Why Does It Happen?

Unfortunately, these practices are common in this fledgling swimming Pool Restoration industry. Greed is the primary factor, but misinformation and/or lack of information is also a culprit.

In the 1960's some inventive contractors' tried fiberglass on old concrete pools, with a high degree of success. During the late 1970's, a California organization began the actual fiberglass Pool Restoration industry as we know it today.

By the late 1980's the concept expanded geographically throughout the United States and quickly became a fast buck artists dream come true.

Suddenly, fiberglass Pool Restoration company's began popping-up all over the country. All were operated by people with absolutely no experience in the fiberglass industry.

But most, if not all, had one thing in common, experience as operators of swimming pool construction businesses.

Many bought franchises or distributorships which entitled them to 3 days of training, and a source for chemicals and marketing materials. Distributorship opportunities flourished at industry trade shows, and in newspapers and magazines.

The cost wasn't cheap to be a distributor (or franchisee); there was an initial setup fee ranging from $3500. - $5,000, plus air fare, hotel, meals, and transportation, to attend the training class. Brochures, mailers, and associated printing costs (25 Year Guarantee Forms, etc.) all cost money.

Many couldn't afford, or weren't willing to spend, these amounts of capitol. Instead, they found out, one way or another, what chemicals were used, and where to purchase them locally.

Herein Lies The Problem

Almost everyone in this rapidly expanding new industry used the wrong chemicals. Those company's offering distributorships, most of which are now out of business (thankfully), provided and sold only the cheapest chemicals they could find.

Those who didn't spend for the distributorship, learned what to use from those who did, albeit surreptitiously. A lucky few in this group were saved by the chemical distributors themselves.

But for the most part, pools nationwide were being resurfaced with chemicals (polyester resin) that are not manufactured for underwater use. It is also recommended that this same polyester resin not be used on any surface that will hold any type of chemical, i.e. chlorine, bromide, etc.

What About The 25 Year Guarantee?

One company I heard of offered a 50 year guarantee, and I've often wondered, why not 100 years, or for that matter, 200 years.

They'll all be out of business anyway, so what difference the number of years. But if you do have a warranty claim soon enough, and they're still in business, you will still need a lawyer or the assistance of some local consumer agency to even get a return phone call.

Nevertheless you must admit, the 25 year guarantee sure looked official, and it was very pretty. Wallpaper perhaps?

What About The Lucky Few?

That's the good news. The lucky few could be dozens, or even hundreds, of pool companies that didn't buy distributorships or use the same chemicals. Those that heard about the concept, and had the good fortune to contact an ethical and knowledgeable chemical distributor.

A very limited few, who were well financed, chose the large commercial pool market. They hired chemists or engineers to develop a system which would meet or exceed the stringent requirements mandated by the bidding process.

The pools resurfaced with fiberglass in these groups can last up to 30 years although, they will need some cosmetic help after about 15 years.

But even these pools may not be long lasting unless they were prepared properly and the installers were properly supervised.

The really good news is that this group of pools can be repaired and refinished, if and when it becomes necessary, and it can be done inexpensively.

Resurfacing of these pools should not be attempted without experience. The task would be overwhelming to most individuals.

For this reason, UGlassIt has developed a small list of "authorized application specialists". These are highly experienced independent resurfacing contractors approved by UGlassIt for large applications of Fibre-Shelkote resurfacing products.

UGlassit provides a legitimate ten (10) year warranty on Fiber-Shallotte products installed by our authorized application specialists.

Small Commercial Swimming Pools

• Motels,

• Bed & Breakfast,

• Swim Clubs,

• Summer Camps,

• Camp Grounds

Our system is made for you. Just two or three people are needed for the application. Three or four days to complete a giant 30' x 60' swimming pool and your annual maintenance problems are ended.

Cut chemicals cost by more than 50% while keeping the water 8% to 10% warmer.

Commercial pools do have more usage and suffer more abuse than residential swimming pools, so the fiberglass shell won't last quite as long. Additionally, cosmetic help may be required sooner, depending on usage and maintenance.

Make Fast Buck Artists Obsolete

Consumer awareness is the key to legitimizing a business that offers a tremendous service to pool owners everywhere. But first, the highbinders must move-on to greener fields.

This industry is no longer a refuge for scam artists. There really are legitimate Pool Restoration organizations scattered across the country. No longer will the owners of these organizations be the silent minority.

Let Legitimate Companies Unite

A single pool owner that has been victimized is a shallow voice in the wilderness, but united, these voices will become a roar that will be heard. I invite all consumers who have been defrauded by these fly-by-night Pool Restoration operators to come forward and voice your opinions.

Help other pool owners to avoid the same bad experiences by emailing: