Frequently Asked Questions
Popular Questions
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Q. What is the difference between fibreglass and marblelite?
A.
Fibreglass has a smooth, non-porous surface finish so you cannot get a stain and algae penetration. It is easier to clean and maintain plus cheaper to chlorinate. There are two grades of fibreglass, a medium-duty 300 gm with a 12 to 15 year lifespan and a heavy duty 450 gm with a 20 to 25 year lifespan. Although the heavy-duty costs more at the time of purchase, it is cheaper when looked at on a cost-per-annum basis. Both grades carry a five-year guarantee.
Marblelite is white cement mixed with crushed marble. Cement is porous so you can get a stain and algae penetration. As it ages it roughens and the stain and algae penetration worsens. It also uses more chemicals to maintain. Marblelite is a product we have used in the swimming pool industry for about 50 years and although it has certain limitations, it has no basic or fundamental problems. Marblelite also carries a five-year guarantee. -
Q. What is the difference in price between fibreglass and marblelite?
A.
All calculations are based on a pool measuring 8 x 4 with an average depth of 1.5 meters. This would give you a surface area to be covered of approximately 70m2 with a water capacity of about 50,000 litres.
Medium-duty fibreglass and marblelite (both with a 12 to 15-year lifespan and a five-year guarantee) would cost you about R480/m2 for 300gm matt and R50/m2 for mosaic tissue. This includes the application of new mosaics at the waterline and steps, when marblelite is done, we leave the old mosaic. The old mosaic is chemically cleaned as best as possible, but not replaced. Heavy duty fibreglass with a 20 to 25-year lifespan would cost about R500/m2 for 450gm matt R50/m2 for mosaic tissue and would therefore work out to be the cheapest option when looking at it on a cost per-annum basis. -
Q. What colours are available?
A.
Fibreglass is available in white or light blue. This is standard, ready mixed, off the shelf and the colour is fully guaranteed by the manufacturer. The manufacturer will mix any colour requested but will not guarantee the colour against fading which will definitely happen to the darker shades.
Marblelite is readily available in white or numerous other colours but none of the other colours are guaranteed by the manufacturer. Coloured marblelite will always fade and is somewhat blotchy. -
Q. What is the cost of the water to refill a pool?
A.
Based on the same size pool with a capacity of 50,000 litres at a maximum of R15.00 per kilolitre it would be R750.00*.
*This is an average and an estimate, please consult your local muncipality for your specific rates. -
Q. How long does a pool renovation take?
A.
Based on the same size pool it should take us 4 to 5 days from draining to completion. Fibreglass has a further 3 days curing before refilling with water whereas marblelite refilling commences the day after completion. -
Q. Do you carry out other pool related work?
A.
Yes, we do everything related to pools except build them. We can install a new pump, filter, weir, airflow, piping, lights etc plus lay new Smart Stone or Corobrick paving. We also install salt chlorinators and pool solar heating. (Our sister company is Prosolar). -
Q. Why should I deal with Poolmenders?
A.
Conrad and Patrick have been associated with each other and worked together since the mid 80’s and have combined swimming pool experience in excess of 70 years. All the staff are experienced full time employees – we do not employ casuals.