Fiberglass - short term for FRP Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic or commonly referred to as a manmade composite.

Composites- two or more dissimilar materials which when combined is stronger than the sum of the individual materials. Fiber reinforcement is wetted with a polymer resin to form fiberglass

Fiberglass' early uses started in the mid 1950's. Today the presence of fiberglass and other composites materials are common in the boat and automobile industries. Early users of fiberglass composites were General Motors for use in the manufacture of the Corvette and Hatteras Yachts both of which are still recognized as "High End" durable goods today.

Extremely durable over time, some of the yachts and cars alike built in the 50's are still around some if not all, as collector's items and still sound with no signs of failure from time.

The strength of fiberglass is superior to other materials similar in weight and size. Compared to cement, wood and steel, fiberglass is lighter and more durable, especially when exposed to water.

Fiberglass can be repaired easily and the repairs are just as strong as the original condition... maybe stronger. Most repairs on fiberglass pools occur on the gel coat finish and are usually of the cosmetic, not structural, nature. These repairs can sometimes be done underwater.

Because polymer resins can vary by application, fiberglass has many different diverse uses and application such as pools, spas, tubs and shower stall, automobiles, various chemical storage applications... the list goes on and on.

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Points To Consider

About One Piece Fiberglass Pools

• Fiberglass pool shells are able to support the weight of thousands of gallons of water and are resistant to the chemicals, UV rays and subtle ground movement and shifting.
• If a one piece fiberglass pool is installed properly, it can last for decades with little more than routine maintenance.
• If a one piece fiberglass pool is not properly installed, it can lead to a headache of repeated repairs.
• A fiberglass pool is generally more expensive to purchase than a concrete in-ground pool, but can save you money over the life of the pool. This is because a fiberglass pool typically will require fewer chemicals than a concrete pools. You can also avoid the future re-plastering and liner replacement cost of concrete and vinyl liner pools.

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  Advantages Of One Piece Fiberglass Pools

• Factory manufactured using quality control standards for material and manufacturing techniques.
• Lower maintenance in chemicals and elbow grease compared to concrete pools.
• Substantially shorter construction time (usually 3-5 days weather permitting) - less disruption of yard and home owner stress
• Long lasting and extremely durable in all weather and soil conditions
• Flexible to subtle ground movement
• Repairable in both structure and cosmetic applications
• Movable if necessary...like concrete, fiberglass is a material of great strength
• Fiberglass pool finish does not effect the pool's water chemistry
• Construction options offer the permanent features of a concrete pool

A Royal fiberglass pool becomes a permanent part of your home and a larger home improvement project than what most expect. Pools add a certain amount of aesthetics and become part of the home, therefore careful thought and planning should go into the buying process. If properly installed, fiberglass pools can last for decades with little more than routine maintenance. But, if poorly built or installed, it can be an ongoing headache of repeated repairs. Before you can purchase or even pick out your favorite Royal Fiberglass Pools, Inc. model, you need to think about how your family will use it.

• Does your family like to play sports?
• Do they like to swim laps?
• Do you enjoy sitting around the pool to relax?
• Thinking about usage and each family's needs in mind when selecting a specific model is the key to purchasing a pool that the entire family will be happy with for many years to come.

Once you have decided how the family will enjoy the pool, the next major factor is the approximate budget for your pool. Other factors that should be taken into consideration and will ultimately affect the final price of your pool are:

• Yard space and access for machinery/pool
• What is included in the base price of the pool
• Type of pool equipment & accessories
• Desired Options
• Difficulty of and additions of custom work
• Maintenance requirements short and long term
• Installation time
• Job location
• Serviceability and Reparability

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• What is the Installation time frame and percentage of on time completion?
• Complaint resolution - how are problems handled?
• What work is done "in house" versus "sub-contracted" to another company?
• What is the experience level of the crew and what to expect from them?
• Do they posses the necessary license to obtain permits and complete the work to local codes?
• Explanation of product including warranties on pool shell, policies about warranty and labor, other components of the pool system.
• Completed work you can visit or view photos of? References?
• Who will be your primary contact throughout the entire project?
• Will they provide you with a drawing of the project and formal contract for approval prior to starting the project.

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Q. Does a fiberglass pool “pop out” of the ground?

A. NO! Engineers will tell you that it is impossible for any pool to “pop out” of the ground when it is full of water. However, just like any pool … gunite, vinyl liner or fiberglass … lowering of the water level below recommendations will result in an uneven pressure and possibly result in damage.

Q. Why a fiberglass pool?

A. We’ll let Money Magazine answer this one. An article on swimming pools stated that “one piece fiberglass pools are easiest to maintain”. The story noted that “vinyl liner pools can develop a tear in the liner from a sharp belt buckle” and “the entire liner slowly deteriorates in sunlight” and must be periodically replaced. Money noted that gunite pools are more expensive and because the “plaster surface is rougher than … fiberglass it is more hospitable to algae and bacteria.” And, we add that gunite pools often require re-painting and plastering.

Q. How long does it take to install a pool manufactured by Royal Fiberglass Pools, Inc.?

A. Usually 3 to 5 days, weather permitting.

Q. What does installation involve?

A. A hole is excavated to accommodate the pool model that you have purchased. Then, the bottom of the hole is contoured with sand to ensure a perfect fit. The pool is lowered into position and leveled and, while the pool is being filled, the sand is water-compacted around the edge to lock it in place. All plumbing and electricity is connected, pump and filter installed, decking built and, when completed, you are ready to enjoy your Royal Fiberglass Pools, Inc. pool or spa.

Q. How do you deliver the one-piece pool?

A. Depending on access, we normally truck-deliver the pool or spa to your location and then lift it with a crane to its final resting place. There have been situations where we have actually air-lifted pools into position using a helicopter. And we have even delivered by water…using the pool as a boat!

Q. What kind of decking may I use around my pool?

A. The standard is a plain concrete deck. However, special coatings can enhance the use and appearance of a concrete deck. Other surfaces can also be constructed … use your imagination!

Q. What features are standard in a pool manufactured by Royal Fiberglass Pools, Inc.?

A. Your Royal pool includes a built-in coping, molded, non-slip surface steps and benches.

Q. What accessories are standard?

A. Our complete pool installation package includes a skimmer, main drain and return inlets … it’s ready to enjoy once installed.

Q. What are the optional accessories?

A. Automatic pool cleaner, water heater, additional decking, slide, diving board, extra jets, winter cover, solar blanket and reel auto cover, ozone purification, ceramic tile, landscape lighting, fiber optic lighting, handrails, spill-over spas, water features and ladders.

Q. How durable is a fiberglass pool?

A. The pool’s seamless construction withstands extreme environmental changes and can flex up to twelve full inches without damage. Our pools are engineered to be up to seventeen times stronger per inch than concrete pools. This remarkable flexing feature makes the fiberglass pool the most resilient to any weather and/or soil condition. No other pool comes close.

Q. How difficult is a fiberglass pool to maintain?

A. Maintenance is easy allowing you to spend more time enjoying your pool. The gel coat finish is smooth, hard and non-porous making it resistant to algae. This feature reduces chemical usage and maintenance costs. Unlike other types of pools, there is never a need to drain a one-piece fiberglass pool. And remember, a well maintained fiberglass pool will never require resurfacing.

Q. May I move my fiberglass pool to another location?

A. When you move, your pool can go with you.

Q. Where is Royal Fiberglass Pools, Inc. located?

A. Royal Fiberglass Pools, Inc. has manufacturing facilities in Breaux Bridge LA and Dix IL, centrally located to serve our nationwide dealer network. Our corporate offices are in Breaux Bridge.

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