Fibreglass Chopped Strand Mat 450g — Pool Lining

Fibreglass chopped strand mat (CSM) at 450 grams per square metre is the standard reinforcement matting used in fibreglass swimming pool lining and relining. It is made up of randomly oriented glass fibre strands held together with a soluble binder. When you wet the mat with catalysed polyester resin, the binder dissolves and the mat conforms to the shape of the pool surface. Once cured, the resin and glass fibre combine to form a rigid, waterproof laminate that is stronger than either material on its own.

Why 450g CSM

The 450g weight is the industry standard for pool lining work in South Africa. It is heavy enough to build structural strength in fewer layers but still flexible enough to follow the contours of the pool shell, including corners, steps, and radius edges. Most fibreglass pool linings use two to three layers of 450g CSM to achieve the required laminate thickness. Lighter weights do not build sufficient thickness per layer, and heavier weights are difficult to wet out properly and tend to trap air bubbles.

How to Use

Cut the mat to size before mixing your resin. Apply a coat of catalysed polyester resin to the pool surface, lay the dry CSM into the wet resin, then stipple or roll more resin through the mat until it is fully saturated. Work out all air bubbles with a paddle roller. Overlap each piece by at least 50mm to ensure continuous coverage with no weak spots. Allow each layer to cure before applying the next. Always wear gloves, a dust mask, and eye protection when handling fibreglass matting as the glass fibres irritate skin, eyes, and lungs.

Specifications

Type: E-glass chopped strand mat. Weight: 450g per square metre. Available in 1kg, 10kg, and 50kg rolls. For use with polyester laminating resin. Suitable for fibreglass pool lining, relining, and structural repairs.