Tubs for Preformed EPS and XPS Nautical Pools
Centro ItaliaYachting® offers modern solutions in EPS and XPS for swimming pools and whirlpools to be installed on ships or yachts.
EPS
Expanded Sintered PolystyreneEPS is used in modern shipbuilding, due to the increasing demand for prefabricated solutions that significantly reduce assembly time. EPS consists of small polystyrene beads that are fused together through sintering, resulting in a block of expandable and workable material. It was discovered in 1839 by a Berlin chemist. The Italian Expanded Polystyrene Association – AIPE has been active since 1984 in order to safeguard this material.
XPS
Extruded polystyrene foamXPS is similar to EPS (both derived from styrene which is an organic compound), but in this case it is extruded. This means that its structure is more stable as it comes with closed cells, preventing water absorption and making it an excellent insulator for wet environments, especially when used together with other materials such as wood and plastic.
EPS and XPS have EEC certification related to safety from Dangerous Substances Directive.
Applications of Preformed EPS and XPS
Preformed EPS is widely used in the field of construction, industry and wellness. It is employed to create rigid sheets of various thickness for different applications (frames, panels, insulation), as well as for the packaging of different products and for thermal and acoustic insulation.
XPS is also widely used in construction for building insulation.
In the nautical sector, a specific high-density version of EPS is used, developed to meet the technical demands of the maritime industry. Our hydromassage tubs, designed for yachts and cruise ships, are made with this type of EPS, specifically engineered to withstand the extreme conditions of the marine environment. Compared to standard EPS, this material offers greater mechanical strength, extremely low water absorption, long-term dimensional stability, and perfect compatibility with the composite lamination processes used in shipbuilding.
This technology makes it possible to create hydromassage structures that are lightweight yet extremely sturdy, easily customizable in terms of shape and size. The tubs integrate seamlessly into onboard designs and are built to ensure durability and reliability even in environments with high humidity, constant vibrations, and significant thermal fluctuations. Centro Italia Yachting uses both EPS and XPS to customize the interior of pools in any size and shape. In an empty tub, we can create benches, chaise lounges, steps, raise the floor, narrow walls, or modify internal areas. Generally, the material is used in very humid environments or where high compressive stress is expected, due to its excellent strength. As an insulating layer, it can be used alone or combined with plastic or metal laminates, wood panels, or drywall.
Advantages of EPS and XPS
High-density nautical EPS stands out for its technical features that make it ideal for advanced marine applications:
- superior waterproofing, with extremely low water absorption even in critical conditions such as exposure to salt-laden steam and prolonged contact with the marine environment;
- excellent compatibility with nautical coatings, including gelcoat, vinylester, and epoxy resins, ensuring reliable and durable structural lamination;
- optimal thermal stability, which preserves the physical properties of the material even under frequent and intense temperature fluctuations;
- specific surface treatments, with reinforced layers that enhance the mechanical strength and rigidity of the tub over time.
Although alternative solutions such as XPS (extruded polystyrene) are available on the market—often used for thermal insulation or lightweight technical applications—nautical EPS represents a more advanced option for structural use in the naval sector. While XPS offers greater inherent water resistance, it is less flexible in custom processing and has limited compatibility with lamination resins. In contrast, high-density nautical EPS provides better adhesion to fiberglass composites and superior mechanical stability, even in harsh marine environments.
Choosing nautical EPS is therefore a high-level technical solution, ideal for creating custom hydromassage tubs intended for installation on superyachts, megayachts, cruise ships, and prestigious naval units. Each project is engineered to integrate with onboard systems and home automation technologies, ensuring safety, durability, and maximum efficiency under all operating conditions.
For more information on preformed EPS and XPS swimming pools
Centro Italia Yachting® uses innovative and versatile materials for the construction of onboard swimming pools and whirlpools, with accompanying soundproofing systems to increase onboard acoustic comfort.
Visit our contact section and schedule an appointment with our staff: we will be available to provide you with all the information needed.
