Swimming poolsPre-moulded fibrereinforced polyester Design and fabrication

1 SCOPE This Standard specifies requirements for pre-moulded fibreglass swimming pools
exceeding 7500 L in volume and 750 mm in depth, and not exceeding 55000Lin volume and
2000mm in depth and constructed from Glass-fibre-reinforced polyester (GRP) based on
thermosetting resin systems. It covers materials, design and performance requirements.
2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS The following documents are referred to in this Standard:
Australian Standards
1170 Minimum design loads on structures (known as the SAA Loading Code)
1170.4 Part 4: Earthquake loads
1580 Paints and related materialsMethods of test
1580.602.1 Method 602.1: Visual assessment of gloss
1886 Glossary of terms relating to plastics
1926 Swimming pool safety
1926.3 Part 3: Water recirculation and filtration systems
2132 Methods for the determination of the flexural properties of plastics
2818 Guide to swimming pool safety
3633 Private swimming poolsWater quality
AS/NZS
1839 Swimming poolsPremoulded fibre-reinforced plasticsInstallation
NZS
4203 General Structural Design and Design Loading for Buildings
4441 Code of Practice for Swimming Pools
ISO
105 TextilesTests for colour fastness
105-A02 Part A02: Grey scale for assessing change in colour
ASTM
D 2583 Test method for indentation hardness of rigid plastics by means of a Barcol impressor
For the purposes of this Standard where both an Australian Standard and a New Zealand
Standard are referenced, the appropriate South African Standard shall be used where South
African conditions vary to that of Australia and New Zealand
3 DEFINITIONS For the purpose of this Standard, the definitions given below and in AS 1886
apply.
3.1 Compositethe combination of the cosmetic layer, corrosion barrier, structural layer and
outer surface layer (see Figure 1).
3.2 Concrete ring beamthe structural member that supports the pool shell and coping.
3.3 Flangethe horizontal rim or pool edge which is moulded integrally with the pool shell.
3.4 Corrosion barriera resin-rich layer immediately beneath the cosmetic gelcoat layer see

figure 1).
3.5 Cosmetic layerthe layer which seals the back of the structural layer (see figure 1).
3.6 Outer Surface layerthe layer which seals the back of the structural layer (see figure 1).
3.7 Structural layerthe main body of the composite supplying the major part of the total
strength (see Figure 1).

FIGURE 1 IDENTICICATION OF COMPONENTS OF THE COMPOSITE

NOTE: Figure 1 is not to scale
4 MATERIALS
4.1 ResinThe resin component of all layers of the composite shall be an appropriate type of
unsaturated polyester, epoxide, or vinyl ester resin. 4.2 GelcoatThe gelcoat forming the
cosmetic layer shall be produced from a sustainable resin. 4.3 ReinforcementThe
reinforcement shall be fibrous in nature and readily wet and bound by the chosen resin system.
Glassfibre reinforcement shall be drawn from E glass with an alkali content less then 1% and
which has been chemically sized and finished so as to be compatible with the resin system.
NOTE: Where the glassfibre content forms part of the specification for a swimming pool,
Appendix A may be used to determine the glassfibre content of the corrosion barrier and
structural layer.
4.4 AdditivesThe gelcoat and resin may contain ultraviolet light stabilizers, pigments or dyes,
and fillers to produce the required physical properties. 4.5 Use of alternative materials of
methodsthe Standard shall not be interpreted so as to prevent the use of materials or methods
of design or construction not specifically referred to herein.
5.
1.
1.

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
General
Shape Swimming pool shapes shall be accurately defined by means of
dimensioned drawings

2.

Deflection and variations The design of the pool shall take into account
the limits to the variations in shape. The design details (see clause 6.8) shall clearly specify
what deflections may be expected under the design loads.

3.

Entry and exit from pool Swimming pools shall provide a means of entry
and exit for pool users, which shall be moulded into the pool shell.

4.

Slip-resistant surfaces Where a fibreglass flange is exposed and wider

than 100 mm, it shall have a slip-resistant surface.

5.

