HOUSTON WE HAVE A PROBLEM!
As awesome and trendy as the "Tanning Ledge" is for fiberglass pools and pool builders, there have been issues since they were first designed. In spite of having the best methodology( The River Pools Way) for installing fiberglass pools with tanning ledges, from time to time there are still issues. The good news is that River Pools has the solution!
CURRENT INSTALLATION METHODS
The current process for installing a fiberglass pool with a tanning ledge ( The River Pools Way) requires that the ledge is levelled out and set on piers of concrete blocks while the pool is filled completely. Then a flow able concrete mix is pumped in under the pools tanning ledge to stiffen up the ledge so the user does not feel any bouncy, hollow sensation or flex in the ledge.
INSTALLATION COST & MATERIAL AVAILABILITY
When this method of Tanning Ledge Installation was first developed concrete costs were stable. In recent months concrete costs have skyrocketed to levels never seen before. This is due to shortages of key ingredients used to produce concrete. It is so bad that at times concrete is not even available to order. So the cost to install fiberglass pools with tanning ledges has increased substantially and delays have occurred due to concrete shortages.
INSTALLATION CONCERNS
While this tanning ledge installation option works great it can at times have issues. If the flow able concrete mix is just not the right consistency it may not flow enough to fill all of the voids under the ledge. Also, the very center of the ledge may sag or be dished out because of the weight of the water on the ledge and no support in the direct center of the ledge. The flow able fill is not able to lift the flexed out bow in the center of the ledge. While the sag in the tanning ledge or bow may not be that drastic in some cases it is noticeable. While it poses no structural concerns it may leave clients wanting more.
SOLUTION
Coincidence or not, I have to admit, the fact that River Pools had a solution to this issue so quickly is a little startling. It's Almost as though River Pools could see the future! Time travel maybe? Who knows! All that matters is that River Pools has designed the new Z Ledge Tanning Ledge Technology to eliminate the concerns with fiberglass pool tanning ledges. Now lets get into the details of the new Z Ledge Technology.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Z Ledge is designed to produce a tanning ledge area that is flat and more solid feeling than
a typical installation without the need for flow able concrete beneath the ledge while providing an
easier way to install standard bubbler water features.
BOTTOM VIEW OF A D SERIES FIBERGLASS POOL WITH Z LEDGE SYSTEM
OVERHEAD VIEW OF THE RIVER POOLS D SERIES WITH Z LEDGE TECHNOLOGY
FINAL NOTES
As you can see the Z Ledge Tanning Ledge Technology from River Pools creates a much more substantial Tanning Ledge with Fiberglass Beams that all but eliminate sagging, flexing and the hollow sensation users may experience with a fiberglass pool. It eliminates the need for flow able concrete or hand packed clean stone under the ledge as well. All of this streamlines and increases the efficiency of the pools installation and increases the quality of the finished product. Which is all great news for you the pool owner. River Pools is always looking for new ways to improve the quality and speed in which you get your fiberglass pool. The Z Ledge Tanning Ledge Technology will be available on any of the River Pools Models with Tanning Ledges and is currently available to order on all D Series pools.
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