In this article, we discuss your options for resurfacing older concrete pools, aging fibreglass pools, and worn out vinyl lined pools.
Well, isn’t it always the case that we come into spring, the weather starts to fine up, and we look at the pool and say, we need to get this ready for summer. Well, you are not alone. In fact, you are one of many. Now that you have decided that this is the year we resurface the pool, well now you need to know what your options are.
Here are a few scenarios that may help you through the process.
Scenario #1: In-ground Concrete Pool
You have an in-ground concrete pool with a marblesheen or pebblecrete surface. It has rust spots, a bit of concrete cancer, and the waterline tiles look like the ones in your Nanna’s bathroom.
Well, you have a few options and here they are:
1. Drain the pool, paint it and hope for the best.
This is an option but we advise against it. The reason is, that you are simply slapping a bandage on the situation. Paint will bring the surface to life cosmetically, but you are not addressing the problem with the rust and concrete cancer. Within a year or two, you are more than likely to see signs of the rust coming through again. Further to that, paint doesn’t last and will need to be re-painted in the next 5 years.
2. Remove the marblesheen, replace the waterline tiles, cut out and replace the areas of the concrete that are rusting.
From there, you can resurface with tiles, or a rendered product like beadcrete, quartzon or NZ pebble. This is a good option if you have the budget or desire for one of these surfaces. It will provide a long-term solution; however, there are a couple of downsides. With the exception of a fully tiled pool, you are dealing with a porous surface, meaning they are much more difficult to maintain and clean. Any porous surface allows the opportunity for algae to bloom. Even a tiled pool has porosity, as the grout between the tiles is porous and a pain to clean.
3. Treat the concrete cancer, replace the waterline tiles and reline with a fibreglass or composite surface.
Ask a local fibreglass pool resurfacing company, and they will tell you that this is THE BEST OPTION! Ask a homeowner who has resurfaced their concrete pool with Fibreglass, they will probably say the same. Here are a few reasons why:
– The process is fast and does not require a huge amount of demolition. Fibreglass composites can be molded to the existing surface after the concrete cancer has been treated.
– The surface is strong, durable and flexible. Essentially, you are building a “pool within the pool” getting a “like new finish”.
– It will be great for the kids, and you. The pool finish is so smooth on your feet and skin.
– Maintenance will be easier than it ever has. Since the surface is so smooth, you will not have issues with algae like you do in a concrete pool.
– You will use fewer chemicals to maintain pH levels because there will be fewer algae in the pool.
Scenario #2: In-Ground Fibreglass Pool
You have an in-ground fibreglass pool with black spots, osmosis, and hairline cracks. You can also see some of the raw fibreglass in areas throughout the pool.
Here are a few options for you.
1. Drain the pool and paint it, and again, hope for the best.
Well, to be honest, you better say a prayer because only an act of God will save you if you decide to go this route. You are almost better off just holding on to your money and do nothing. When you choose to paint a pool, you need to remember that you are only making cosmetic improvements, and not addressing the real problem. A bit like putting make-up on a pig – although, some people find pigs cute right?
2. You could fill the bloody thing in and make a nice patch of grass for the kids.
No joke, this is an option, but we can’t really help you with that one. Remember, you will need to find a lot of ‘environmentally friendly’ fill (not what is put on the side of the road at council clean-up) and you are also going to need to landscape the area, which is going to cost you. More importantly, when it’s 40 degrees in summer, you are going to be that mom or dad in the kiddie pool with a stubby to cool off.
3. Now let’s try to take a stab at your third and final option (you guessed it). Resurface the pool with a new fibreglass lining.
Before the lining goes in, you will need to ensure that all of the osmosis is treated. How we do this is by cutting out and removing each affected area of the pool, filling it in with a resin based fill, and applying a new fibreglass lining. From there we let it cure, and then apply a resin based filler coat in the colour of your choice. Finally, the final topcoat (gelcoat) is applied. This solution will give you another 20-25 years before you need to worry about it again.
Scenario #3: Vinyl Lined Pool
You have an old vinyl lined pool that is leaking or coming away from the tracking at the coping. A surprise to most owners of vinyl pools is that there is life after the tacky old vinyl pool – and you have options! Well you have two options. Oh, and sorry if we offended anyone by calling vinyl tacky – it’s just a little old school, and is simply our opinion only.
Here are your options.
1. Remove and replace the lining, with another vinyl liner.
There are many companies out there that still do this; however, you will likely only get a warranty on the liner not coming away from the tracking, not on the surface itself. One dog (or possum) in the pool and it may be the end of a not so good thing.
2. The other option – let me give you a hint. It sounds like “my-beer-glass” (if you say it really fast). Yup, you can reline the pool with ‘fi-beer-glass’.
A much more solid structure, and one that is guaranteed to last. Once the liner is out, as long as there is a concrete floor, and solid walls, we can laminate a new fibreglass surface into the pool. At the end of the day, you will get all of the benefits that we listed above but now you will have the peace of mind that your surface will be strong an leak free for years to come!
For more information on our solutions, please feel free to give us a call or email us.