Lifting points A sufficient number of lifting points shall be provided to

enable the pool to be lifted and maneuvered as required. The lifting points on any one side
shall have a combined capacity of at least 1.5 times the weight of the pool.

6.

Ties Where a concrete ring beam is a structural element of the pool,

provision shall be made for structurally connecting the ring beam to the pool shell.

7.

Weir Skimmer box Skimmer boxes and suction points shall comply with
AS 1926.3 or NZS

WARNING: WHEN CONSIDERING THE ARRANGEMENT OF THE SKIMMER BOX, SPECIAL

CARE NEEDS TO BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT YOUNG CHILDREN ARE NOT TEMPTED
TO SIT ON IT OR ON OTHER FILTRATION SYSTEM SUCTION POINTS. IN THE PAST, THIS
PRACTICE HAS LED TO SERIOUS INJURIES AND, IN SOME CASES, TO DEATH BY
DISEMBOWELMENT. IT HAS BEEN SHOWN THAT A REMOVABLE COVER DOES NOT
PROVIDE SUFFICIENT PROTECTION AGAINST THIS KIND OF ACCIDENT.
8.

Emptying the pool Specific details relating to emptying shall be provided

in the booklet of pool use for use in situations where it may become necessary to drain the
pool.

NOTE: The manufacturer or its representative should supply the pool owner with the booklet of
pool use.
5.2 Pools for installation in the ground
5.2.1

Soil loadings

The pool shall be designed so that it will withstand all likely external

loadings and may be applied by the soil profile and backfill encountered at any typical location in
which the shells are to be installed.
The design soil types shall be clearly stated on the design drawings.
In no case shall the design horizontal pressure be less that
1.

4.8 kPa per meter depth for sand only; and

2.

6.6 kPa per meter depth for clay and soil.

The pool, when full of water, shall be designed to resist the additional pressure from a surcharge
of 2 kPa on the ground surrounding the pool.
NOTES:

1.

For guidance on pool design see Appendix B

2.

For values given in items (a) and (b) apply only when there is no hydrostatic pressure.

3.

The design values do not take account of loads due to heavy machinery and equipment.
Where such loading may occur, it may be necessary to brace the walls.

2.2

Other loadings The design of the pool shall take account of the following:

(a)

Temporary loads during transportation

(b)

Lifting point loads

(c)

Hydrostatic pressure

(d)

Special loadings peculiar to the particular locality of the installation, including loads from

reactive clay.
5.3 Pools for installation above the ground

1.

Water loading The pool, when full of water, shall be capable of withstanding the internal
loading due to static and dynamic water pressure in accordance with the requirements of this
Standard, with out the use of temporary external bracing. The minimum pressure shall be
calculated from the hydrostatic head due to the water of density 1 000kg/m3.
The design of the pool shall also take into account the effects of dynamic and unsymmetrical
loading.

2.

Other loadings The design of the pool shall take account of the following:
(a)

Temporary loads during transportation

(b)

Lifting point loads

(c)

Dynamic load test

3.

Deflection under dynamic loading For a pool above the ground, the design shall ensure
that the movement of the pool structure does not exceed 300, where l is the overall length of an
element, in millimeters, when the pool is subjected to dynamic loading. A method for testing the
effect of a dynamic load is given in Appendix C.

5.4

Sub pool drainage

The design of the pool and installation thereof shall take into

account the need for a sub pool drainage system, and/or the shell to be manufactured to allow for
installation of a hydrostatic relief valve, if required.
NOTE: For guidance on pool design, see Appendix B.

1.

CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

6.1

General

The structural shell of the pool (the composite) shall consist of the

following:
a.

A cosmetic layer

b.

A corrosion layer

c.

A structural layer

d.

