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How to Install an Acrylic Glass Pool Wall

Illuminated transparent acrylic pool wall beside a residential terrace at dusk
Blue-lit transparent pool end wall at dusk

Acrylic glass pools offer unparalleled clarity and elegance, making them a popular choice for luxury pool installations. High-quality custom cast acrylic panels are essential for a successful project, ensuring longevity and durability. Our acrylic panels come with special UV-inhibitors that last for over 30 years and are backed by a 20-year warranty, without sacrificing clarity or leaving a cloudy residue. Follow our step-by-step guide to master the process of installing an acrylic glass pool.

1. Plan Your Acrylic Wall Panel Installation

Acrylic pool panel installation diagram showing concrete U-channel supports

Begin by obtaining final dimensions for your pool, including the size of surrounding concrete structures. Acrylic panels require 15-18 inch walls, compared to the typical 10-inch pool walls. Create a detailed plan for your concrete U-channel, factoring in any unique design elements, such as radius pools or hot tubs. Our team of engineers is available to assist with accurate measurements for complex projects.

Protectively wrapped acrylic panel on a fabrication table before shipping

We ensure stress-free shipping for your acrylic panel, protecting it with weatherproof foam and a secure wooden case wrapped in steel. This safeguards your panel from damage and avoids delays or additional costs due to broken panels.

Acrylic pool panel protected inside a wooden shipping crate

 

2. Create the U-channel

Concrete U-channel formed in a pool wall for a transparent acrylic panel

To build a sturdy U-channel, use inserts and rebar to form a concrete structure for the acrylic panel. The U-channel should be 2-4 inches larger than the panel to accommodate proper placement. Reinforce the U-channel as needed for added support. The u-channel should be smooth for easy application of the waterproofing stage. 

Close view of concrete U-channel rebate for acrylic pool wall installation

 

3. Install Panel and Grout

Acrylic pool panel positioned at its receiving channel during installation

Moving the panel is often one of the most challenging parts of this procedure. For a panel under 800lbs often times it can manageable with suction cups and straps. To lift and lower the panel into place. We recommend going with an industrial forklift or a crane for panels above 1000lbs. 

Workers and lifting equipment positioning a large acrylic pool panel

 

Acrylic pool panel installation beside a concrete receiving channel

After creating the U-channel, install your acrylic panel and grout it with cement and silicone. For a seamless installation, follow our detailed instruction manual, which includes our proprietary grouting method that matches our warranty coverage. This ensures a secure, long-lasting installation that meets our high standards.

For more information and a quote on your acrylic glass pool project, please Contact us here.

    Start a project

    Send a structural engineer's drawing or a pre-bid rendering.

    Acrylic thickness and the concrete margin are determined by the visible height and length of the opening. U-channel drawings are then issued, prepared in-house or by a state-approved engineer.