What is fibreglass?

What is fibreglass?

Glass fibre refers to Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP), also known outside the industry as glass fibre reinforced plastic or fibreglass. Glass fibre is a material valued for its very high strength, durability and flexibility. It is made up of glass fibres impregnated with resin to form a durable and waterproof composite material. As glass fibre can withstand moisture, UV radiation and high and low temperatures, it is widely used in a variety of industries, including the manufacture of watercraft and swimming pools.

Fiberglass is a very popular material for manufacturing hot tub interiors, as it can effectively withstand moisture and hot water, both of which are inevitable in hot tub use. Fiberglass interiors are smooth and aesthetically pleasing, and their surface is easy to clean, preventing the growth of algae and other microorganisms. In addition, fiberglass hot tubs are generally more durable than their wooden alternatives. Fiberglass does not easily deform or crack, which ensures a longer service life for the hot tub. Fiberglass tubs are also lighter than wooden ones, making them easier to transport and install. The molding process of fiberglass allows for the creation of various shapes and styles, meaning the hot tub design can be easily customized to fit the customer’s preferences. Thanks to these features, fiberglass hot tubs have become a popular choice, offering a solution that is both practical and elegant—ideal for spas and home gardens.

Advantages of fiberglass over other materials

  • The mold side has esthetically pleasant high gloss finishing that doesn’t need any paint finish.
  • Totally corrosion resistant and maintenance free fiberglass is extremely cost-efficient in case of long-term use.
  • Compared to pressure molding or cold working, processing costs are low.
  • Finishing includes different textures and a wide selection of colors.
  • Broken products can be fixed.
  • Fiberglass products have good chemical resistance.
  • Fiberglass has good electrical properties which makes it an excellent insulator.
  • GRP products are also good thermal insulators.
  • Mass production lowers prices which, compared to other options, are very competitive.
  • Fiberglass is versatile.

Advantages of fiberglass compared to galvanized steel

  • Corrosion resistance does not depend on the quality of zinc coating.
  • No threat of harming the corrosion resistant surface.
  • Mechanical strength
  • Special strength 2–4 times higher than the one of any other material, contributes to weight reduction.

Installation and compiling

Fiberglass products are easy to install and compile:

  • no need for grounding;
  • no need to test electrical conductivity;
  • easy to process (cut, drill) on site;
  • defects caused during installation are usually easy to fix.

Thermal and electrical insulation

  • Wonderful thermal insulation (heat conductivity is 1000 times lower than the one of aluminum).
  • No fire threat in case of exposure to other materials.
  • Great electrical insulation ( ~ 6 kV/mm).