An outer surface layer

6.2

Cosmetic layer

The cosmetic layer shall be made from UV-light stabilized

material, used in accordance with the material specification, and prior to dispatch shall be free
from soft or tacky spots, cracks, blisters or sources of capillary action.
The thickness of the cosmetic layer shall be such that it meets the requirements for polyester
gelcoats, the cured film thickness shall be not less that 0.35 mm at any point, and the average
thickness over 90% of the surface shall be not less that 0.5 mm.
6.3

Corrosion barrier The corrosion barrier shall be constructed from a suitable resin, or a

resin/fibrous reinforcement composite, manufactured in accordance with the respective materials

specification. It shall be free from dry fibres, delaminating from the cosmetic layer and air
bubbles. 6.4

Structural layer The structural layer shall be constructed from a suitable

resin/fibrous reinforcement composite manufactured in accordance with the respective materials

specification. The minimum thickness, which may include the corrosion barrier, shall be in
accordance with the specification. The structural layer shall be free from dry fibres, delaminating
from the corrosion barrier and air bubbles
6.5

Outer surface layer The outer surface layer shall consist of a suitable polymeric

coating. Its thickness shall be not less that 0.2 mm, and the surface shall be dry and free of
protruding fibres.
6.6

Cure The hardness of the cosmetic layer of the finished pool prior to dispatch shall be

not less that 80% of the fully cured hardness.

6.7
1.

Freedom from defects

Freedom from defects Prior to dispatch, the interior surface of the pool shall be visibly

free from soft or tacky spots, cracks, crazing or blisters, and shall be free from fibre prominence,
lack of adhesion, delaminating, pinholes or foreign inclusions.
Moulding and blowoff marks shall not be considered defects. When they are present, and the
product is submitted for acceptance, the manufacturer shall be able to demonstrate fitness for
purpose.
NOTE: The defects described in Clauses 6.7.1 and 6.7.2 cannot be completely quantified. Where
the presence, size of frequency of any of these defects is considered to be of concern,
arrangements should be made between the purchaser and the manufacturer. This may be
achieved by the provision of acceptable type samples.

6.8

Design Details Details of the pool shall be in accordance with good engineering practice

and shall specify at least the following:

a.

Pool Dimensions

b.

Design thicknesses of the composites and their respective tolerances

c.

Structural detail of the pool shell

d.

Deflections which apply to the design

e.

Laminate properties used in the design calculations

f.

Design soil type

g.

Design backfill type

h.

Details of fibreglass coping and concrete ring beam, where appropriate.

7 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
7.1

Material properties

The material properties shall be clearly nominated in the

specification.
The flexural strength and apparent elastic modulus of the laminate, using test specimens
prepared in accordance with Appendix D, shall be determined in accordance resin
suppliers 7.1

Chemical-resistance test

When tested in accordance with Appendix E,

the chemical-resistance rating of the cosmetic layer shall not exceed 5. For any single
defect, the average change for the two test specimens shall not exceed 3 rating numbers.
7.3

Water-resistance test When tested in accordance with Appendix F, the water-

resistance rating of the cosmetic layer shall be not greater than an average rating of
a.

3 for blisters and cracking at 720 h;

b.

2 for the specimens for increase in fibre prominence at 240 h;

c.

3 for colour change after 720 hl; and

d.

3 for loss of visible gloss after 720 h.

7.4

Dynamic load test for pools installed above the ground

When tested in accordance

with Appendix C, the maximum deflection of any member (e.g. wall and flange) shall not exceed
xl300, where x is the overall height of length of member, in millimeters.
7.5

Acetone test

The moulded surface of the pool shall be rubbed for a minimum of 15 s

with a clean, white, lint free cloth wetted with acetone.

After evaporation of the acetone, the area so treated shall be non-tacky and the cloth shall not
show any colour from the pool.
7.6

Barcol hardness

When determined in accordance with ASTM D2583, the hardness

of the cosmetic layer shall be not less that 80% of the fully cured hardness.
NOTE: The fully cured hardness is that specified by the resin manufacturer.
7.7

Actual in-service performance

NOTE: The pool owner (consumer) shall be made aware by the pool manufacturer of the need to
comply with basic swimming pool water chemistry, at the time of installation of the pool. Failure
to maintain the chlorine and pH level of the pool water to the pool manufacturers
recommendations may reduce the performance characteristics of the cosmetic later and may void
the manufacturers warranties.
7.8

All pools shall be legibly and indelibly marked with the following information in position

that will be readily visible after pool installation

a.

