Fiberglass vs. Plaster / Pebble Tec
GlassCoat is a high-performance, spray-applied corrosion resistant, glass fiber reinforced polymer coating for Pools and Hot Tubs. No fiberglass mat is used. The glass fiber is in the resin.
POOL CONDITIONS
FIBERGLASS GLASSCOAT
PLASTER / PEBBLE TEC
Materials
Thirty-year track record for severe steel and concrete industrial corrosion protection. High-performance resins used for continuous immersion service. Provides superior long-term performance.
Cementitious product-cement based with aggregate. When introduced to the pool industry, masked common problems found with traditional plaster. No track record for industrial corrosion protection.
Corrosion Resistance
Composite surface very resistant to pool water and chemicals.
Surface subject to degradation by pool water.
Structural Strength
Superior tensile strength of composite material, ideal for pools with structural problems.
Has no structural strength. Binders and aggregates are cosmetic only. Will crack through when structural conditions change.
Black Algae and Rebar Stains
Black algae cannot adhere to fiberglass. Rebar stains cannot bleed through.
Severe black algae infestation develop when plaster matrix disintegrates, and aggregate detaches. Aggregate voids become very rough and are a haven for black algae. Rebar stains CAN bleed through.
Life Expectancy
Not subject to water or chemical corrosion. Longevity exceeds that of cement-based specialty/aggregate plasters.
Plaster binder eventually compromised by pool water-surface deteriorates.
Long Term Aesthetics
Excellent water clarity and sparkling appearance. Superior aesthetics over life of surface.
As surface ages, aesthetic appeal is diminished. Common observations are aggregate loss, molting, discoloration, scaling and etching.
Roughness
Due to the inert nature of fiberglass, no leachable/extractable material is available to cause roughness. The surface remains smooth. The homogenized composite structure, has no material that can separate from the base substance.
The aggregate/plaster composition is not inert, and is therefor, subject to corrosion by pool water. As the surface breaks down, roughness increases. Aggregate plasters are not monolithic structures. Therefore, its constituents are subject to separation.
Warranty
The very nature of composite materials implies that a more comprehensive, realistic warranty is offered. The corrosion resistant properties of composite materials enable the applicator to provide a true warranty. In addition, the warranty describes that the material addresses the technical issues, as previously described.
The nature of aggregate plasters signifies that no warranty is offered on the material itself. The material is subject to normal degradation over time, and therefore cannot be guaranteed. However, an application warranty is offered that simply states that the new material will bond to the existing substrate.
Rough Surfaces
Always smooth. NO scratched feet or toes.
As plaster or Pebble Tec wears, roughness of the surface increases.
Structural Cracks
Fiberglass adds structural strength to pool shell and prevents leaking.
Any substantial pool movement can cause cracks and leaks.
Blemishes / Stains
Fiberglass naturally offers a resistance to stains with its easy to clean surface.
Little resistance to stains and blemishes even if surface has been recently applied.
Algae Resistance
The smooth, dense, non-porous surface from fiberglass prevents algae from adhering.
Algae adheres to porous surface.
Chemical Demand
Noticeable reduction in chemical usage due to the inert nature of fiberglass. Makes pool chemicals more efficient.
Plaster and Pebble Tec require a high demand of chemicals at all times. It is a reactive surface.
Attractiveness
Fiberglass maintains its attractive appearance.
Becomes unsightly when stained or deteriorated.
Durability
The superior corrosion resistant and inert properties of fiberglass ensure exceptional durability.
Depends on application. Re-plastering often seperates from original surface due to poor adhesion. Material limitations reduce the durability of plaster and Pebble Tec.
Water Chemistry
The inert surface of fiberglass is less sensitive to out-of-balance water chemistry.
Very sensitive to incorrect water chemistry. Plaster surface is easily compromised.
Life Expectancy
Exceeds that of Plaster and Pebble Tec. 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. The surface remains smooth.
Salts / Plaster constituents will adhere, and create a very abrasive surface.
Start-up
Simple. No brushing needed. Allow the Fiberglass to cure and then start up.
Complicated. Plaster and Pebble Tec requires brushing and attention.
Peter Gibson
Our Expert Specifying / Corrosion Engineer
Technical Affiliations:
SPI – Composites Institute
ACMA – American Composites Manufacturers Association
SSPC – Society for Protective Coatings
NACE – The Corrosion Society
Certified Pool Resurfacing serves the greater Atlanta, Georgia area. For more information about Fiberglass Resurfacing, be sure to check out the Los Angeles, California Certified Pool Resurfacing brochure. Call us today for a fast, free estimate.
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