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Acrylic Pool Design
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Innovative Acrylics • PO Box 76523 • Saint Petersburg, FL. 33734
Toll Free: 888-334-4457 • International & Local: 727-359-0236 • Fax: 727-362-6827
[email protected] • www.acrylicpools.com • www.innovativeacrylics.com
Innovative Acrylics designs, fabricates and installs a variety of acrylic
swimming pool windows and walls that offer spectacular views. While many
pool window fabricators are limited to single-sided-rectangular viewing
panels, we employ advanced manufacturing techniques to chemically bond
and thermoform acrylic, allowing us to create multi-sided viewing panels of
nearly any conceivable dimension. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to
create a statement piece for your indoor or outdoor pool or a professional
in search of a training aid, our acrylic transparencies offer unparalleled
performance and versatility.
Acrylic panels for swimming pools can be divided most simply into two unique categories, three-side and four-side
support.
Acrylic panel swimming pool wall
Three-side Support Acrylic Panel
Our Mission
Panel types
Three-Side Support Acrylic Panels for Swimming Pools
Rectangular Three-Side Pool Window
L-Shape Three-Side Pool Window
Convex Three-Side Pool Window
By far the most common and affordable acrylic pool window, the rectangular three-side
support window is great for infinity edge pools. These windows are the most common three-
side selection for freeboard pools as well.
An L-shaped three-side support acrylic pool wall or window provides 270 degrees of beauty.
With a top edge free of constraints and the ability to create complete transparency across
three sides of your pool, it’s one of the most stunning designs available.
Three-side support convex windows project outward on the dry side of your pool. This unique
shape requires specialized attention in the fabrication and installation process to ensure
integrity while giving you a design that is custom to your pool.
Three-side support panels are secured at the sill and the jambs, leaving the
top edge unconstrained and visibly exposed. Offering amazing versatility in
the design of your pool, they can be placed in an array of configurations, from
conventional rectangular swimming pool windows to complex L- and U-shaped
acrylic pool walls. They are often at their most breathtaking when used in an
infinity pool design.
“Three-side support” refers to pool windows that are constrained along three
sides. In this configuration, a cantilever-style rebate prevents translational
rotation.
The exposed top edge of three-side support panels allows for virtually unlimited
possibilities in the appearance of your pool, but they all come down to freeboard
and infinity pool edge styles.
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Four-side Support Acrylic Panel
Four-Side Support Acrylic Panels for Swimming Pools
Concave Three-Side Pool Window
U-Shape Three-Side Pool Window
Rectangular Vertical Four-Side Pool Window
Circle Vertical Pool Window
Three-side support concave windows protrude inward in a curved fashion. These panels make
for an elegant custom pool design.
Using two 90-degree angles, U-shaped three-side support acrylic pool panels provide
complete transparency on three sides of your pool. No top supports obstruct the 270-degree
view.
This is the most common and cost effective four-side support pool window, and ideal for
observation windows in competition pools or even as submerged interior viewports. Designers
often incorporate this style of transparency to accentuate a space while adding a unique
lighting effect.
For a unique viewing experience, a circle vertical acrylic pool window can be installed as a
pool porthole. These circular window panels are placed within an L-shaped rebate. This allows
for the rebate to take up the full perimeter of the panel for a seamless appearance in your
pool design.
Four-side support acrylic windows serve perfectly as underwater windows for
swimming pools. In addition to many other applications, these panels are often
used in competition pools, allowing guests to see into the swimming pool from a
variety of vantage points.
These panels are supported along all four edges. Two vertical jambs are used as
well as a bottom sill and a top header. They are most commonly installed into
an L-shaped rebate that integrates a compression-style baring face. In certain
applications, a C channel may be utilized at the sill and jambs.
The baring face support is typically as thick as the acrylic window panel. To ensure
uniform loading along the baring face, special attention must be given during the
installation procedure. At Innovative Acrylics, we have extensive experience in
the installation process and pay special attention to these nuances that make a
difference in the safety and durability of your pool design.
