Pools made of fiberglass are increasingly popular among homeowners for obvious reasons. Affordable, beautiful, easy to build, and require comparatively little maintenance, making them an excellent choice. Additionally, they are available in a variety of sizes and can be molded into different shapes.
The low maintenance nature of fiberglass pools can make it a good chase for residential yards. Also, the pool surface is ideally suited to earthquake-prone areas because it is easy to install. And, with time, it may require resurfacing! Although fiberglass pools have those perks, they also come with a unique set of pitfalls.
What is Fiberglass Resurfacing?
You have to understand what fiberglass pool resurfacing is before you get started. Resurfacing a fiberglass pool is a less expensive option than replacing the entire pool. Renovation specialists repair deteriorating pools by removing old topcoats and repairing osmosis, cracks, and other issues.
Once the fiberglass layer has been applied, the pool will become smooth, non-permeable, and significantly more substantial than before. They use a high-quality top gel coat that increases the pool’s lifespan to 7-13 years and makes it look great for that long.
Fiberglass pools that are 15-50 years old, on average, require resurfacing. The fiberglass in these pools starts to deteriorate with age.
Signs to Resurface Fiberglass Pool
Generally, fiberglass swimming pools should be resurfaced every 2-3 decades, but the frequency depends on the condition of the pool.
Especially if you observe any of these signs!
Osmosis
A fiberglass pool’s worst problem is the development of Osmosis, commonly known as Fiberglass Cancer or blisters. The surface of a pool becomes bumpy or blistered when contaminated water travels back towards it from the outside (soil area). A pool’s integrity may be compromised by osmosis bubbles over time, causing small leaks.
Cracks
Fiberglass pools are prone to cracks of all kinds, especially when they’re old. However, there are times when these cracks are not visible and do not extend beyond the gel coating. An inferior quality pool may crack more easily, compromising structural integrity and causing leaks.
Chalking
Several factors contribute to the chalking of fiberglass pools, such as age and excessive chlorine. During the oxidation of the gel coat on your pool, chalking occurs. The inhalation or consumption of topcoat flakes from the pool water is extremely unhealthy and can cause digestive and respiratory problems.
A black stain and spots
When you see small or large black spots on the surface of your pool, it is a clear indication that you should resurface the pool. Small or large, these black spots in the gel coat can range from tiny pinheads to large openings with dark fading lines. The only way to get rid of black spots is by hiring a professional to resurface the floor.
Color deterioration
Fiberglass pools typically become color-distorted as they age and are exposed to the sun. A white and sometimes flaky pool surface results when the color in the topcoat fades. In some cases, the top gel coat may degrade due to color distortion, resulting in granulating and chalky topcoats that are potentially harmful to humans if inhaled or consumed.
Final Thoughts
If you are experiencing any of the problems described above with your fiberglass pool, a professional assessment and inspection will be the only solution. You should speak with an experienced pool builder whether you decide to get fiberglass repair or have it resurfaced.
The team at Alliance Pools & Patio can help you resurface your pool and make it a fun, family-friendly space. We have been servicing and repairing pools in the Dallas, Fort Worth area, including Keller,Southlake, and Westlake, for over twenty years. Count on our technicians to provide quality service while you enjoy the benefits of fiberglass. Schedule a consultation with us today.