Expanded polystyrene pools are becoming increasingly popular for their ease of installation and affordable cost. However, they also have certain disadvantages. In this article, we'll look at the pros and cons of building a polystyrene block pool, as well as the alternatives available.
What is an expanded polystyrene swimming pool?
Polystyrene block pools are prefabricated in the factory and consist of a polystyrene formwork block, filtration system, liner, sealing components and maintenance kit. They are easy to assemble and require little labor.
What's more, they are economical because they require little reinforcement.
Polystyrene pools: what are the advantages and disadvantages?
What are the advantages of expanded polystyrene?
Expanded polystyrene pools offer many advantages. Firstly, these pools offer significant thermal gains. Thanks to the thermal insulation provided by polystyrene, expanded polystyrene pools can raise water temperature by +2 to +4°C, enabling prolonged use and energy savings.
Here are the main advantages of a polystyrene block pool:
1. Quick and easy assembly: Polystyrene block pools are easy to assemble. Thanks to the blocks' light weight and ease of assembly, pool installation can be carried out quickly by a professional.
2. Solidity and durability: Once filled with concrete, polystyrene blocks provide a solid, watertight structure, ensuring the pool's long-term durability.
As a result, these pools can last for many years without major repair work.
3. Customizable: Polystyrene block pools offer great flexibility in terms of size, depth and shape. So you can create a custom pool to suit your needs and the configuration of your outdoor space.
4. Lightweight and insulating: The expanded polystyrene used in the construction of these pools is a lightweight, insulating material. This reduces heat loss and improves the pool's energy efficiency.
5. Cost-effective: Compared with traditional pools, polystyrene block pools are more affordable in terms of construction costs. Ease of installation and lower labor costs help make these pools more economical.
When choosing a pool model, it's important to consider the size of the pool you want. Polystyrene pool kits are calculated according to the size of the pool chosen, allowing you to choose the size that best suits your needs.
What are the disadvantages of expanded polystyrene?
However, polystyrene block pools also have their drawbacks.
They are slightly less watertight and offer less resistance than conventional concrete construction. They are exposed to the risks of water infiltration, cracking in the event of severe frost after a wet period, rusting and brittleness over the years. What's more, they have no anti-root protection.
The methods used to build them are not subject to standards, which accentuates their fragility.
Polystyrene blocks have physical and mechanical properties that can limit design and interior finishing options. In addition, building an expanded polystyrene pool involves excavation, concrete foundation, block assembly, straight walls, reinforcement and concrete pouring, which can be more laborious and costly compared to other options.
What other pool solutions are there?
An increasingly popular alternative to polystyrene block pools is the monoblock structure. This technique offers excellent strength and insulation.
The structure is built to CSTB standards, guaranteeing quality and safety. What's more, these pools come with a manufacturer's warranty.
In conclusion, although polystyrene block pools are easy and economical to install, they also have their drawbacks. Monoblock pools offer a stronger, higher-quality alternative, with a manufacturer's warranty and resistance to extreme weather conditions.
Artec Piscine helps you choose the right pool
Artec Piscine is your privileged partner to help you make the right choices and find the right solutions for building high-quality, long-lasting pools.
Thanks to our expertise and experience, we can help you make the best choice for your pool. From understanding your needs to implementation and maintenance, we're here to support you every step of the way.
With Artec Piscine, you can rest easy knowing that your pool will be beautifully designed and built to last, providing you with years of pleasure and relaxation.
Contact us today and let us help you choose your pool.
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