Vinyl ester – Compass Pools Australia

Above-ground pool options

CPA — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 01:21:55 +0000

If you like the idea of having your own swimming pool but your site is not well suited to an in-ground solution, then the good news is that you still have plenty of options.

Sometimes it simply isn’t practical to install a pool completely in the ground. For example:

Your site is sloping and some or all of your pool will need to be out of the ground
You would like your pool to be level with an existing deck or other outdoor living area
Your pool needs to be partially raised out of the ground to avoid engineering difficulties
It isn’t practical to excavate and remove soil from your backyard (usually access issues for machinery).
You would like your pool somewhere unusual (like an apartment rooftop!)

There are several choices when it comes to above-ground swimming pools. In this article we explore the pros and cons of some of the more permanent options available to you when planning your new pool. Like most construction projects there are options for different budgets so to help keep things simple we’ll start at the lowest price point.

Vinyl liner pools

Vinyl liner pools are a great starting point if you want a family pool but have a limited budget. These pools are typically constructed using kitset steel frames and walls which are then fitted with a made-to-size vinyl liner.

Pros of vinyl liner pools

Budget friendly (you can DIY install for less than $10,000)
Fast to install

Cons of vinyl liner pools

They don’t look as good (may not be suitable for some houses)
They can be easy to damage with sharp objects
They fade easily if chemicals are not well managed
The liner will require regular upkeep and replacement

Pre-made portable pools (shipping container pools, plunge pools, and The Little Pool Co for example)

In more recent years the demand for better looking, yet budget-friendly, swimming pools has certainly ramped up, and with that demand has come the rise of a new generation of portable pre-made pools. Some great examples that are currently available in Australia include shipping container pools, concrete plunge pools and freestanding fibreglass pools like the Little Pool Co.

Although a larger investment than a vinyl liner, these options are far more aesthetically pleasing and tend to be more permanent in terms of their expected lifespan.

Take The Little Pool Co Pools for example: these are freestanding fibreglass pools which can simply be placed onto a concrete base, filled with water and connected to power. You can literally be swimming the day your pool arrives on site. The nude (no exterior cladding) pool packages start from less than $17,000– perfect if you are planning on building a deck around your pool.

Pros of pre-made portable pool options

Great for sites where access is limited, or it is hard to do earthworks
They look like permanent pools (more upmarket)
They can be installed very quickly
There are plenty of budget friendly options (starting from around $17,000)
They usually include everything you need (pumps, filters and lights)

Cons of pre-made portable pool options

They are limited to smaller sizes
There are currently no self-cleaning pool options

Swim Spas

Similar to premade portable pool options, swim spas have risen in popularity over the last decade. Swim spas are best described as a hybrid between a spa pool and a swimming pool. In many cases modern swim-spa designs include both spa and swimming zones.

Like shipping container pools or portable above-ground fibreglass pools, swim spas can be a good option if you are restricted to a small space, or if you are hoping to avoid a major excavation.

Swim spas can range in price from around $22,000 up to $45,000 depending on your preferences, which often means they are similarly priced to a permanent pool of the same size.

Pros of swim spas

There are plenty of choices on the market
They are quick to install
Some have built in swim jets for exercise

Cons of swim spas

They often run at higher temperatures than swimming pools (higher running costs)
They don’t offer the same aesthetic WOW factor as a traditional pool
They are limited in size

Partially in-ground fibreglass pools

If you are looking for a larger, more permanent pool, you might consider opting for a traditional fibreglass solution with a specially designed structural support beam (known as a drop-edge beam). This means you can install your pool up to one metre out of the ground. Drop-edge beams are often a cost effective way to raise the height of your pool to match existing decks, retaining walls or other raised areas in your backyard.

