Copyright © 1999-2012 UGlassIt Pool Resurfacing, Inc.

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

How To Paint A Fiberglass Swimming Pool

gel coat 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 gel coat (the outside color which is usually blue or white) by sandblasting (recommended), or hand sanding with an angle grinder using 24 grit sanding pads. The gel coat must be removed prior to the application of new gel coat. *The gel coat may also be sandblasted off by an outside contractor with a "tow-behind" compressor. Rented sandblasting equipment is not capable of removing the gel coat on such a large surface. However, rented sand blasters (HomeDepot, Lowes, etc.) 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 gel coat application.
  3. Roll-on the first coat of Fibre-Shelkote gel coat. 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 gel coat. Do not wait until the next day if it can be avoided.

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

Call our office at 800-676-8528 to determine the exact amount of gel coat 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 gel coat cures. Our gel coat 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 gel coat 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 gel coat is usually brilliant white or pool blue, however offer a complete color selection. 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 $90.00 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 gel coat 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 gel coat depending on size.

Always wear goggles and a mask when sanding. Wear gloves and a mask when using solvent, gel coat, and putty. Be sure to choose a mask appropriate for the task. gel coat must be stored away from direct sunlight and the gel coat temperature must be between 60° and 95° when used. The interior pool surface area must also be a minimum of 60° when the gel coat is applied. Shelf life all gel coat 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.
332 Bustleton Pike
Feasterville-Trevose, PA 19053
215-355-5305
800-676-8528

Copyright © 1999-2012 UGlassIt Pool Resurfacing, Inc.