Manufacturers name or registered trade mark, or both

b.

Serial Number
Note:

Manufacturers making a statement of compliance with the National Spa and Pool Institute

required Standard must ensure that such compliance is capable of being verified.

APPENDIX A
DETERIMINATION OF RESIN AND GLASS CONTENT OF CORROSION BARRIER AND
STRUCTURAL LAYERS
(Informative)
A1

SCOPE

This Appendix set out a method that may be used to determine

percentage by mass of resin in glassfibre-reinforced plastics.

NOTES:
1.

Where reinforced plastics contain organic fillers, or if the resin is incompletely

combustible, the percentage by mass resin content cannot be determined directly by this
method.

2.

Glass content may be calculated directly provided no inorganic fillers are present.
A2

APPARATUS A2.1

approximate capacity A2.2

540oC to 590oC. A2.3
0.01g. A2.5
A3

Crucibles three of platinum or porcelain, each of 30 ml

Muffle furnace capable of maintaining temperature in the range

Desiccator A2.4

Balance capable of weighing to an accuracy of

Fume cupboard

TEST SPECIMENS Three specimens of minimum mass 10 g each should be cut from a

test panel and the cosmetic later removed by machining. Edges of the test specimens should be
machined back to a hard, clean surface.
A4

CONDITIONING Test specimens should be conditioned at ambient conditions for a

period of not less than 12 h.

A5 PROCEDURE The procedure should be as follows:

1.

Determine and record the constant mass of each crucible to the nearest 0.01 g. All three
crucibles should be heated to 500oC and cooled in the desiccators to remove moisture,
combustible residue or other material, prior to weighing.

2.

Place a test specimen in each crucible and determine the mass

3.

Heat the curable in a Bunsen flame until the contents ignite. Maintain a temperature at
which the material burns at a uniform and moderate rate until only glass, ash and carbon remain
when the burning has ceased.
WARNING: BECAUSE THE COMBUSTION OF PLASTIC MATERIALS MAY PRODUCE TOXIC
GASES, COMBUSTION SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT IN A FUME CUPBOARD.

1.

Heat the crucible and contents to constant mass at a temperature in the range of 540oC
to 590oC in the muffle furnace.

2.

Allow the crucible and contents to cool to ambient temperature in a desiccators and then
determine the mass to the nearest 0.01 g.
A6

CALCULATIONS

The percentage by mass of resin in each test specimen should be

calculated using the following equation:

Percent resin =

(m1 m2) x 100

A6(1)
(m1 m2)
Where .m1 = mass of crucible and test specimen before ignition, in grams .m2 = mass of crucible
and contents after ignition, in grams .m3 = constant mass of crucible, in grams Where no
inorganic fillers are present, the percentage by mass of glass in each test specimen may be
calculated using the following equation:
Percent resin =

(m1 m2) x 100

A6(1)
(m1 m2)
NOTE: Where inorganic fillers are present, an estimate of the glass content may be obtained by
sieving the crucible contents to remove the filler and weighing the glass remaining. Reference
should be made to details of the method employed as required in the report
A7

REPORT

The test report should contain the following information:

1.

Full identification of the specimen under test.

2.

Percentage of resin in each test specimen

3.

Mean percentage of resin in the glassfibre-reinforced sample.

4.

Presence or otherwise of fillers (and method of removal if appropriate)

5.

Where applicable, the percentage of glass in each test specimen

6.

Where applicable, the mean percentage of glass in the glassfibre-reinforced plastic.