Pros of using a drop-edge beam

You get to have a full-sized pool of your choosing
Usually a cost-effective way to raise your pool out of the ground
Often adds aesthetically to the pool area (as shown in photo)

Cons of using a drop-edge beam

Not always suitable for every backyard
Can take up too much space
Not always the most cost-effective solution

Above-ground, free standing fibreglass pools (Compass Maxi Rib pools)

Compass Pools have been pioneering above-ground pool installations for over 20 years. In fact, our Maxi Rib system was the first of its kind and won an Australian design award for innovation! The Maxi Rib System allows you to have a full-sized Compass Pool almost anywhere you want it: from hillsides to rooftops. Maxi Ribs open up a world of design possibilities including vanishing edges (infinity pools), acrylic windows, waterfalls and much more.

Pros of Compass Maxi Rib above-ground pools

You can get a full-sized above-ground swimming pool
Customisable with the Compass range of add-ons
Can come equipped with the Vantage self-cleaning and circulation system
Often more cost effective than extensive earthworks or highly engineered concrete alternatives

Cons of Compass Maxi Rib above-ground pools

Costs more than a traditional inground pool

Specifically engineered concrete solutions

The final alternative is to opt for a specially designed concrete solution. Sometimes, if your site has multiple challenges then the best way to go is to opt for a specially designed concrete solution that matches your site perfectly.

Pros of Specifically engineered concrete solutions

A design that matches your site perfectly
A good way to overcome challenging site limitations
Create the WOW factor with a unique pool shape/design

Cons of Specifically engineered concrete solutions

Concrete is harder to look after than fibreglass pools
Often the most expensive option
Much longer construction process than the above alternatives

Want help finding the best above-ground pool solution for your backyard?

If you’re not sure what solution is right for your backyard, the best thing we can recommend is to get your local Compass Pools dealer to call out for a full site inspection. This service is FREE and comes with no expectation to buy. They’ll be able to help you find the best option for you, your family and your budget!

Click here to locate your nearest Compass Pools Dealer and request a site visit.

The post Above-ground pool options appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

Swimming Pools in Adelaide: Why your own swimming pool is always a great idea

CPA — Sat, 23 Feb 2019 23:40:42 +0000

More and more homeowners are choosing to install their own swimming pools in Adelaide. Having a private pool in your backyard makes sense on so many levels: it is a great way to stay fit and healthy, it offers a private space for relaxation, and opens up plenty of opportunities for socialising and family bonding. It can even increase the value of your property.

Here we take a look at some of the options available to you when it comes to pools in Adelaide, some of the important issues you need to think about, and how Compass Pools can help you achieve the dream swimming pool you always wanted.

The health benefits of having your own pool

A pool is a large investment, but it is worthwhile. By choosing a quality pool, you are purchasing an asset which will last a lifetime, and bring you plenty of enjoyment.

For a start, the health benefits of swimming are well-known. It is one of the most effective forms of exercise, as it improves your cardiovascular health as well as using practically every muscle in the body. Because of this, it is excellent for improving your overall level of fitness, toning up and staying in shape.

Swimming is also excellent for mental health, as spending time in the water is proven to assist with relaxation and stress relief, lowering anxiety levels and helping you sleep better at night. This improves your sense of wellbeing and enables you to cope more effectively with the stresses of daily life.

By having your own backyard pool in Adelaide, you will be more motivated to enjoy the water on a regular basis, as you can swim and relax in comfort and privacy on your own property.

Pools in Adelaide are great for socialising

A pool is also a great social space, as it gives you the opportunity to spend more time with family and friends by having pool parties and barbeques at the poolside. Having a beautiful outdoor entertaining space will encourage you to host more events in that gorgeous Adelaide climate, and help you strengthen bonds with the people you care about.

Pools are also ideal for spending quality time with your immediate family, as you can all enjoy the water together, making long-lasting memories for yourself, your partner and the kids. Swimming is a safe, healthy and fun way for you to all spend time together as often as possible.

