Pool resurfacing: What you need to know

A great swimming pool is ultimately seen by the number of years it can exist without cracking or crumbling. However, there is an aspect of the pool that needs attention here and there. This is the surface or lining of the pool. With continuous use, the lining of the pool will deteriorate and so a pool resurfacing with be required sooner or later.

Pool resurfacing is simply the process of applying a new surface to the pool. This can be done by the use of different materials. In South Africa, there are 4 predominant ways which are used for this task, these are marbelite, fibreglass, epoxy and paint. Each one of these, as to be expected comes with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Marbelite resurfacing is still the most popular method of pool relining used in the industry. Marbelite is a coloured finishing plaster with a cement base used for coating concrete or gunite pool surfaces. It behaves just like a normal plaster except it is coloured. Marbelite comes in several colours the most famous of which are white and sky blue. Several new colours are coming through into the market nowadays. Marbelite is applied with trowels just plaster. Once applied, water is poured back into the pool after 4 to 10 hours. This can be done because marbelite dries and cures underwater. Elongated exposure to the sun before water can be introduced will lead to marbelite cracking. After the pool resurfacing, the pool is to be left for at least fourteen days before the creepy or heavy brushing and be reintroduced.  Marbelite resurfacing is quite durable and highly reliable.

Fibreglass resurfacing is also quite popular and is gaining in popularity over the years. It consists of a fibreglass cloth that is stuck on the pool walls with resin and then sanded and painted over with resin-based paint. When done properly, fibreglass becomes one of the smoothest pool resurface methods out there. To add to its advantages, it comes with a wide range of mosaic which have great designs.  Fibreglass is also quite durable and due to its smoothness, resists dust and algae from sticking to its surfaces. This results in the pool requiring fewer chemicals. Fibreglass pool resurfacing is quite an exacting art and is best left to the experts.

Epoxy resurfacing has not been so popular but is now also rising in popularity. The epoxy coating uses a chemical mix of two liquid components, epoxy resin and hardener, to create a tough, solvent-resistant finish that will then be applied to the swimming pool. When it dries, it is smoother and shinier than any other finish. This again means resistance to algae and therefore fewer chemicals. Although perhaps not as durable as marbelite resurfacing and fibreglass resurfacing, it will last you at least 6 to 10 years. Though not well known as a pool resurfacing solution, it is actually quite economic and quite beautiful to look at.

Marbelite paint is a coating that is used to revive colour for marbelite or plastered pools. Unlike the others, this pool relining method is not waterproof. It is simply to beautify the pool lining. Marbelite is quite easy to apply and can last up to 5 years in the pool. This is also a very popular method of pool resurfacing especially as a stop-gap measure.

When to resurface a pool

It is quite easy to notice when a swimming pool resurfacing is required. For marbelite pools, this usually entails some parts of the pool showing concrete or gunite which should be covered by the marbelite itself. It also includes severe discolouration of the marbelite. In cases where the pool has been infested by algae, holes and black markings can be seen on the walls and bottom of the pool.

For fibreglass, the biggest sign is when the fibre itself is detaching from the walls of the pool. It will also detach from the floor of the pool. One can hear squishy sounds as one walks in the pool. This indicates detachment from the floor. The need for pool resurfacing will also be seen by the fibre itself getting untucked from under the copings. This will in turn allow water to go in behind the fibreglass. It will also start to swell in places or it becomes very brittle resulting in it becoming removable even by hand. All these are signs that there is no need for resurfacing.

The paints on the other hand will also get completely finished in the pool. If not, they can also start to peel off. This shows that they have reached the end of their lifespan.

In conclusion, to keep a pool not only in proper working order but also aesthetically pleasing, one would have to remember a once in a while pool resurface. While by no means a cheap exercise, it will assist you in actual savings on the pool by way of stopping water leakages and the usage of fewer chemicals. A pool owner needs only look to experts to do such a job for him.

For more information visit https://trademenpools.co.za/