Four-side acrylic pool windows can be produced in massive lengths and widths
to give a seamless look to your pool. These monolithic panels can measure up to
300” in length and 115” in width as well as height. It is even possible to exceed
these dimensions by bonding acrylic or by using silicone joints in the construction
of your pool walls.
Our four-side pool windows have virtually no limitation to their configuration,
and we’ve provided details on some of the most popular designs available below.
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Innovative Acrylics • PO Box 76523 • Saint Petersburg, FL. 33734
Toll Free: 888-334-4457 • International & Local: 727-359-0236 • Fax: 727-362-6827
[email protected] • www.acrylicpools.com • www.innovativeacrylics.com
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Circle Horizontal Pool Window
L-Shape Four-Side Pool Window
U-Shape Four-Side Pool Window
Convex Four-Side Pool Window
Concave Four-Side Pool Window
Like its rectangular counterpart, the circle pool floor window (a.k.a circle horizontal pool
window or porthole) is installed into an L-shape rebate that encompasses the full perimeter
of the panel, again utilizing a baring face support equal to the panel thickness.
For installations that require a more custom approach, L-shaped four-side support acrylic
pool windows can be used to create a one-of-a-kind appearance in your swimming pool
observation area. This pool corner window is typically used in commercial builds, as it is
extremely aesthetically pleasing.
For maximum underwater viewing, a U-shaped four-side support swimming pool window
can be selected. Often requested for commercial installations for its unique design presence,
these acrylic windows give three angles of observation for your guests to appreciate.
Our four-side support convex windows for swimming pools offer a unique spin on observation
areas. These window panels curve outward and require special attention in their craftsmanship.
The opposite of our convex panels, our concave windows for pools protrude inward for a
viewing panel with some personality. The four-side support option also allows these to be
used as distinctive underwater windows.
Innovative Acrylics • PO Box 76523 • Saint Petersburg, FL. 33734
Toll Free: 888-334-4457 • International & Local: 727-359-0236 • Fax: 727-362-6827
[email protected] • www.acrylicpools.com • www.innovativeacrylics.com
As we can see all three panels are of equal height.
However, based upon the industry standard design
criteria of L/400, the yellow panel would be able
to deflect twice that of the green panel. Thus, the
thickness of the yellow transparency could be
thinner than the green transparency. Based upon
this design criteria a panel could theoretically
deflect an in infinite amount.
3-Sided Cant. Detail 3-Sided Cant. Freeboard Detail 3-Sided Standard Detail
The following criteria are considered industry standard or above such and are observed in the design process.
Design Criteria
3-side support panels Deflection Standards
Most panel fabricators will design their 3-side support transparencies to an industry maximum deflection standard
of L/400. However, there is an issue to this standard, thus below we shall explore an alternative solution and
evaluate the issues with this standard.
The industry standard problem:
Our solution:
A more appropriate standard that Innovative
Acrylics observes is <= H/200 OR <=L/400
whichever is less. Thus, in this example the green
panel and blue panel are able to deflect the same
amount.
Standard cantilever embedment
depth.
Standard cantilever embedment
depth with reduced water depth.
The embedment depth is reduced
thus a thicker panel is required to
reduce deflection.
Example problem:= ∆ 0.25”
= ∆ 0.5”
= ∆ ∞
100”L
200”L
∞ L
x
x
x
40”H
40”H
40”H
Example solution:
= ∆ 0.20”
= ∆ 0.20”
100”L
∞ L
x
x
40”H
40”H
Innovative Acrylics • PO Box 76523 • Saint Petersburg, FL. 33734
Toll Free: 888-334-4457 • International & Local: 727-359-0236 • Fax: 727-362-6827
[email protected] • www.acrylicpools.com • www.innovativeacrylics.com
Design Criteria
4-side Support Panels Deflection Standard
Structural loading panels with 4 side supported edges: Initial predicted deflection <= 1/300 the length of the
shortest edge.