A pool is a stunning design feature

A swimming pool makes a beautiful centrepiece to your backyard. By making the pool the main focus of your outdoor space, and planning the rest of your landscaping around it, you can create a stunning and highly functional backyard design which you will enjoy looking out at, and spending time in, each and every day.

A well-designed and maintained backyard is something that attracts potential home buyers, especially if a swimming pool is part of the package. This means that you will increase the value of your home and achieve a higher sale price for your property if you ever move on.

The different types of swimming pools in Adelaide

Adelaide homeowners have a number of choices when it comes to choosing a swimming pool. The type of pool you choose should depend on a number of elements:

Your budget
Your usage needs
The size and shape of your backyard

There are pools available to suit everyone, with three main materials dominating the market: concrete, fibreglass and vinyl-liner.

1. Concrete pools

Concrete pools are the most expensive type of pools, as they cannot be prefabricated. Instead, they have to be built from scratch in your backyard, a process which is labour-intensive and can take weeks or even months to complete. Because of this, the cost of a concrete pool is considerably higher than that of other swimming pool types.

Concrete has been used to build pools in Adelaide for many decades, so its strength and durability are tried and tested. You can rely on a concrete pool for the rest of your life, although it might need retiling or repainting at some stage.

The main advantage of concrete, however, is that it can be moulded into any shape you choose. This means that if you have a clear vision for how you want your pool to look, and you have not found an off-the-shelf solution to suit you, you can achieve your dream pool by having it made from concrete.

2. Fibreglass pools

The popularity of fibreglass pools in Adelaide is easy to explain. They are as strong and durable as concrete pools, able to withstand even the most extreme weather conditions and heavy usage, but at a far lower price. This is because fibreglass pool shells are pre-made in factories in a range of designs and sizes, so when you choose your pool, it can simply be delivered to your home, instead of having to be built from scratch. As a result, a fibreglass pool can be installed and ready to use within a matter of days.

Compass Pools produces a wide range of fibreglass pool shells which can be installed as above-ground or as in-ground pools at your Adelaide, property or even installed partially in and partially above ground if you have an unusual-shaped or sloping backyard.

3. Vinyl-liner pools

Vinyl-liner pools are the most budget-friendly when it comes to initial outlay, but they can end up costing more than you think. These pools are popular as above ground pools in Adelaide, but they can be installed in-ground at extra cost if required.

While the price tag may initially make a vinyl-liner pool look attractive, it is important to be aware of the risks involved. The linings are not particularly strong, so they can easily tear, especially if the pool is used often. This means you can end up spending more than you bargained for on pool repairs, and you will have to replace the liner completely every five to ten years, which can also be costly. However, if you are looking for a basic pool which you can enjoy occasionally, a vinyl-liner pool could be the right choice for you.

Compass Pools provide top-quality fibreglass pools in Adelaide

Whether you are looking for an above-ground or in-ground pool in Adelaide, Compass Pools can provide you with a fibreglass pool which will meet all your needs. From small plunge pools, ideal for relaxation, to large family pools, and lap pools designed for improving your fitness, our range caters for all needs and tastes.

Our pool shells are pre-made in a range of different sizes and designs, making them easy to install in your backyard, but they can also be personalised to suit your tastes and the style of your property, with a range of different Bi-Luminite and Vivid colour choices, which will maintain their appearance even through exposure to sunlight and pool cleaning chemicals.

Compass Pools also offer unique advantages when it comes to maintenance. Our exclusive Vantage self-cleaning system drastically cuts down on the amounts of time and chemicals it takes to keep your pool clean and healthy, leaving you with more free time to enjoy in the water.

Find out more about building a pool in Adelaide

If you are interested in having your own swimming pool in Adelaide, you can find out everything you need to know from our trusted pool builders, Outside Developments. They stock the entire Compass Pools range, and have enjoyed a great working relationship with us.

Whatever your swimming pool requirements, they will be happy to offer you all the assistance and guidance you need. You can call their expert team on 0432 336 536.