APPENDIX B DESIGN GUIDANCE (Informative)
B1

GENERAL

It is suggested that each pool manufacturer supply proof of design

calculations to the relevant regulatory authority. These calculations should cover general
applications. The regulatory authority may require special considerations relevant to a particular
area, and these should be resolved with the design engineer during the initial general approval.
Sites with particular complications should be examined on an individual basis.
B2

NEW TECHNOLOGY The type and percentage of reinforcement and the type of resin

used will influence the strength of a given thickness of laminate. It should be appreciated that
fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) technology is evolving all the time and, in the event of new
technology being introduced into the market, theoretical analysis should be supported by
prototype testing.
B3

DESIGN PRESSURES The soil pressure generated against the pool wall relates to the

type of soil, the topography of the surrounding areas, and the landscaping around the pool.
General building practice, which involves the cutting of a hole into which the pool is placed with
backfill around, results in a release of at rest pressure. Special requirements may be required
for certain clays, particularly if the penetration of the pool into the clay varies around its perimeter.
Pools may be subject to external hydrostatic pressures, even though a hydrostatic valve is
incorporated in the pool floor. Build-up of this pressure may be avoided by the incorporation of
sub-surface drainage Should the pool be founded on varying ground strata, or where even
veering may not be relied upon, or where ground heave may occur, the pool design should be
specifically assessed and modified as necessary by the engineer. In a location where long-term
differential settlement may occur, suitable measures should be taken to ensure that no damage is
caused to the pool structure.

APPENDIX C
DYNAMIC LOAD TEST (Normative) C1

SCOPE

This Appendix sets out a

method for testing the effort of a dynamic load on a pool above the ground.
C2

PRINCIPLE A 200 L drum filled with water is dropped into the water-filled pool and

resulting wall deflections are measured.

C3
device

APPARATUS C3.1

Drum A standard 200 L drum filled with water C3.2

Means of holding the drum at the specified height above the pool and capable of

releasing the drum cleanly. C3.3

Measuring equipment Suitable gauges affixed to

independent frames
C4

Release

PROCEDURE

The procedure shall be as follows:

1.

Position the cylindrical drum above the pool with its longitudinal axis horizontal, 2000
100 mm above the normal pool water level (see Figure C1).

2.

Release the drum so that it impacts the water surface at the pool centre with its long side.

3.

Determine the extent of any deflections in pool members

4.

Inspect pool for any sign of leakage or cracking.

C5

REPORT

The test report shall contain the following information:

1.

Full description of the pool tested

2.

Maximum deflection of each pool member

3.

Any evidence of failure

4.

Reference to test method, i.e. AS/NZS 1838, Appendix C.

APPENDIX D
PREPERATION AND CONDITION OF TEST PANELS (Normative)
D1

PREPARATION OF TEST PANEL Test panels of 150 x 150 mm min. shall be obtained

from water areas cut from the pool moulding, or shall be prepared using the same materials and
construction techniques utilized in fabrication the pool shell. If the pool shell is to be post-cured,
the same conditions shall be used to post-cure the test panels.
D2

CONDITIONING

All test specimens cut from test panels shall be conditioned at a

temperature of 23 2oC in an atmosphere of not greater that 70% relative humidity for a minimum
period of 4 h. They shall be moved to the testing location immediately prior to testing. All test
specimens shall be tested within 670 h of manufacture.
APPENDIX E
CHEMICAL-RESISTANCE TEST (Normative)
E1

SCOPE

This Appendix sets out a method for determining the resistance to

colour fading of the cosmetic later used in swimming pool manufacture.

E2

PRINCIPLE Test specimens shall be exposed to a hypochlorite solution containing acid

at a temperature of 60oC for 18 h, then visually inspected for colour fading.

E3

APPARATUS E3.1

Heating system

Air circulating oven or other means of

maintaining a glass beaker of solution at 60 2oC for 18 h, e.g. water bath with circulator/heater.
E3.2 Breakers Glass graduated beakers 1 x 1 liter, 1 x 500 ml; and glass stirring rod
E3.3

Beaker cover Polyethylene film and rubber band for sealing 500ml beaker

E3.4

pH meter

pH meter which can be calibrated and can measure at different

temperatures, including 60oC.

E4

REAGENTS E4.1

Calcium hypochlorite (60% active chlorine or equivalent quantity of

available chlorine)
E4.2

Concentrated hydrochloric acid with suitable metering device such as pipette with

rubber teat, or eye dropper.

