I would like to build a new 36' x 48" shower with glassblock on 1 1/2 sides, no shower door and tile on the other 2 walls. My question is: Is it best to buy a premade shower pan that is strong enough to hold the weight of the glass block on the caps or build my own? If prefab, any recommendations; if my own, any insight into how?

We installed a Pittsburgh Corning glassblock shower in Feb/2007. The grout sealer in the kit has started to peel off. We are trying to get help from Lowe's where we ordered the kit, because Pittsburgh said our problem is not their problem. We have talked with Lowe's for 2 months without any resolution.

If you can buy a premade pan that is recommended by the block supplier, that is a good route to go. If not, have a plumber build you a pan. This is not a situation for the average DIY.

Mary, the peeling sealer could be caused by applying it before the groute/mortar was properly cured, or dry or with a soap film. OR the other common problem is that some groutes and glass block mortars have a sealer built in to them. When you applied your sealer it never managed to penetrate and bond to the joint.

The grout was allowed to dry about 3 weeks before I applied the sealer. We applied the grout sealer supplied from Pittsburgh and applied it as directed. I was told the sealer was not the type that penetrates the grout but rather covers the grout to waterproof it.

Ok, so the grout/mortar was cured enough. I shall assume you made very sure that there was no soap residue prior to application. Did you check the grout/mortar that was used to see if it had an integrated sealer? Also, some sealers can be harmed by freezing. Check the bottle.