English
Russian
Spanish
Portuguese
Arabic
GermanWant to add a stunning window to your pool but stuck between acrylic and glass? You’re not alone. Pool windows are more than just a design statement—they need to withstand constant water pressure, chemical exposure, and daily wear. Choosing the wrong material could mean costly repairs or a short lifespan. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between acrylic vs glass pool windows, covering durability, cost, aesthetics, maintenance, and installation. By the end, you’ll know exactly which material fits your budget, style, and pool usage
Source: https://www.pexels.com// Photo Contributor:Max Vakhtbovycn
Acrylic Pool Windows
Also known as plexiglass pool windows, acrylic is a lightweight, shatter-resistant plastic material designed for aquatic environments. Our high-quality acrylic sheets for pool windows feature enhanced UV resistance (preventing yellowing for over 15 years) and reinforced chemical resistance (withstanding chlorine and bromine corrosion), making them more durable than standard acrylic. Its excellent flexibility allows for custom curved or irregular shapes, perfectly fitting unique pool designs—this is why 80% of residential pool owners choose acrylic sheets for their window projects.
Glass Pool Windows
Typically made of tempered safety glass or laminated glass, glass pool windows are known for their clarity and premium look. They’re often used in high-end residential or commercial pools.
Source: https://www.pexels.com// Photo Contributor:Max Vakhtbovycn
Comparison Category | Acrylic Sheets | Glass Sheets |
Material Composition | Organic polymer (PMMA), polymerized from methyl methacrylate monomers | Inorganic non-metallic material, mainly composed of SiO₂ (silicon dioxide) |
Density | ~1.18-1.2g/cm³ (≈ half the weight of glass of the same thickness) | ~2.5g/cm³ (relatively heavy) |
Impact Resistance | 10-17 times that of glass; not easily broken; breaks into blunt honeycomb pieces | Poor (ordinary glass); tempered glass improved but still inferior to acrylic; breaks into sharp fragments (ordinary glass) |
Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 4-5 (prone to scratches) | 5.5-7 (high hardness, strong scratch resistance) |
Light Transmittance | 92%-93% | 85%-92% |
Temperature Resistance | Long-term: ≤80℃; Short-term: ≤100℃ (poor high-temperature resistance) | Tempered glass: up to ~800℃ (good high-temperature resistance) |
Processing Performance | Easy to cut manually; thermoformable into arcs/irregular shapes; easy to dye/spray | Requires professional equipment for cutting/polishing; high hot-bending cost; coatable/temperable/laminable |
Color Performance | Rich, long-lasting bright colors via color masters | Limited color options; inferior color durability compared to acrylic |
Glossiness | High surface glossiness, strong visual appeal | Softer glossiness, distinct texture |
Safety (Breakage) | High safety (blunt fragments) | Potential hazard (sharp fragments for ordinary glass) |
Environmental Friendliness | Recyclable; synthesized via petrochemical processes | Recyclable; high energy consumption (melting at ≥1500℃) |
Price (5mm Thick) | ~100 yuan/㎡ | ~50 yuan/㎡ (ordinary glass); higher for special processes (e.g., tempered glass) |
Maintenance | Needs regular polishing (toothpaste/special wax) to avoid scratches | Low maintenance; cleanable with a damp cloth |
Typical Applications | Advertising light boxes, aquariums, furniture decoration, early phone screen protectors | Building curtain walls, furniture countertops, car windows, heat-resistant lab vessels |
Choosing between acrylic and glass pool windows often comes down to balancing safety, cost, and design flexibility—and acrylic clearly stands out for most residential and small commercial pools. If you’re ready to pick the right acrylic sheet for your pool window: click here to browse our pool-specific acrylic sheet collection (including UV-resistant and high-transparency models) or fill out the form to get a free sample and custom quote. Our acrylic experts will also provide personalized size and design suggestions based on your pool blueprint. Let’s create a safe, beautiful pool with high-quality acrylic!”
