PoolEdge offers a practical and effective solution for a achieving a seamless, modern concrete finish around fibreglass pools. Unlike traditional coping methods that rely on pavers or bullnose edges, PoolEdge creates a clean, continuous transition between the pool and surrounding concrete.
Designed as a DIY-friendly system, PoolEdge can be installed by homeowners or contractors looking for a more streamlined approach to pool edging. This guide simplifies the official process for using a PoolEdge kit with your fibreglass pool – so you can installed with confidence and achieve a professional result.
What’s Included in A PoolEdge DIY Kit
A PoolEdge DIY kit includes all the essential components required to form and shape a seamless pool edge. At the core of the system is the polystyrene formwork, designed to contour to the shape of your fibreglass pool while maintaining consistent alignment.
The kit also includes a PVC plumb strip, which acts as a guide to ensure the formwork sits correctly and creates a clean edge between the pool shell and the concrete. Face pieces, tie wires, washers and screws are provided to secure the system in place, along with double-sided tape for adhesion and glass tape to assist with bending the formwork around the curvatures of your pool.
Each component is designed to work together as a complete system, allowing for accurate installation without the need for complex tools or specialised equipment.
Measuring, Cutting & Installing Your Formwork
Installing PoolEdge involves a series of straightforward steps that ensure the formwork is properly aligned, secured and ready for the concrete pour. Careful preparation and attention to detail throughout this stage will directly impact the quality of the final finish.
Step 1 – Preparing the Pool Surface
Begin by lowering the water level in your pool to just below the skimmer box. This allows clear access to the working area. The pool edge must then be thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt, dust or debris. Ensuring the surface is dry and free from contaminants is critical, as proper adhesion of the system depends on this preparation.
Step 2 – Pool Plumb Strip Installation
Using the extender strip as a guide, install the PVC plumb strip along the edge of the pool. The strip should be fixed securely in place using screws spaced at approximately 300mm intervals. This step is essential for establishing the correct alignment, as it determines the position and consistency of the finished pool edge.
Step 3 – Setting the Polystyrene Formwork
Apply the double-sided tape gradually along the plumb strip and press the polystyrene formwork firmly into position. The form should sit tight against the strip to maintain accuracy. When working around corners or curves, the formwork can be bent or cut to fit and lightly sanded for a precise finish. For tighter bends, glass tape can be applied to the back of the form, with a heat used if required in colder conditions to assist flexibility.
Step 4 – Attaching the Face Piece
Once the formwork is in place, the face piece is attached and aligned with the edge of the extender. It should be pressed firmly to ensure proper adhesion, with any joins taped as required. This step helps maintain the shape of the formwork and prevents movement during the concrete pour.
Step 5 – Securing with Tie Wires
To stabilise the system, screws are installed approximately 100mm back from the formwork and spaced around 280-300mm apart. Washers and tie wires are then threaded through and tightened securely. This reinforcement ensures the formwork remains stable and correctly positioned when the concrete is poured.
Final Finish: Ensuring A Seamless, Gap-Free Edge
With the formwork installed and secured, the final stage focuses on pouring, finishing and removing the system to reveal a clean, consistent edge. Attention during this phase is key to achieving a high quality result.
Step 6 – Pouring the Concrete
Concrete should be poured carefully up to the height of the formwork. During the pour, the concrete must be vibrated to remove air pockets and prevent honeycombing. This ensures the concrete settles evenly against the form, which is essential for a smooth and durable finish.
Step 7 – Stripping & Finishing
Once the concrete has set, the tie wires can be removed and cut below the surface. The formwork is then carefully peeled away to reveal the finished edge. Removing the formwork at the appropriate time helps retain moisture within the concrete, which can contribute to a better overall finish.
Step 8 – Removing the Extender Strip
The extender strip is removed the following day. The foam backing can be cleanly peeled away, leaving behind a defined edge between the pool and surrounding concrete.
Final Result – Seamless Pool Edge
The completed installation results in a smooth, continuous concrete finish and pool edge. With no visible gaps, movement points or separate coping materials, the finish is clean, modern and built to last.
Achieve a Professional Finish with PoolEdge
When broken down into clear steps, installing PoolEdge for a fibreglass pool becomes a straightforward and manageable process provided you have some trade knowledge. Each component is designed to guide alignment, improve accuracy and simplify what would traditionally be a more complex formwork system.
When installed correctly, PoolEdge delivers a consistent, gap-free edge that enhances both the appearance and durability of your pool area. It supports high-end outdoor finishes without requiring specialist formwork skills, making it suitable for both DIY users and experienced contractors.
Ready to get started? Explore our DIY PoolEdge kits or speak to our team for expert advice on your project.
