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+4 PersonsComposite Pools
A new material is making its way into the pool market: Composite. Named for its origin, it comes from the combination of various elements; Composite is made from an alloy of wood and polymers. The result is a material that boasts the durable properties of wood and the qualities of the materials it is combined with. Pools made from composite, besides having a very striking appearance due to their elegant dark tone, offer several advantages in terms of functionality: greater resistance to external agents, wood does not splinter, and the PVC prevents the growth of fungi or other unwanted organisms on the structure. These pools, due to the material they are made from, require very simple maintenance that takes hardly any time. Undoubtedly, a great investment for a product you will enjoy for many years, thanks to its long lifespan, and that will become part of your garden or terrace decor, becoming the centre of attention.
Composite Pools
Usually, the pools we see in the gardens and terraces of our neighbourhoods are made from wood, plastic, or steel in some cases. These materials have qualities that make them ideal for building this type of structure and for holding water without the risk of premature wear.
However, a new material is making its way into the pool market: Composite. Although its real name is Wood Plastic Composite, this term refers to the material obtained from the alloy of wood and certain plastic derivatives. Specifically, it is made from a mixture of natural wood fibres and polymers from original or recycled plastics. The polymers used in the manufacture of composite are the following:
Polypropylene: High quality with great mechanical properties that give products made from this compound greater strength, more rigidity, and extra protection against moisture.
Polyethylene: Flexible, economical, and easily accessible material if obtained through a recycling process.
Polyvinyl chloride: Offers great durability, ensuring a long service life for the product that uses it in its manufacture. It has optimal mechanical properties and high fire resistance.
Wood flour: Produced from wood flakes, wood fibre, or sawdust. It provides strong resistance and great rigidity in the structures that use it.
Cellulose fibre: Made from recycled paper, this material, like wood flour, boasts great strength.
What is Composite Material?
A composite material is made up of two or more components to enhance the properties of the resulting element. The combination of these materials forms a compound superior to the two materials separately. Each material consists of its Matrix (the base element with great flexibility that shapes the piece geometrically, provides cohesion, and transmits stresses from one fibre to another) and the Reinforcement (the secondary material that provides rigidity and strength).
Based on this information, three types of composites can be obtained, depending on the matrix material and its reinforcement.
Fibre-reinforced composite materials.
The fibre usually acts as a reinforcing agent for the matrix material, which is often some type of resin that surrounds and binds the fibres.
Structural composite materials.
A combination of composite and homogeneous materials whose geometry and shape determine their properties, in addition to the independent characteristics of each element.
Particle-reinforced materials.
Formed by particles of various strengths, hard and brittle, surrounded by a harder and more ductile matrix.
Composite Manufacturing
Due to the planet's need for more natural and environmentally friendly materials, the wood market has invested in creating this innovative composite. Therefore, Composite is quite an ecological element, arising from companies' environmental awareness and offering great properties in manufacturing various products across a wide range of industrial sectors.
To obtain this material, an extrusion process is used, in which, to achieve the correct alloying of elements, they are subjected to high temperatures to form the mould profile. Afterwards, the product is gradually cooled in various cold water baths or by pressure techniques.
Advantages of Using Composite in Pool Structure
Compared to traditional wood, Composite contains a significantly lower percentage of natural wood, which means it does not share all the benefits of the original material. However, when combined with other elements, it gains a very attractive list of advantages for its use:
Easy maintenance
Pools using Composite require very little care for their structure, as they neither rot nor splinter. Additionally, most are treated with anti-ultraviolet methods to prevent the rapid ageing of the PVC present in the composite composition. Therefore, they boast great durability.
High resistance
It adapts very well to outdoor environments and withstands weather conditions very favourably. It provides the pool structure with great strength and endurance despite temperature changes, weather, and the passage of years.
Lower moisture absorption
Unlike natural wood, it does not have a high moisture absorption rate. Its surface is non-slip due to the PVC component, creating friction with rainwater or humidity.
Versatility
Allows construction and design of pool structures in multiple shapes, adapting to all possible spaces. Also, during manufacturing, colour can be incorporated, so it is common to find composite pools in black. A shade that gives any object elegance and solemnity.
Suitable for outdoors
Many pools are treated to withstand adverse weather conditions. Composite is excellent for preventing woodworm, termites, or mould. Therefore, combined with its great resistance, pools made from composite are very long-lasting investments.
Ecofriendly and Sustainable Material
As mentioned before, a smaller percentage of wood is used, usually sourced from old productions. Its manufacturing process consumes very little energy and uses a large amount of recycled products.