The post Swimming Pools in Adelaide: Why your own swimming pool is always a great idea appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

Creating the best pools starts with sourcing the best fibreglass pool raw materials

Steve Vimpani — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 03:51:22 +0000

Selecting the Best Materials for Our Pools

A swimming pool is a sizeable investment, so you want to be sure that you are buying a quality product. With Compass Pools, you can be sure you will get just that. Our company makes it a priority that the raw materials we use in the building of our pools are fresh and that they are properly adjusted to suit the seasonal conditions. Call us on 1300 667 445 and we will give you all the information you need about our quality swimming pools.

Do Pool Materials Matter?

Sourcing of raw materials starting with pool materials comparison and selecting the best quality materials that would guarantee the parameters of our swimming pools such as durability, longevity or cosmetic details and design features.

Video transcription:

Anthony Cross: So Paul you’ve mentioned a lot about vinyl ester resins. You tell us that you’ve searched the world, you’ve been to the factories, you’ve sourced out the best product. But I also am aware in my role that you’re bringing these products in, particularly the vinyl ester resin and you’re reformulating them here in Australia before delivering them to our factory. What is important about doing that? Why is that something that you guys do?

Paul Bennet: Ok, well especially with the vinyl ester, we want to make sure that when you get it, it’s as fresh as it can be. So what we do is formulate it to you, we make a specification that suits your application. So we thix and promote it. It comes in un-thixed and un-promoted which means if you put catalyst with it, it wouldn’t go off. So at that stage it can last for a long period of time, maybe eighteen months. But if it had a promoter system in it, then it would only last three months. Then by the time it came on a ship, it may be six weeks old, that is if you used it that day.

As we know because of the amount of material you’re using, you’re using maybe a tonne or more than a tonne of vinyl ester everyday, all of a sudden that material would start to get long in the tooth. We manufacture it so you’ve never got material that is more than two weeks old. It is all mixed, it’s really thoroughly mixed and it doesn’t have time to settle. When it is on the ship, it could settle. Then it needs to be remixed and then it could open the opportunity to have an issue. In your case, you don’t have that opportunity. It’s just always going to be fresh and perfect.

I think it’s important. Ian calls it back to the future. For us, it just seems to work better and I really think that’s a big part of the perfection.

Anthony Cross: It’s about quality control.

Paul Bennet: It is about quality control. It’s what everything is about these days, quality control and risk management.

Anthony Cross: The other advantage of that is that as the seasons change, we’ve got hot weather in summer and we’ve got cooler weather in winter, you can also adjust products to suit the weather conditions too.

Paul Bennet: We can change on a weekly basis. Your guy in the factory, Dan, could ring up and say, can you speed it up a bit or slow it down. We can do that instantly. Then it always fits the climate that you’re operating to.

Anthony Cross: Yes, sure. Look, I appreciate the time you’re taking to talk to us about the technicalities of the business. I know we’re both passionate about what we do. Our focus is to build the best product, your focus is to provide the best raw materials. I think we make a pretty good team in that sense.

Paul Bennet: Give one of the team a call today on 1300 667 445.

Read more about vinyl ester resin and polyester resin pool materials comparison in terms of inherent water resistance and other parameters on our page explaining the tough ceramic core of our swimming pools.

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The post Creating the best pools starts with sourcing the best fibreglass pool raw materials appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

How are Compass Pools fibreglass pools unique and different?

Steve Vimpani — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 03:50:09 +0000

There is an art in building a great fibreglass pool. It requires excellent materials, and Compass Pools uses only the best. Our company uses only high quality vinyl ester resin, which is chemically resistant, top rate glass and a superior gelcoat. It all adds up to producing a pool which will successfully cope with the effects of the environment and chemically treated water over many years. To find out more about why Compass Pool is such a reliable investment, phone us on 1300 667 445.