Reducing deflection beyond industry standards
Design Stress for 3 side and 4 side support panels
Design and Engineering Process
All AcrylicPool.com transparencies are designed to strict standards for deflection and stress criteria, thus reducing
deflection beyond these criteria is solely a cosmetic undertaking. There are several options to achieve this:
Increase the thickness of the transparency.
Reduce the panel size.
Reduce the water depth.
Increase rebate bearing face support.
The minimum tension and flexure design safety factor for panels shall be 11.2. Per ASME-PVHO-1
The minimum compression design safety factor for panels shall be 8. Per ASME-PVHO-1
With just a concept, the design and engineering process is
imperative to ensure the proper thickness transparency is
selected. Engineering is accomplished by first completing an
intake analysis to understand the specifics of a project. Next
the engineer will produce a computer-generated model of the
transparency. The engineer will then apply a simulated load in an
FEA program to accurately predict the intended application. After
all variables are accounted for the simulation is run and evaluated
for its accuracy. Finally production drawings are produced and
submitted for client approval and fabrication.
4-Sided Standard Deflection 4-Sided Standard Detail
Report showing predicted loading and deflections
This is a depiction of a 4 side support
panel stationary with no loading.
Innovative Acrylics • PO Box 76523 • Saint Petersburg, FL. 33734
Toll Free: 888-334-4457 • International & Local: 727-359-0236 • Fax: 727-362-6827
[email protected] • www.acrylicpools.com • www.innovativeacrylics.com
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Chamfer Edge Detail Bullnose Edge Detail Radius Edge Detail Custom Edge Detail
Incorporating stylish pool window edges allows for a finished look that also provides additional safety. Edge style options
are determined by the window panel selection as well as the application of your pool. Pools that incorporate three-side
support windows typically gravitate towards radius or bullnose edges, while a chamfered edge is the industry standard
for four-side support panels.
Innovative Acrylics provides pool windows with the following edge designs:
Edge Design
Chamfered Edge Bullnose Edge Radius Edge Custom Edge
Chamfered edges can be
integrated into all panel
types as it reduces load
forces. This edge can easily
be transported to your
pool site.
Upgrade to the bullnose
edge for a rounded top.
This finish is ideal for
partition walls in spa
pools to provide a smooth
transition between a dry
and wet surface.
As our standard window
edge, the radius finish
works well with freeboard
and infinity designs. This
edge style provides a
personal touch to your pool
as well as increased safety.
The edge dimensions
are typically 3/8” or ½”
with alternative radiuses
available.
We can create a custom
edge design for you. Come
to us with your design
ideas and we will develop
a personalized pool finish
for you.
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Innovative Acrylics • PO Box 76523 • Saint Petersburg, FL. 33734
Toll Free: 888-334-4457 • International & Local: 727-359-0236 • Fax: 727-362-6827
[email protected] • www.acrylicpools.com • www.innovativeacrylics.com
In this section we will briefly outline the process of how acrylic pool window and wall transparencies are created post
design phase.
Fabrication
Thermoforming
Annealing
Production of acrylic sheet
Dimensional rendering
Thermoforming
Annealing
Acrylic sheet (PMMA) is a thermoplastic, produced by reacting methyl methacrylate (MMA) with an initiator inside
of a highly polished mold. The initiator is added to start the polymerization reaction, but does not become part
of the resulting polymer. After the acrylic sheet has finished the process of bulk polymerization, the molds are
cooled and opened. The acrylic sheets are then annealed to remove residual stresses in the material that can cause
instabilities.
The finished acrylic sheets are then trimmed to the required size before further processing. This process is
performed utilizing specialized tooling in conjunction with water-cooling to prevent the introduction of stress
during machining.