E5

PREPERATION OF TEST SPECIMENS

Three test specimens (40 mm x 130 mm)

shall be cut from a test panel obtained and prepared by the method described in Appendix D.
One Specimen shall be marked and retained as the control specimen. The remaining two test
specimens shall be tested in accordance with the procedure specified in Paragraph E6 of this
Appendix.
E6

PROCEDURE The procedure shall be as follows:

1.

Add one liter of water approximately 70oC to the one liter graduated glass beaker.

2.

Add 0.5g of calcium hypochlorite and stir until dissolved. The temperature of the solution
shall be approximately 60oC after stirring.

3.

Follow the procedure for calibration of the pH meter, then adjust for 60oC

4.

Carefully add, drop by drop, hydrochloric acid until the pH meter reads 6.5 0.2.

5.

Stand test specimen upright in the 500 ml beaker and carefully decent sufficient of the
solution to cover approximately half the panel. Avoid splashing.

6.

Secure polythene cover on 500 ml beaker then place beaker in suitable oven or suspend
in water bath and maintain at 60 2oC for 18 h.

7.

After 18 h remove, rinse and dry the test specimens.

E7

CHEMICAL-RESISTANCE RATING

The test specimens shall be visually compared

to the control specimen for both colour fading and loss of visible gloss in accordance with Table
E1. The section of the panel to be rated in each case shall be the worse of either the fully
immersed half or the half exposed to the vapour only.
The chemical resistance rating shall be determined by totaling the ratings of colour change and
loss of visible gloss and dividing by two.
TABLE E1 DEGRADATION RATING

Rating

Blisters

Colour Change grey

Loss of visible gloss (See Note

scale (see Note 1)

2)

Nil

Nil

N/A

4 to 5

5 Units

N/A

10 Units

N/A

15 Units

N/A

20 Units

N/A

2 to 3

40 Units

NOTES:

1.

See Resin manufacturer`s method of testing.

2.

Gloss is evaluated in accordance with AS 1580, Method 602.1. Unit of gloss loss
are at an angle of 60o to normal incidence viewing, using portable gloss meter or equivalent
equipment.

3.

N/A denotes Not Applicable. Blisters should not occur in this test
E8

REPORT

The test report shall contain the following information:

1.

Full description of the test specimen

2.

The chemical resistance rating

3.

Reference to this test method, i.e. AS/NZS 1838

4.

A failure remark if the rating is greater than 3.

APPENDIX F
WATER-RESISTANCE TEST (Normative)
F1

SCOPE

This Appendix sets out a method for determining the resistance to

the water of the cosmetic layer used in a swimming pool manufacture.

F2

PRINCIPLE Test specimens are exposed to water at 80oC for a period of 720 h total.

The specimens are visually rated for various types of degration at 240 h and 720 h.
F3

APPARATUS

F3.1

Test tank

A stainless steel test tank of suitable size, equipped with portholes each of

a minimum area of 6400 mm2, and means of maintaining the tank contents at 80 2oC, is
required. NOTE: It is recommended that a porthole diameter of 90 mm min. to 110 mm max. be
used (approximately 6400 mm2 to 9500mm2).
F3.2 Gaskets Suitable gaskets, e.g. made of silicone or other non-reactive rubber, shall be used
to prevent leakage
F3.3

thickness measuring instrument

Means of measuring cosmetic layer thickness,

e.g. small portable-type microscope with calibrated eyepiece gratitude or similar.

F3.4

Barcol hardness impressor model No. 934-1

F4

PREPERATION OF TEST SPECIMENS Three test specimens of a size suitable for test

tank shall be obtained and prepared by the method descried in

Appendix D.
The Thickness of the cosmetic later on each specimen shall be measured along all edges and the
average thickness for the cosmetic layer for each specimen shall be recorded. Any defects in the
cosmetic layer e.g. fibre pattern, shall be noted.
The Barcol hardness of each specimen on an area that shall not be exposed to the water shall be
measured and recorded. One specimen shall be marked and retained as the control specimen.

