{"id":37388,"date":"2023-03-02T06:35:20","date_gmt":"2023-03-01T20:35:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visionaryclients.com\/armstone\/?p=37388"},"modified":"2024-05-22T17:30:28","modified_gmt":"2024-05-22T07:30:28","slug":"6-steps-to-correctly-installing-fibreglass-pool-coping-and-pavers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/visionaryclients.com\/armstone\/blog\/6-steps-to-correctly-installing-fibreglass-pool-coping-and-pavers\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Steps to Correctly Installing Fibreglass Pool Coping and Pavers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Installing a fibreglass pool is both an asset and a luxury for your outdoor space.<\/p>\n

So as a homeowner or contractor, it\u2019s crucial that the installation is done correctly.<\/p>\n

Because once the fibreglass shell is installed, it is very hard to change.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why choosing the best pool coping<\/a> material and paving is of paramount importance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Alongside the above, you also need to consider:<\/p>\n

1. The necessary Earthworks and\/or Groundworks to be completed for the area<\/strong><\/p>\n

2. Steelwork reinforcement<\/strong><\/p>\n

3. Relevant concreting works<\/strong><\/p>\n

4. Waterproofing the slab prior to installing the coping<\/strong><\/p>\n

5. Choosing the correct pool coping and installation methods, and<\/strong><\/p>\n

6. Sealing<\/a> the pool, pavers and coping once everything is complete.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In today\u2019s blog we will review each step so your installation of the fibreglass pool is a successful one.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s begin – here’s how to install a fibreglass pool correctly.<\/p>\n

\"Calabria
** Calabria Limestone Pool Pavers<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1. Earthworks or Groundworks<\/strong><\/p>\n

Before installing the fibreglass swimming pool shell or starting any excavation or concrete work, you (or a contractor) needs to assess the existing ground cover and soil. You need to assess if the existing soil is:<\/p>\n

\u25cf Clay-based<\/p>\n

\u25cf Sandy<\/p>\n

\u25cf Rock or sandstone, or<\/p>\n

\u25cf Backfill and rubble<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This is important because you want to ensure that any concrete footing installed in and around the pool will stand the test of time against the elements.<\/p>\n

Knowing the soil you\u2019re working with, will determine the correct method of installation.<\/p>\n

You also want to ensure that your concrete foundation holds the weight of the fibreglass shell, pavers, coping and water.<\/p>\n

This is why it\u2019s important that you install a compacted road base or subbase footing under the concrete footing.<\/p>\n

This type of foundation is non-permeable.<\/p>\n

This means that once compacted it\u2019s:<\/p>\n

\u25cf Self-draining<\/p>\n

\u25cf Holds the structural weights<\/p>\n

\u25cf Reduces any shrinkage of the concrete after installation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

2. Steelwork<\/strong><\/p>\n

Before starting the concreting, you need to install the correct reinforcements.<\/p>\n

These reinforcements are typically in the form of steelworks.<\/p>\n

These need to be identified by a structural engineer.<\/p>\n

For example, you might need to use SL82 reinforced concrete mesh for the coping bean and to bond the surrounds.<\/p>\n

You may also need N12 rolled galvanised bars at appropriate spacings in the bond beam footing to hold the structure together.<\/p>\n

This step is very important, so be sure to hire a licensed professional structural engineer.<\/p>\n

\"Steel
Steel work for Concrete<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3. Concrete Works<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s crucial that your fibreglass pool has concrete footings and surrounds.<\/p>\n

Here you want the bond bean and surrounding footings to be no less than 120mm thick.<\/p>\n

(Of course, these can be thicker if required for design or structural reasons).<\/p>\n

Additionally, it would help if you had 32mpa of concrete.<\/p>\n

When the concrete footing and steelwork are correctly installed, they\u2019ll hold the structural unit of the pool and surrounding areas very well.<\/p>\n

For maximum structural strength, allow the concrete to cure for a minimum of 14 \u2013 28 days before installing the fibreglass shell.<\/p>\n

Like many materials, concrete expands with heat and contracts when cool.<\/p>\n

Add saw-cut joints every 4-5 metres to counter this and minimise cracking.<\/p>\n

You need to follow through with these saw-cut joints to the finished tile and paver surface with a silicon joint. You can use the same colour silicon for these expansion joints as the grout<\/a>. Ardex has a wide range of coloured grouts that match the exact colour of the silicon Ardex ST \u00a0Silicon<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Finally, your structure engineer may have indicated additional steelwork in the plans or guidelines supplied.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to note these and add additional reinforcements.<\/p>\n

\"Concrete<\/p>\n

4. Waterproofing<\/strong><\/p>\n

Your fibreglass pool should now have a solid concrete and steel foundation and cured.<\/p>\n

This leads us to the third step in the installation process:<\/p>\n

Waterproofing.<\/p>\n

A pool by nature is prone to high moisture.<\/p>\n

This is why a waterproof<\/a> membrane is essential prior to installing the pool coping and paving.<\/p>\n

You want to ensure that the natural stone pavers or porcelain pavers remain as dry as possible.<\/p>\n

Here we recommend using Ardex WPM002<\/a> for non-moisture-sensitive tiles and all areas that are subjected to constant moisture.<\/p>\n

This Ardex waterproofing creates a polyurethane layer on top of the reinforced concreting.<\/p>\n

Subsequently stops any efflorescence and moisture arising through to the surface after installation.<\/p>\n

