Frequently Asked Questions about Swimming Pool, hot tub, spa, Jacuzzi and Baptistery Fiberglass Resurfacing

How does the life expectancy of swimming Pool Restoration with fiberglass compare with paint or marcite resurfacing?
Answer:  Glad you asked. Much longer.

Click here to look at the Pool Restoration comparison chart and see for yourself. By the way, marcite is just another name for plaster.

Is it safe to empty a fiberglass swimming pool?
Answer:  Good question. I've written a short article on the subject which applies to fiberglass, gunite, and concrete pools. Click here then use the back button to return to this page.
   

Can fiberglass be used on any type of swimming pool?
Answer: Yes, although its recommended that the use be limited to in ground gunite, concrete, block, and pools with fiberglass walls and a concrete bottom.

Can my Jacuzzi be restored with Fibre-Shelkote gel coat?
Answer: Yes, and it can be completed in one day. Spa's and hot tubs take about two days. Click here for more information.

 Can vinyl liner pools be converted to fiberglass?
Answer:  Yes. However, we recommend that only pools with wood, concrete, or fiberglass walls be resurfaced with fiberglass. Also, sand or cement/vermiculite bottoms cannot be fiberglassed.

My neighbor's pool got fiberglassed by some company from Arizona and it didn't last.

Answer: I've heard this numerous times, please read our section about fiberglass resurfacing failure.

How long does it take to create a fiberglass shell inside an existing pool?
Answer:  It depends on the size of the pool and the number of workers. Most residential pools range in size from 14’x28’ to 20’x40’ but can be smaller or larger. These pools can be completed within two to three days with two or three workers.

 Does epoxy paint work well on swimming pools?

Answer:  No!  Epoxy will only last between 2 and 6 years. First, it will become chalky, then it will crack and blister, so it must be done again. The problem is the pool must be sandblasted before anything else is applied. It's costly and it's a mess.

 What level of experience or expertise is required for fiberglass resurfacing?
Answer:  None. The work can be performed by any homeowner or handyman capable of following the directions in the book. But, if you do run into an unforeseen problem, we're only as far away as your telephone and we're available 5 days a week from 9AM-6PM Eastern Time and on Saturday and Sunday until 3PM.

 What happens to the tile on my swimming pool?
 Answer:  You have several choices:

• Leave the tile alone and begin the shell at the bottom of the tile

• Remove the tile and begin the shell at the bottom of the coping

• Have the tile replaced by a local tile company.

 How does freezing cold weather affect a fiberglass pool surface?
Answer.  Not a problem. Fiberglass has tremendous flexibility, even greater than steel. It not only becomes part of your pool, but it moves with your pool during contraction and expansion. (Arctic and Antarctic never tested).

 What color will the swimming pool be when it’s finished?
Answer:  Any color you want it to be, but we recommend white. There are two reasons:  colors tend to fade because of sunlight and/or improper chemical usage; and there is a small increase in cost for pigment. Nevertheless, you can order whatever color you prefer for your pool. Click here to read our Blue Water Guarantee

What color will the water be in my swimming pool after resurfacing?
Answer:  It depends on which color you choose for the finish. If you follow our recommendation and choose white, you will have beautiful medium blue water. The  darker shade of blue water is possible only with fiberglass because the white is so brilliant that it provides greater reflection from the sky. Of course, this only applies to outdoor pools.

I have a cantilever deck instead of coping, does it make any difference?
Answer:  Absolutely not.

How long will it be before the pool needs to be fiberglassed again?
Answer:  Should last 25 to 30 years assuming the pool is properly cared for (i.e. pH levels and alkalinity).

I know that fiberglass surfaces consist of resin, fiberglass mesh, and gel coat. Can I use regular boat resin and boat gel coat?
Answer:  Absolutely not. These polyester resins are not formulated for use in chlorinated water or for resistance to ground water. In addition, boat resins and gel coat are not designed for freezing temperatures and are not able to withstand severe climatic changes. Fibre-Shelkote™ products for Pool Restoration are based on the finest quality vinyl ester resins and gel coat, which assures both strength, elasticity, and chlorinated water resistance.

How is the specially formulated resin and gel coat applied?
Answer: Both the resin and the gel coat are rolled on which is why experience is not required and installation is easy.

Is there any special formulation in the fiberglass and how is it installed?
Answer:  There's no special formulation in the fiberglass mat because it's protected by the resin and the gel coat. Additionally, we provide one and one half ounce fiberglass which is specially cut, feathered on one side, and manufactured in the USA. This insures no seams, plus long life and serviceability.

What happens to the bottom drain and the other openings?
Answer:  The openings including the light, returns, skimmer, and vacuum connections remain the same. The fiberglass is cut to accommodate each opening.

My coping stones are cracked and some are broken. Can I fiberglass over them?
Answer:  I don't recommend it.

I have gunite steps in my swimming pool, can they be fiberglassed too?
Answer:  Absolutely.

 Is the new fiberglass pool surface slippery?
Answer:  No. The finished surface has a textured finish and is not slippery. In addition we provide a great non-slip polymer for the steps.

 Can weather conditions have an effect during the installation?
Answer:  Yes. The pool wall temperature must be between 60 and 95 degrees while the resin and gel coat are being rolled on.  Also, the work should not be attempted if there is a chance of rain within an hour. The resin and gel coat dry quickly but if it rains before that, the wet area will have gray spots. It is very important for indoor pools that the pool surface be at least 60°.

Can I use the same chemicals and will the amount change? 
Answer:  The chemicals remain exactly the same but the quantity is dramatically reduced. Many customers have reported a reduction of considerably more than 50% in annual chemical costs.

What about Algae?
Answer:  Algae will no longer be a factor in pool maintenance. The finish is non-porous so algae can’t cling. Since it can’t cling, it can’t thrive. Should algae appear, just wipe it off with a soft cloth and kitchen detergent.

A tree fell into my newly fiberglassed swimming pool last winter and there's a green stain, can it be fixed?
Answer:  Absolutely! About the only thing that can stain fiberglass is tree limbs, twigs, or leaves touching the actual wall or bottom of the pool. This is due to the chlorophyll. We recommend a product that can be ordered at www.hawaiiclean.com.

How much does it cost to fiberglass a swimming pool?
Answer:  It depends on size, however the majority of in-ground residential pools can be resurfaced for less than $4,000. Best of all, you'll only need to do it once and your swimming pool will stay beautiful and leak proof for up to 30 years! Check our Kit Price list here!

Can your gel coat be used in shower floors?
Answer:  I'm not sure how it would work because we haven't tried it. It is also somewhat expensive for use on an area where sunlight and chlorine are not involved.

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Pool Resurfacing, Inc.
67 Buck Road Suite 140

Huntingdon Valley, PA  19006
Toll Free: 800-676-8528