www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk
FinishingTouches JUN 2010 SPN
59
when they are buying pool tiles and PebbleTec says; “We have to apply this as well. In the last few years things have been very tough for everyone and we have a great product which we want to offer on the right terms.
“PebbleTec at retail costs £98.40 per square metre – supplied and applied and a 100 sq metre pool can be applied in four days. The price comparison with tiling a pool is difficult as pool tiles can cost anything between £20 to £200 a sq metre. Although the pool tends to be thought of as an outdoor option it can be used for indoor pools where it provides a rustic look,” says Jane.
“What we know is that the finish is of the highest quality and customers who have tried it are amazed at the end result. We showed the products at SPATEX this year. We had samples and we had a great response. I think if we can get pool builders to see it as a viable option the product will become very big in the trade,” added Jane.
And commercial and local authority pools, many hit by having to refurbish old and dated tiling, are looking for new innovation which will provide permanency and costs savings. Normal concrete aggregate pool finishes are traditionally known for being abrasive – more risk of skin cuts and abrasions to family members and especially after prolonged periods in the pool when water can cause softening of the body skin. Its patented technology locks the “retro-reflective” spheres into a finely graded aggregate matrix using acrylic polymer modified cement. The result is a smooth textured, slip resistant surface that is easy on the skin and less likely to cause the cuts and abrasions typical of traditional aggregate pool finishes.
Glass has become the most popular tile choice in recent years. While it is the most expensive it has been popular with pool architects for its ability to be moulded into various shapes, creating pebble-like or abstract forms.
“I urge pool builders to be aware of some of the exciting options which have come on to the market within
the past few years – and put them in front of their clients”
High-end glass tile has excellent optical clarity, shine, colour and depth. For decades, ceramic and porcelain tile have been staples for pool finishing. They are the least costly and can be hand painted with intricate designs or formed into a mosaic. Textured porcelain blends well with the surrounding landscape, while glazed porcelain offers bold, striking accents. Craig Bragdy, a family business in Denbigh, North Wales is one of the leading specialists in
mosaics for swimming pools who over the past 40 years have become specialists in large ceramic murals. A team of 70 designers, mural makers and installers have developed the skills needed to provide constant innovation and creativity for pools owners and architects. The company stress that their business in ceramics has always been ideas and design lead. “While it’s true we have been able to help in the renovation and refurbishment of some existing pools most of our business still remains
A LIGHTWEIGHT MAN-MADE ALTERNATIVE TO TRADITIONAL STONE PROVIDES FLEXIBILITY
Aquastone Solutions offer pool finishings and surrounds with something different when it comes to coping stones and overflow gratings – and it’s all down to weight.
Aquastone which specialises in manufacturing swimming pool overflow gratings uses a lightweight man-made stone which is much lighter than ordinary stone and therefore has benefits of being lower cost, not as affected by chemicals and much easier to work into place.
The man-made stone is also clear of flaws and faults and was designed by Trevor Havilland who came up with the lightweight alternative when he was shown a plastic
coping stone which was on the market at £120 a metre. A stainless steel option was up to £300 a metre. It was, he says “something I could improve on”.
“The man-made stone is a better option for pools. The trick is the thickness. It’s light and durable and provides much greater options. We can be very flexible in terms of what customers want. The stone comes in sheets which we can then adapt and modify as the order requires.”
i FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
F AQUASTONE SOLUTIONS
( 0844 800 0133
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