And now that you\u2019ve waterproofed everything\u00a0You need to choose the coping and paving you wish to install<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

\"Waterproofing\"<\/p>\n

5. Coping and Paving Installation<\/strong><\/p>\n

The last stage in bringing your fibreglass pool to life is installing the correct pool coping and pavers.<\/p>\n

Here you can consider either natural stone pavers<\/a> or structural porcelain pavers<\/a> for the pool area.<\/p>\n

Regardless of what you choose, it\u2019s critical that the coping and surrounds are installed correctly.<\/p>\n

And are structurally sound.<\/p>\n

If you need any tips on how to choose the best pool pavers and coping, we have prepared a blog earlier. Read more here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Now, let\u2019s look at pool coping (edge of the pool)<\/p>\n

Believe it or not, pool coping is available in a variety of finishes.<\/p>\n

These include:<\/p>\n

\u25cf Drop Edge Coping<\/p>\n

\u25cf Bullnose Coping<\/p>\n

\u25cf Pencil Edge Coping<\/p>\n

\u25cf Mitred Drop Edge Coping (not recommended for fibreglass pools)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

So which of the above pool coping options is best for fibreglass pools?<\/p>\n

Great question!<\/p>\n

\"Melba
** Melba Limestone Coping Profiles<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

We answer it in more detail in a blog we wrote earlier. Read the blog on the Best Fibreglass Pool Coping options here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

As we mentioned at the start, a fibreglass pool is both an asset and a luxury.<\/p>\n

You want it to stand the test of time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

You need to consider things like:<\/p>\n

\u25cf Is the pool coping appropriate ?<\/p>\n

\u25cf Is the pool coping stone suitable for salt water, chlorinated, mineral or magnesium pools?<\/p>\n

\u25cf Is the pool coping have the correct thickness?<\/p>\n

\u25cf Is the pool coping appropriate for the entirety of the pool?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Fibreglass<\/p>\n

Installing the wrong pool coping pavers is a costly exercise.<\/p>\n

Make sure you avoid that\u00a0contact our team of experts for further information.<\/p>\n

Use the contact form<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Or call us at 1300 560 560<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Now let\u2019s talk about what you need to hold the pool coping together. So \u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What is the best Fibreglass pool coping adhesive<\/a>?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ardex is our go-to fibreglass pool coping adhesives brand.<\/p>\n

Many fibreglass pool copings fail due to incorrect installation methods.<\/p>\n

These can include using sand and cement mortar for adhesion to the fibreglass.<\/p>\n

Or even using tile adhesives.<\/p>\n

Neither of these are appropriate for fibreglass pools because they will debond over time and cause structural movement and issues.<\/p>\n

Instead, the best adhesives for pool coping to fibreglass pools are:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u25cf Ardex CA20P<\/a> construction adhesive – use this to bond the stone to your fibreglass pool. Apply directly to the fibreglass portion.<\/p>\n

\u25cf Ardex x18<\/a> tile adhesive mixed with Ardex E90<\/a> fibre reinforcement liquid – apply this to the concrete substrate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"POOL
POOL COPING ADHESIVE FOR FIBREGLASS POOLS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6. Sealing<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Once you have completed the other five steps, you want to ensure that the pavers and coping are sealed correctly.<\/p>\n

Why?<\/p>\n

Well, you want them to stand the test of time, right?<\/p>\n

And sealing<\/a> pool coping tiles protects the paver\u2019s surface from wear and tear.<\/p>\n

Environmental conditions, foot traffic, chlorine, salt, and many other factors contribute to basic wear and tear.<\/p>\n

Sealing<\/a> also reduces any minerals from penetrating into the stone from the substrate and surface.<\/p>\n

We strongly recommend pre-sealing the natural stone pavers or tiles on all 6 sides prior to installation. Aquamix-ProBlock<\/a> is our go-to sealer, especially for salt and chlorine pools.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We also recommend:<\/p>\n

\u25cf AquaMix – Sealers Choice Gold<\/a> as a top sealer to be applied onto the stone\u2019s surface after grouting.<\/p>\n

\u25cf Aqua Mix – Enrich and Seal<\/a> to protect and (in some cases) enhance the stone\u2019s surface appearance.<\/p>\n

The sealer should be applied in two coats.<\/p>\n

\"Sealers-Choice-Gold\"
Sealers-Choice-Gold<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Leave it in so it penetrates the stone and grout.<\/p>\n

This will shield it from moisture penetrating the exposed stone surface.<\/p>\n

It will also hold a barrier to repel any leaf and stain damage.<\/p>\n

And there you have it!<\/p>\n

\"Silver<\/p>\n

6 critical considerations for installing pool coping and pavers for fibreglass pools.<\/strong><\/p>\n

And if you need any additional help with selecting pool pavers for your fibreglass pool that will match your lifestyle needs call us on 1300 560 560<\/a> or visit our beautiful showroom in Glebe, Sydney.<\/p>\n

We pride ourselves on listening to your unique needs and sharing industry best practices to help you find the most suitable, ethical, and tailored solution for your home project.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for the best installer to complete your fibreglass pool project, we send you to \u00a0RBG Landscapes<\/strong><\/a> with high recommendations.<\/p>\n

Rhys Galvin is one of the best in the industry. You can contact him at 0415 874 416 \u00a0\u00a0\"\"<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n