Fiberglass Pool Resurfacing
You may have noticed some cracks or chips in the surface of your fiberglass pool. Or you may have heard folks at your local pool supply store mentioned fiberglass pool resurfacing.
Regardless of what piqued your curiosity, this article will guide you through everything you need to know about resurfacing a fiberglass pool.
What is Fiberglass Pool Resurfacing?
Fiberglass Pool resurfacing works exactly as it sounds. Almost every pool has a concrete shell with a fiberglass coating installed over the top of the concrete.
Fiberglass pool resurfacing is the process of fixing chips and cracks in the fiberglass coating.
To get your pool in the best possible shape, you need to get rid of the old surface and start with a fresh canvas.
To take your pool down to bare bones you’ll have to go through a process of hydro-blasting, sandblasting, and bond coating to get rid of the old surface.
Why Does My Fiberglass Pool Need Resurfacing?
Even property owners who stick to the strictest maintenance schedule will eventually need to consider fiberglass Pool resurfacing. Chemicals, sun, and general use will eventually take a toll on the of the pool
As time marches on, cracks, chips, and bubbles may appear on the surface of your pool.
These problems may seem small at first. But if you let them go untreated, there are likely to get worse over time.
In extreme cases where owners turn a blind eye to their problems, resurfacing a pool may be less cost-effective than simply installing a new one.
Water can slowly but surely seep through cracks and chips. This can lead to bigger cracks and ultimately major structural issues.
Letting these problems linger can also be harder on your pool’s equipment. Putting off repairs may mean you have to pay for structural fixes as well as new equipment for your pool.
Don’t live with the regret of this mistake.
Signs Your Fiberglass Pool May Need to Be Resurfaced
It’s important to keep a watchful eye on your pool’s shell. Putting off resurfacing your pool doesn’t make it go away. It simply makes it more expensive when the time comes to fix it.
If you begin to see stains, cracks, and blisters it’s time to think about resurfacing your fiberglass pool.
What Happens During a Fiberglass Pool Resurfacing?
Depending on the size of the pool, whether Mother Nature decides to cooperate, and a few other variables it can take anywhere between 5 to 14 days to finish resurfacing your fiberglass pool.
Step 1: As you might imagine, you’ve got to get rid of the water before you can go to work. Draining the pool is the first step in the refinishing process.
To be on the safe side, disconnect any electrical components running to your pool before draining the water.
The water is drained with a submersible pump placed inside the pool.
Step 2: It’s time to start doing away with the old surface.
After making sure furniture and anything valuable is removed from the immediate area it’s time to get the sandblaster and go to work.
Step 3: Now it’s time to apply the new finish.
Before you get going on this next step, double check and make sure you know for certain you’re going to like the finish you apply.
Once everything is good to go, it’s time for the masonry experts.
This step can’t be rushed. After all, it’s the core of the refinishing process. You can expect it to take anywhere between 1-3 days to finish this step.
Step 4: It’s time to reconnect the plumbing.
Finish this step by making sure all the plumbing receives a watertight seal.
Step 5: this is where your pool begins to come to life.
The experts begin to apply the surface material you’ve chosen. Depending on the material and the weather, this process can take a handful of days to finish.
Step 6: Depending on the finish, it may be time to acid wash your pool’s surface.
Step 7: After the acid wash is complete, we do one last clean up and begin to refill the pool.
Step 8: Now it’s time for the initial water treatment. We recommend special water treatments for the first week. This ensures your pool’s new surface will cure correctly.
This step also helps to improve the longevity of your pool.
Care Tips for Your Fiberglass Pool
We know you got your pool to spend your time enjoying it. The last thing you want to do is spend all weekend maintaining it.
Here are some quick and simple tips to make the process of caring for your fiberglass pool quick, simple, and straightforward.
Water Chemistry Is the Most Important
The first thing we recommend is getting a good testing kit. You don’t want all your hard work to be for nothing.
Going to want a testing kit that allows you to check chlorine levels, pH levels, and alkalinity.
You’ll be doing yourself a big favor by keeping these levels in check.
Start by taking a water sample at least 18 inches below the surface of the water. You also want to take the sample from the opposite end of the pool as the return jet.
Most of the time, you’ll be able to keep your water in tip-top shape without any outside help.
However, with the first test of the season, it’s a good idea to get in touch with your local pool dealer to make sure you’re setting yourself up for a successful season.
Cleaning
Stick with the tried-and-true brushing, skimming, and vacuuming.
Make sure you’re using a vacuum and brush that won’t harm the surface of your pool. Some surfaces require a delicate touch while others are a bit more rugged.
If you use cleansers on your pool surface make sure they’re not going to be too abrasive and leave your newly resurfaced pool with surface damage.
Keep an Eye on Your Water Level
If your water level is too low, you’re asking for problems with your pump. On the other hand, if your water level is too high your skimmer isn’t going to be able to work optimally.
Never Drain without Help
Last but not least, never drain your fiberglass pool without help from a professional.
If your pool is drained incorrectly, the pressure exerted on the shelf on the ground may lead to cracking.