If required thermoforming may be used to produce your acrylic pool window
transparency. This involves producing a unique male or female mold. The mold
and acrylic sheet are placed inside of a large oven that slowly heats and softens
the panel allowing it to take contour. This process must be preformed in a
very precise manor in order to avoid the introduction of stress. Inexperienced
fabricators will often shorten cycle times to save money, resulting in an inferior
product.
Acrylic is a poor conductor of heat; uneven heating followed by rapid cooling will
introduce high surface stress into the material. During machining attention must be
given to ensure excess heat is not generated. When applicable a processed known
as annealing is utilized to reduce or eliminate stress that may remain. Following
the dimensional rendering, bonding or the thermoforming process, acrylic will be
annealed. Annealing is the process of slowly heating the acrylic sheet to just below
the glass transition temperature, followed by cooling at a precise rate. If preformed
correctly the process will relieve the stress and prevent it from recurring. The cycle
temperature and time is dependent upon the cross section thickness of the acrylic
panel.
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3
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Production Dimensional rendering
Thermoforming Annealing Bonding Polishing
1 2 3 4 5 6
Innovative Acrylics • PO Box 76523 • Saint Petersburg, FL. 33734
Toll Free: 888-334-4457 • International & Local: 727-359-0236 • Fax: 727-362-6827
[email protected] • www.acrylicpools.com • www.innovativeacrylics.com
Adhesive Batch Reactor
Waterproofing
Glazing
BondingFor large panels or ones with complex geometric shapes a process known as
bonding can be used. Most fabricators have not invested in scientific evaluation of
their bonding methods and use inferior commercially available acrylic adhesives.
All of our bonding technologies have been independently lab tested for tensile
and shear strength. Our proprietary bonding technology has a tensile strength
of over 9,000 PSI, which is far superior to commercially available products that
range from 2,000 PSI to 4,000 PSI. In addition to being stronger, our adhesive
is clearer, harder and more chemically resistant than commercial adhesives. As
a consumer, this gives you the peace of mind that our adhesive won’t cloud or
separate. As an added safety factor, we design and manufacture all of our bonded
transparencies to withstand more than 11.2 times their maximum load.
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Polishing
Polishing an acrylic pool window or wall
Rebate Waterproofing
Silicone Glazing
Panels that are designed as 3-side support transparencies or incorporate bonds will
require polishing. Polishing an acrylic transparency is a highly laborious process that
requires extreme attention to detail. The process starts with an aggressive abrasive
and proceeds with incremental steps until a 1-micron optical finish is achieved.
Inexperienced fabricators will often leave visible distortions that will reflect light
abnormally.
The concrete, stainless, or other rebate substrate first must be properly sealed
with a compatible product. Usually this is accomplished by applying a cementitious
waterproofing compound that when cured provides an impermeable membrane.
Selection and application is paramount, incompatible or poorly applied products
will cause separation that results in a leak.
Most hydro-transparency installers offer only one solution for waterproofing sealants.
At Innovative Acrylics we offer two solutions for glazing pool transparencies.
Our slow-setting glazing solution is considered the industry standard. However, the
limitation of this glazing option is the cure time prior to static water testing. Under
optimal conditions this glazing solution will require between 3 to 6 weeks.
The second solution is a rapid curing product requiring 24 hours to 48 hours in
optimal conditions. This product is more expensive, but is an ideal choice for
accelerated installation schedules.
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A successful pool window installation involves two processes. The concrete, stainless, or other rebate substrate first must
be properly sealed with a compatible product. Secondly, a flexible silicone seal must be used to glaze the acrylic pool
transparency to the rebate.
Installation
Innovative Acrylics • PO Box 76523 • Saint Petersburg, FL. 33734
Toll Free: 888-334-4457 • International & Local: 727-359-0236 • Fax: 727-362-6827
[email protected] • www.acrylicpools.com • www.innovativeacrylics.com
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Whatever the shape of your pool, we can design it, build it and install it.
Contact us today.
[email protected] • Toll Free: 888-334-4457 • International & Local: 727-359-0236