Spray-Applied Composite Swimming Pools

Composite Swimming Pool Supply from Russia Let's take a look at one of Russia's leading composite swimming pool suppliers and the Graco spraying equipment they use. The days when building a swimming pool on the grounds of a hotel or private residence meant weeks of messy construction work and thousands of liters of mixed concrete are behind us. Today, construction specialists can purchase a wide variety of ready-made composite pools. Considering their benefits, it becomes clear how practical they are: • High and consistent quality, • Superior strength, • Installation simplicity and speed (as short as one week), • Hygienic: There are no joints or connection points that could leak or harbor unwanted bacteria, • Safe: No sharp edges, • Easy to clean and maintain, • Durable and cost-effective.

Franmer: Russia's Composite Pool Expert

Franmer, headquartered in Tuapse on the northeastern coast of the Black Sea, is a leading company in composite swimming pool production for customers in Russia and abroad. The company operates a production facility of 21,500 square meters and produces approximately 3,500 composite pools annually. Franmer offers 56 pool models with a rich selection of colors and accessories such as stone edges and slides. Franmer continues its operations through a dealer network across the entire country from Sochi to Vladivostok to meet demand. Additionally, the company owns its own trailer fleet for transporting composite pools to any location in the country. In light of all this, Franmer is not only Russia's leading composite pool manufacturer but also Eastern Europe's largest composite pool supplier.

New Paint Types

Recently, Franmer introduced two new paints to the Russian market. The first is Diamond Shine; this paint quickly gained great approval from customers and became a highly popular model on the market. It provides the opportunity to create new pool colors. Thanks to its ability to reflect and refract sunlight in micro-mirror particles, it helps heat the pool water and extends the swimming season. Gloss and holographic particles can be injected into the gel coat; special granules can also be added. This technology is used as a new pool paint line known as 3D marble while imitating a natural stone surface.

Franmer and Graco

Franmer has had a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship with Graco since first purchasing a Graco unit in 2000 to spray fiberglass onto swimming pool molds. Today, Franmer uses Graco FRP units for spraying fiber composites and Graco's EXP2 and E10 reactors for foam insulation applications.

Graco FRP Gel Coat System

Franmer was seeking a stable solution in spraying Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) and a smooth, consistent, and pulse-free catalyst supply to achieve superior quality finish coats; therefore, it chose to work with Graco's FRP Gel Coat system. Three main elements underlie Graco's consistent catalyst supply. First, Graco minimizes the transition time of the air motor by applying continuous pressure on the catalyst. As a result, negligible pulse is achieved in the spraying pressure. The advantage of stable spraying pressure is a consistent spray pattern. The transition is activated via poppet valves triggered by the piston reaching the end of the air motor. This triggers rapid transfer of air pressure from one side of the air motor to the other, thus achieving rapid motor transition. Additionally, Graco's air motor is perfectly balanced; that is, the material pressure in the motor is equal on upstroke and downstroke. As a result, a consistent spray pattern is achieved again. A consistent and high-quality spray pattern makes it easier for the user to control the spray pattern as well. It has higher transfer efficiency and consequently provides consistent quality end products with high material savings (up to 40%). The second important feature is unique packing material that provides more consistent catalyst flow by minimizing friction and increasing transition speed. Third is the use of expandable hoses for the resin. These reduce pulses during transition and allow smoother volume flow through the catalyst pump. The overall result is smooth, consistent, and pulse-free catalyst supply. Stable catalyst pressure provides continuous catalyst flow and minimizes the possibility of wet spots or uncatalyzed areas in the application. Of course, smooth catalyst supply is not the only factor to be considered. The optimal spray pattern is also very important. Here, the FRP Gel Coat system becomes a preferred choice for Franmer thanks to its special Air-Assisted Atomization (AAC) system. This system is designed to ensure that the maximum amount of material is used where needed, that is, on the object being sprayed. AAC creates a spray pattern where droplets fly into the mold at very low pressure. Low velocity or "particle velocity" causes very little turbulence or disturbance when material reaches the mold. Spray guns from other companies have high "particle velocity," causing very high turbulence during the application process. Turbulence or excessive atomization traps air; this can lead to void formation.

Graco Reactors in Foam Spraying

Franmer uses two types of Graco Reactor machines for foam insulation applications. The E-XP2i turnkey system; combines the reactor machine, diesel generator, air compressor, and air dryer into one complete integrated package. The patent-pending design of the E-XP2i provides continuous and stable temperature control for superior heating performance without wasting energy. The generator's waste heat, enabling operation with a smaller generator, allows for rapid heating of the material. Acquiring a turnkey system rather than an independent system provides you with the following key benefits: • Save time: With turnkey systems, pre-selected and installed components and pre-wired cable connections make installation into your vehicle very easy. • Save on diesel fuel costs: The turnkey system cuts annual diesel fuel consumption in half. • Eliminate costly energy problems: It has backup power units and low-cost generators. • Enhanced heating capacity: Temperatures can be adjusted instantly during circulation to minimize downtime. • Further reduce fuel costs: Its compact and portable design fits into a smaller trailer, meaning a smaller truck; thus reducing investment and fuel costs. Another very useful feature of the E-XP2i turnkey system is that it comes standard with Graco InSite reporting technology. The information collected by Graco InSite enables you to save money, provide more accurate quotes for applications, and solve problems faster, thereby reducing overall costs and increasing your profits. The collected data is stored and accessible anywhere you have Internet access. The second reactor used by Franmer for foam spraying is the E-10, a portable and remedial system. Although it is an entry-level system, it is quite powerful. With such a small system, smaller jobs can be performed faster without compromising performance. Since it is an independent system, a transfer pump is not required; it is very easy to use with single-button motor startup. It starts working quickly, increasing your efficiency, and does not require a generator by using standard residential electrical outlets.

Very Satisfied with Dosing Ratios

Franmer is very satisfied with Graco's FRP, E-XP2, and E-10 products, each providing correct material dose ratios while also offering precise temperature control. Franmer experts provide assurance with the explanation that "production quality depends both on the quality of raw materials and the quality of equipment used for applications." Stephan Rindfleisch - Product Marketing Manager, AFTD - Graco Greg Van Gansen - Product Marketing Specialist, ATFD - Graco