Koi Pond Fibreglassing
GRP (Glass Reinforced Polyester) fibreglass ponds are accepted as being the “Rolls Royce of pond lining” having considerable advantages over other inferior (but expensive) systems.
Fibreglass is a long term cost effective solution to lining your pond. One of the advantages over other systems is the application of the fibreglass matting which reinforces and adds extra strength to the pond construction giving a superb surface to apply the final topcoat/flowcoat to fully seal the pond for many years to come.
The finish topcoat can be pigmented to any British Standard colour although racing green and black are the most popular and are widely accepted as ideal colours to give your Koi a perfect relaxing environment whilst showing them off to their best potential.
Other advantages of fibreglass pond lining are that by applying the fibreglass on site, we are in effect installing a custom built liner which will not have any creases or folds as with butyl/rubber liners and will able to withstand extreme temperatures ie. not crack or split in the winter months. As the final topcoat is applied to reinforced chopped strand matt it will give extra strength and be able to take extra knocks as opposed to being easily punctured like a butyl liner can. Also, the topcoat has an ideal base to key to so will not then peel off or blister as pond paint systems inevitably do.
Because fibreglass GRP is very flexible we are able to completely seal to any awkward areas, ie windows, pedestals, internal pipework, bottom drains, skimmers, lights etc. Fibreglass also eliminates any leaching from concrete ponds into the water giving a 100% fish safe environment for your prized koi.
To enable the pond to be successfully fibreglassed it must initially be of a good construction, normally reinforced concrete block built with a 3:1 ratio building sand cement render application. The final finish should be as smooth as possible and feel hard to the touch, not too sandy or dusty. Although fibreglass will cover a ‘multitude of sins’ it will follow any contours or steps in the finished render which will reflect in the final finish. The rule of thumb is: the better the finish of the render/foam before fibreglassing, the better the final finish of the fibreglass.
Wherever possible all corners internally and externally need to either have a radius, rounded, chamfered or be filleted. This allows the fibreglass to sit correctly and also help to eliminate any ‘dead spots’ in the pond circulation (once filled with water) enabling the pond to work more efficiently.
Any pipework, skimmers, bottom drains, windows, light fittings can be fitted prior to fibreglassing and sealed to during the process. It is also preferable to leave the fitting of any coping/topping stones until after the fibreglassing is complete. This allows us to lap over the top of the pond and the topping stones can then trap the top edge when fitted. If coping/topping stones already fitted this is not a major problem as an additional adhesive can be used to help fix underneath them.
An average pond would normally take between 1 – 1 1/2 days to complete. Larger ponds usually 2/3 days. We travel the length and depth of the UK lining ponds, previously travelling all over England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Isle of Man, Jersey and also Holland and Belgium. Please contact us for a free no obligation quotation.
As we are all aware the beautiful British climate can sometimes be an issue, as the ideal conditions to fibreglass would be a dry, slightly overcast day around 18 degrees. Obviously this is rarely the case so we need to take extra measures (usually done by the customer prior to our arrival) by erecting a good, strong, waterproof cover over the pond enabling the work to be carried out. The cover needs to give good access to the pond by leaving a clearance of about 3ft over the top edge of the pond which also allows for any ventilation. The cover should be well supported (and anchored) and slope to allow any rainwater to run away from the pond wall edges by making sure that the cover extends by at least 3-4ft past the outer pond walls wherever possible.
It is very important that the pond is as CLEAN and DRY as possible prior to fibreglassing. Any ingress of running water is not acceptable and may mean that we cannot fibreglass your pond (If you have this problem please either call, email or text for advice on this). The reason for this is that wet and damp conditions affect the curing process and will lessen the life span of the fibreglass lining, leading to no end of problems.
To summarise, the fibreglass raw materials do not like water but when applied successfully to a dry pond, allowing the fibreglass to cure (go off) correctly, fibreglass ensures a long and durable solution to lining your pond. All ponds are fibreglassed using chopped strand matting, polyester resins and surface tissue prior to a good quality topcoat/flowcoat application to finish. This ensures a sturdy, smooth, water tight, spike free finish ensuring a safe environment for the new home for your fish.
We have fibreglassed many ponds over the years which have had failed various pond paint linings. These normally can be ground back using an angle grinder or sander with 40-60 grit production paper by the customer or we can carry out for an additional charge on the day of fibreglass application.
PU Foam Lined Ponds have become popular over the last few years. When the customer fits this we request that it is firmly fixed and all joints are correctly butted and flush. Although offering heat retention advantages the foam it self can be easily damaged during the fibreglass process, mainly the floor area just by walking on it. Flat boards will be required to help spread the weight and avoid this issue.
Most ponds are charged by the square metre and can normally be quoted for over the phone or email if relatively straightforward. Where a job maybe slightly more complicated there maybe an extra charge for additional labour. If the pond is either very large or where long distance travel and accomodation is required, we can discuss and agree additional costs in more detail prior to commencement.
Please call us on 01226 344567 or 07788 877 798, email or text us your pond details and your location and we shall respond as fast as possible to answer any of your queries and provide you with a free no obligation estimate of cost.
We have fibreglassed numerous koi ponds and have been manufacturing koi pond filters and systems for over 22 years. Please click here to view information and advice around the fibreglasssing process »