Video transcription:

Anthony Cross: Paul, you’ve worked with Compass for quite a few years. I guess it’s fair to say we do things a little differently to a lot of other fibreglass pool manufacturing companies. I know that you’ve spent a fair bit of time with us and your involvement stretches back many years, particularly with Ian Mewett who is the founder and owner of Compass Pools. What can you tell us about that collaboration between you and Ian and how that’s shaped your involvement in our industry and particularly with Compass Pools?

Paul Bennet: Well I’ve been lucky enough to have a good background in the fibreglass industry and obviously many years ago I met Ian. But to answer the first part of your question Anthony, what does Compass Pools do a little bit differently to everyone else? Well they’re very thorough with their production of the pools. I’m sure you’ve got more glass and especially more vinyl ester in the pools than the majority of any other people have got, if not all of them.

For example have a look at your EVEC 300 pool. That basically tells us that it’s got 300 kg of vinyl ester resin in it.

Anthony Cross: That’s right.

Paul Bennet: So I’m pretty confident that no one else has got that much vinyl ester in it. So if you look at the process, you’ve got the best gelcoat, we’ve established that. You then want to have the best tie layer. So you’ve got the best glass and you’ve got the best vinyl ester resin. The base resin is sourced from AOC in America. I believe they’re the best resin company in the world. That’s why we buy it from them. I’ve been there and seen their quality system. So you’ve got the best vinyl ester which you’re using the most of and you’ve got the right resin to glass ratio.

Then one of the big differences that you have compared to other people is you use a material called e-sphere resin. No one else would have a ceramic core pool. You guys have got a ceramic core which obviously doubly helps on chemical resistance but its main reason is core strength. That then tells the story that your pool is a lot thicker than anyone else’s. To my knowledge no one else uses e-sphere resin, certainly not filled with ceramic core. Then you put your back up on the outside which is your ortho layer which is also a good quality material.

The other thing you do differently to everyone else is you have a backup base colour. Over the top of your gelcoat you’ve then got a vinyl ester barrier layer before the vinyl ester resin ceramic core layer. All in all, I think you’d struggle to find a better laminated fibreglass pool.

Anthony Cross: You mentioned vinyl ester quite a bit. Vinyl ester is I guess the main ingredient in ensuring that we build a really good quality chemically resistant pool. I don’t think it’s any secret to those in the industry that it is a much more expensive resin. Hence the reason companies are keen to keep the lid on their costs and be careful of what they’re spending. But it is the most important ingredient, isn’t it? It really isn’t something we should be compromising on.

Paul Bennet: No, if you were going to cut a corner, you certainly wouldn’t cut it on vinyl ester. Certainly you wouldn’t cut it on the quality. One of the main important factors I believe for using the best vinyl ester resin is one, have the best base resin, which you have. Also, have a high solid content. Some of the alternative companies I guess could have trouble wetting out their glass properly because the alternative would be to have a lower solid content. In your case, you have a high solid content but a very easy wet-out resin to make sure the fibres of the glass are wet–out. That is the secret to not getting osmosis. I believe we’re definitely supplying the best materials.

Anthony Cross: So there is a real art in building a high quality fibreglass pool that is going to cope with the effects of weather and the environment and chemically treated water over many, many years. As you point out, the gelcoat, the first surface layer, that is really important. It’s got to be durable, it’s got to have the right colourfast properties. Then you get into the chemically resistant layers like the vinyl ester. That’s what we’re talking about here of course.

It might sound like a technical conversation and there are lots of different layers we have been discussing and different ingredients. But that is all essential at the end of the day in ensuring we have a product that we are proud of, that fits in with our heritage of thirty-five years and that we can provide industry leading warranties on.

Paul Bennet: Yes, I definitely believe you’ve got the best products for the purpose you’re trying to serve. You’re right, you’ve summed it all up with the process of building the fibreglass pool there. You can’t cut any corners. You’ve got to have the best material and I believe you’ve got that. Give one of the team a call today on 1300 667 445.