FOAMGLAS® Pool Fire Suppression™ Systems

Active fire mitigation involves systems that require external intervention for detection and/or activation, increasing the probability of failure on demand.

Whereas with passive fire mitigation is always “available”; it does not require activation. FOAMGLAS® PFS™ is a passive fire mitigation measure.

a.       FOAMGLAS® PFS™ and high expansion foam mitigate pool fire hazards by similar mechanisms. These systems can be used in combination. However, they are most often employed independently.

a.       It is common for basins to have other elements present within the perimeter of the concrete walls (ladders, sump equipment, etc.) that would otherwise impede the floatation of the FOAMGLAS® PFS™ system. Owens Corning considers the presence of these elements and designs our FOAMGLAS® PFS™ system to intentionally leave space around them as to allow for free floatation in the event of a pool fire.

a.       A FOAMGLAS® PFS™-mitigated burn, proves much easier to extinguish due to a significantly smaller flame. During 2025 trials at Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) fire training facility, an unmitigated pool fire was unable to be extinguished, even after repeated attempts.

a.       Yes, FOAMGLAS® PFS™ as a base material is chemically inert, buoyant within most known chemical products in liquid form, and suitable for both hot and cryogenic temperatures. Contact Owens Corning technical services for assistance with specifying it for your process. 

a.       Width: 18 inches

b.       Height: 7 inches sides to 8” at module peak

c.       Length: Three lengths are available: 22 inches, 24 inches and 36 inches

d.       Weight: approximately 31lbs (36-inch module)

Stainless-steel cladding offers a low surface emissivity that aids in the reflection of radiant heat during a fire event as well as provides a long-term maintenance free exterior.

While each PFS Gen 2 layout is custom-designed, dimensions & characteristics of containment pits can often fluctuate depending on the site. Because of this, Owens Corning highly recommends each installer take part in our PFS Application Training. The Owens Corning Technical Services team can provide your team with a customized PFS training program designed to cover all aspects of the project specifications & requirements pertaining to a passive fire suppression system.

Owens Corning will provide pit module layout drawings, a list of tools & materials needed during install, and step-by-step installation instructions. To schedule a training or if you need further assistance, please contact your Owens Corning representative.

Sustainability is an integral part of our production process.  Approximately 50% of the raw materials used in FOAMGLAS® production at the European production plants are sourced from recycled glass, including post-consumer materials such as automotive windows and greenhouse glazing.¹ At the Tessenderlo products plant, no product waste goes to landfill. It is reused as raw materials in our own factory and as filling materials for e.g. brick production.² 

1 Based on data for the year 2024  

2 Resource Advisor: valid for year 2023 and 2024