Copyright © 1999-2007 UGlassIt Pool Resurfacing, Inc.

Fiberglass Swimming Pools
by Bill Nash author of "Pool Resurfacing Made Easy"

How To Paint A Fiberglass Swimming Pool

Gelcoat Application

Owners of fiberglass pools with serious damage to the walls or bottom, click here

Owners of concrete or gunite pools previously resurfaced with fiberglass, click here

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Fiberglass pool refinishing is usually necessary after about 15 years of use. These pools are known for strength and durability, but eventually they will need some cosmetic help. A "facelift" should not be attempted during the rainy season unless a drainage system was installed during the installation process.

The facelift is a 4 step process which will restore the pool to its original beauty for the next 20 years.

  1. Remove the existing gelcoat (the outside color which is usually blue or white) by sandblasting (recommended), or hand sanding with an orbital random sander. Be careful not to cut into the resin and/or fiberglass just below the gelcoat. The gelcoat must be removed prior to the application of new gelcoat. *The gelcoat may also be sandblasted off by an outside contractor with diesel powered sandblasting equipment. Rented sandblasting equipment is not capable of removing the gelcoat on such a large surface. However, rented sand blasters will work quite well on outdoor hot tubs, spa's and fiberglass steps,
  2. Clean the pool and then wash down the surface with pool solvent immediately prior to the first gelcoat application.
  3. Roll-on the first coat of Fibre-Shelkote gelcoat. Cover the entire pool. Each gallon will cover 60 to 80 square feet.
  4. As soon as the bottom is completely dry, up to several hours depending on the temperature, roll-on the second coating of gelcoat. Do not wait until the next day if it can be avoided.

*Sandblasting is an art and not a science. After we receive your gelcoat order, we will be happy to speak directly to the sandblasting contractor if he has no experience with fiberglass swimming pools.

Call our office at 800-676-8528 to determine the exact amount of gelcoat required for your pool. We are available 7 days a week at this time of year.

Mon - Fri 9AM - 5PM EST and Sat - Sun 10AM - 3PM EST.

The pool must remain empty while the gelcoat cures. Our gelcoat dries quickly, so you won't need to worry about rain after it is dry. However, it will take about two hours to dry so plan the application accordingly.

Typical curing time is 3 days for outdoor pools and 5 days or longer for indoor pools.

Indoor pools should be ventilated during and after the application. Because direct sunlight will not warm the surface, the room and pool wall temperature must be at least 60° when the gelcoat is applied. After the surface has cured, fill the pool and that's it. It will look as good as the day it was brand new.

Fibre-Shelkote gelcoat is usually brilliant white or pool blue, however offer a complete color selection, and we can match any color with computerized color enhancement technology. If you prefer a specific color, send us a chip or a color sample from any paint company that you can get from your local paint store. There is an additional charge of $35.00 per pail for all colors except brilliant white.

Always be careful when using an electric sander. Wear a mask and safety goggles when sanding and gloves and mask when using gelcoat and solvent.

Never allow smoking or open flames anywhere near the pool during the application and (for indoor pools) during the curing period too.

Most pools will need between 2 and 5 pails of gelcoat depending on size.

Always wear goggles and a mask when sanding. Wear gloves and a mask when using solvent, gelcoat, and putty. Be sure to choose a mask appropriate for the task. Gelcoat must be stored away from direct sunlight and the gelcoat temperature must be between 60° and 95° when used. The interior pool surface area must also be a minimum of 60° when the gelcoat is applied. Shelf life all gelcoat and resin is 6 months.

Click here for information about emptying a fiberglass pool

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pool resurfacing,fiberglass resurfacing,do it yourself,swimming pools
Pool Restoration, Inc.
67 Buck Road

Suite 104 Box B-43
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
267-988-8712
800-676-8528

Copyright © 1999-2007 UGlassIt Pool Resurfacing, Inc.