Glass Bottom Pool Skylights: The Ready-to-Install Solution

Location: Seychelles (Indian Ocean)
Application: 3x Underwater Skylights (Pool Floor)
Dimensions: 2100mm x 1250mm (approx. 7' x 4')
Installation Type: Ready-to-Install (DIY by local contractor)

Building a luxury pool on a remote island group like the Seychelles presents a unique set of challenges. Logistics are difficult, spare parts are non-existent, and flying in a specialized glazing team from Europe is often cost-prohibitive.

For this project, the client needed a fail-safe solution that could be installed by the local workforce without risk of leakage or error.

The Solution: "Plug-and-Play" Underwater Windows

This project demonstrates the core advantage of the Hydrosight System for remote or residential builds. Unlike competitors who ship glass and frames separately (requiring on-site sealing), we delivered factory-prefabricated units.

• Pre-Sealed: The acrylic glazing is bonded to the stainless steel frame in our German factory under controlled conditions.
• Pressure Tested: Every unit is leak-tested before crating.
• Easy Installation: The local contractor simply casts the finished frame into the concrete. No silicone work or glazing expertise is required on-site.

Why Acrylic is Superior for Pool Skylights

When designing a transparent pool floor (skylight), architects often default to laminated glass. However, for a project like this, Acrylic (PMMA) offers critical engineering advantages:

1. No Condensation (Thermal Insulation)
A major issue with glass bottom pools is condensation forming on the dry side (the ceiling of the room below), dripping onto furniture.

• Physics: Acrylic has a very low thermal conductivity (0.19 W/mK) compared to glass [Source 5]. It acts as a natural insulator, keeping the dry side close to room temperature and preventing condensation.

2. Impact Safety (Overhead Glazing)
Safety is paramount when water is suspended above a living space.

• Glass is rigid; if a heavy object is dropped in the drained pool, glass can suffer brittle fracture.
• Hydrosight Acrylic is ductile and shatter-proof. It can absorb shock loads without catastrophic failure [Source 3], making it the safer choice for overhead applications.

3. Visual Clarity
These three skylights provide a stunning play of light into the room below. Unlike thick laminated glass, which can turn green and reduce light transmission, our acrylic retains 92% light transmission, ensuring the room below remains bright and airy.

Technical Note: Maintenance

For clients planning a glass bottom pool, please note:

• Foot Traffic: While acrylic is robust, we recommend avoiding walking on the window with shoes to prevent surface scratches.
• Emptying the Pool: If you drain the pool, the windows must be covered immediately. Direct sunlight on a dry acrylic window can cause thermal expansion risks not present when cooled by water.