the distance between the wall of the pit and the body of the bowl along the entire perimeter of the structure using crushed stone with simultaneous tamping;

  

• design in the form of a concrete belt, carried out along the perimeter of a dug-in composite pool for a summer residence.

  

Installation of a composite pool indoors in the house

The installation of a composite pool, carried out inside a dwelling, has a number of features, including the use of sections, the size must correspond to the width of the doorway. Installation of the structure can be carried out according to the technology described above during the construction of the building or after its completion.

The pit is made after determining the zero mark, tied to the existing sections. The installation of a pool made of composite materials itself includes the installation of embedded parts with the laying of water pipes in a separate room and the installation of a bowl. After that, the arrangement of the utility room is carried out and commissioning is carried out.

Do I need grounding for a composite pool

Since fiberglass is not classified as a material having the properties of a conductor, it is possible to do without installing a ground. However, electrical safety rules require when using pumps, treatment plants and other electrical equipment to ensure the safety of its operation. This requirement is of particular importance in view of the use of metal parts, such as handrails and stairs. Thus, based on considerations of ensuring the safe operation of the equipment, grounding is a necessary condition for starting to use the facility.

Operation and maintenance of the composite pool

Maintenance of pools of any type involves regular cleaning of the bottom of the structure with a water vacuum cleaner, replacement of filter elements, and cleaning of the liquid using special tools.

The power of the used installation for filtration should allow passing the entire volume of liquid filling the composite pool for 5-6 hours. Depending on the temperature of the liquid, it must be cleaned 2-3 times during the day. So, at a temperature below 24 °C, all the liquid must be passed through the filter twice, while at a temperature exceeding 30 °C, the entire liquid filling the composite pool is cleaned three times.

The instruction manual defines the methods and range of chemicals for water disinfection, measures aimed at preventing the deterioration of water quality in outdoor composite pools for summer cottages.

Along with the purification of water with the help of chemicals in the pool, mechanical purification with the use of a filter unit is of great importance. Separately, experts single out the specifics of composite overflow pools, in which filtration occurs when liquid is poured into a special container through the side of the structure.

Composite pool repair

The need for repair may arise if the structure is installed incorrectly, installation is performed with the replacement of components, or violations of the recommendations prescribed by the manufacturer when performing work. In addition, fakes of children’s composite pools from well-known companies can sometimes be found on the market, and therefore it is recommended to purchase a pool from trusted companies or distributors that have a direct relationship with the manufacturer.

To prevent costs associated with restoring the functionality of a composite pool, experts recommend:

1. Accurately follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the installation technology of the product.

   

2. Avoid premature draining of the liquid from the pool and organize a drainage system in a timely manner at a high level of groundwater.
3. When installing a composite pool on leachable soil or bulk soil, it is necessary to prepare a reinforced concrete slab for it at least 20 cm thick before installation.

In case of damage to the bowl, it is necessary to ensure the rapid emptying of the pool, after which a complaint must be made to the supplier of the product. It must describe the features of the damage, attach photos.

Conclusion

Composite pools are a convenient and durable design. However, for their long-term operation, it is necessary to ensure the correct installation and use of the product. Among the important features related to the specifics of installation, experts call the preparation of the site for the structure. Composite pools have rightfully occupied their niche, combining durability, ease of maintenance and beautiful appearance.

Owner reviews of composite pools