The remaining two specimens shall be secured, cosmetic layer inward, each to one porthole, by
stainless steel fittings, using a suitable sealing gasket on each port. Any unused portholes shall
be covered with a non-reactive material.
F5
1.

PROCEDURE

The procedure shall be as follows:

Fill the test tank with distilled water so that the portholes are covered

2.

Raise the temperature of the water to 80 2oC and maintain.

NOTE:

Good circulation of the water is essential for consistent result.

1.

Maintain the water level and temperature until the first inspection period is due, i.e. 240 h.

2.

Drain the test tank, remove the specimens and inspect for blisters, cracks and fibre
prominence. For rating values of blisters, cracks and fibre prominence, see Table F1

3.

Rate specimens for increase in fibre prominence only, at this stage (see Table F1).
Continue with test if rating less than 2.Continue with test if no cracking or blisters is detected.

4.

Carry out steps (a) and (b), and maintain water level and temperature for a further 480 h
continuous

5.

Drain test tank, remove and dry specimens, and inspect for cracking and blistering in
accordance with Table F1.

6.

Assess colour change and loss of visible gloss in accordance with Table F1.

7.

After the final inspections have been completed at 720 h, the panels shall be replaced on
the 80oC test tank and may be tested on a daily inspection basis until blistering or cracking
occurs.
NOTES:
This further testing is at the discretion of the swimming pool manufacturer and serves as
a monitoring device for quality improvement.
It is suggested that this procedure be carried out 3 to 4 times a year in order to monitor
any improvement or degradation in quality.
F6

WATER-RESISTANCE RATING

The test specimens shall be visually compared

with the control specimen at

1.

240 h for increase in fibre prominence, cracking and blistering; and

2.

720 h for cracking, blistering, colour change and loss of visual gloss
The tested specimens shall be rated against the control panel for the following:

i.

Increase of fibre prominence at 240 h (see Table F1)

ii.

Cracking and blistering at 240 h. Failed if present

iii.

Cracking and blistering at 720 h (see Table F1)

iv.

Colour change and loss of visible gloss at 720 h (see Table F1)
F7

REPORT

The test report shall contain the following information:

1.

Full identification of the test specimen (see Table F1)

2.

Increase in fibre prominence rating at 240 h.

3.

Any cracking at 720 h (see table F1)

4.

Any blisters at 720 h (see table F1)

5.

Any colour change at 720 h (see Table F1)

6.

Any loss of visible gloss at 720 h (see Table F1)

7.

Average cosmetic layer thickness, in millimeters, for each tested specimen

8.

Reference to this test method i.e. AS/NZS 1838.

Table F1 DEGRADATION RATING (see Note 1)
Rating

0
1

Blisters

Nil

Cracks

Nil

1 to 2 pinhead blisters 1 crack <5 mm

Fibre

Colour Change

Loss of visible

prominence

grey scale (see

gloss (see

Note 2)

Note 3)

Nil

Nil

Very Slight

4 to 5

5 Units

10 Units

15 Units

20 Units

2 to 3

40 Units

distortion
2

<5 pinhead blisters or

2 Cracks <5

1 to 2 visible

1 blister <5 mm dia.

mm Or

fibres

1 crack <10

Or

mm

Very slight
Orange peel

<10 pinhead blisters

2 cracks <5

5 to 10 visible

or 2 blister <5 mm

mm And

fibres

dia.

1 crack <10

Or

mm

Slight orange
peel

>5% of surface area

5 cracks <10

5 to 10 visible

Blistered >10 pinhead

mm

fibres

blisters

Or
Slight orange
peel

>10% of surface area

More then 5

>10 visible

Blistered

Cracks <20

fibres

mm Or

Or

1 crack > 10

heavy orange

mm

peel

NOTES:
1.

Degradation rating is taken on an area of 4500 mm2 (75 mm diameter from

centre of specimen.

2.

See ISO 105-A02

3.

Gloss is evaluated in accordance with AS 1580, Method 602.2. Units of gloss

loss are at an angle of 60o to normal incidence viewing, using portable gloss meter or
equivalent equipment.