| Feature | Marbelite | Fibreglass |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Cement and marble aggregate plaster | Resin and gelcoat |
| Porosity | Porous | Non-porous |
| Maintenance | Higher (prone to staining, algae) | Lower (resists algae and staining) |
| Durability | 7–10 years before resurfacing | Up to 30 years (top-coat replacement around 20 years) |
| Flexibility | Rigid | Flexible (accommodates soil movement) |
| Typical Cost (6x4m) | R18,000 | R25,000 |
Pool resurfacing in Gauteng: what you need to know
What is the difference between Marbelite and Fibreglass pool resurfacing?
Marbelite is a plaster made from cement and marble aggregate. It is porous, which means it benefits from regular brushing and consistent water balancing, and it typically lasts 7 to 10 years before it needs resurfacing again. Fibreglass, on the other hand, is a resin and gelcoat material applied over a plastered base. It is non-porous, more flexible than marbelite, resists algae and staining better, and can last up to 30 years, although the top-coat may need replacing around the 20-year mark. Neither finish is right for every pool — marbelite remains the more affordable, classic choice, while fibreglass suits pools that have had cracking or leaking problems in the past, since the material flexes rather than fractures. Trademen Pools installs and resurfaces both, and which one suits your pool depends on its current shell condition and your budget, not on which is fashionable.How much does pool resurfacing cost in Gauteng?
For a standard 6x4m pool, marbelite resurfacing costs approximately R18,000, while fibreglass resurfacing is around R25,000. The final price depends on the pool’s size, the condition of the existing shell, and whether any cracks, hollow patches, or structural repairs need attention before the new finish goes on. As with our new pool builds, resurfacing is quoted as one overall price once we’ve inspected the pool, and small adjustments along the way, such as a light or sand change, are covered within that price rather than billed separately.What is the process for resurfacing a pool?
The process begins with draining the pool completely and assessing the shell for cracks, hollow patches, or chips. We then strip away the old finish and prepare the surface so the new material bonds properly. From here, the process splits depending on the finish you’ve chosen. For a remarbelite, fresh marbelite is applied and left to cure overnight before the pool can be refilled. For a refibreglass, the shell is plastered first and left to dry completely, and only once it’s fully dry do we apply the resin and gelcoat, which then cure before the pool is filled. Either way, the pool is normally out of action for three to five days from drain to refill. While the new surface cures, fittings such as the weir, aim-flow, and LED light are reconnected and the plumbing and wiring are checked. Our own team handles every stage in-house, from the first drain to the final fill, so there’s no handover between contractors partway through the job. The last step is filling the pool with water and commissioning it — balancing the chemistry and running the equipment to confirm everything works before you swim in it.How long does Fibreglass pool resurfacing last?
A fibreglass pool resurfacing can last up to 30 years. While the main structure is very durable, the top-coat may require replacement around the 20-year mark. Trademen Pools backs its refibreglass work with a five-year guarantee, covering normal wear rather than damage from natural events or misuse.Does Trademen Pools adhere to safety standards?
Yes. Every pool we build or resurface is finished with safety in mind, including the barrier and fencing around it. A compliant barrier is at least 1.2 metres high, measured from the ground on the outside of the enclosure, with no footholds a child could use to climb. The gate is the part most homeowners get wrong — it needs to self-close and self-latch, with the latch set high enough to stay out of a child’s reach. We manage council requirements, including approved drawings and the signed indemnity form, as part of the job rather than leaving you to sort that out on your own.Ready to Revitalise Your Pool?
Whether you’re considering a fresh marbelite look or the lasting durability of fibreglass, our expert team is ready to transform your pool. Get a clear, no-obligation quote tailored to your needs.Signs your pool needs resurfacing
Most homeowners don’t book pool resurfacing on a schedule — they book it because the pool is telling them something. Watch for:
- A rough, chalky surface that scrapes at your feet
- Stains or discolouration that won’t lift no matter how much you brush or shock the water
- Surface cracks, flaking, peeling, or hollow-sounding patches when you tap the shell
- Water loss that’s faster than normal evaporation, which can point to hairline cracks in the finish
- Osmosis blisters on a fibreglass shell — small bubbles under the gelcoat where moisture has pushed through
- Persistent algae growth that keeps returning to the same pitted or rough patches
Any one of these on its own is worth a look. Several together usually mean the finish has reached the end of its working life.
Step-by-step: how Trademen Pools resurfaces your pool
- On-site inspection and assessment of the current shell and finish
- A written quote covering the full job as one overall price
- Draining the pool completely
- Stripping the old finish and repairing any cracks, hollow patches, or chips in the shell
- For marbelite: applying the new marbelite finish and leaving it to cure overnight
- For fibreglass: plastering the shell, letting it dry completely, then applying and curing the resin and gelcoat
- Reconnecting the weir, aim-flow, and LED light, and checking plumbing and wiring
- Filling the pool with water and commissioning it
From drain to refill, expect the pool to be out of action for three to five days, whether it’s a remarbelite or a refibreglass. There’s some dust and noise while the old finish comes off, and the area around the pool will see some foot traffic, but it settles back to normal quickly once the new surface has cured.
Why resurface your pool in the off-season?
Pool resurfacing enquiries in Gauteng drop off sharply between May and August, simply because nobody’s swimming. That’s exactly why it’s the smartest time to book. A remarbelite or refibreglass job takes three to five days, so a pool resurfaced in winter is finished, cured, and settled long before anyone wants to get in the water. Book in September, when everyone else remembers their pool exists, and you’re waiting in a queue instead. Booking pool resurfacing in the off-season isn’t about urgency — it’s about getting a slot without the wait.
Guarantees and reputation
Trademen Pools guarantees remarbelite work for five years and refibreglass work for five years. Guarantees cover normal wear and workmanship — they don’t cover damage from natural causes like hail or storm damage, or from misuse, such as walking on a surface before it’s fully cured. Our concrete shell work carries a ten-year guarantee and our piping a one-year guarantee, reflecting how each part of the pool is built to last differently. Alongside the guarantees, our Google rating currently sits at 4.9 out of 5, built from homeowners across Gauteng who’ve had their pools resurfaced or built by our team. We also offer maintenance contracts after the job is done, so the pool stays in the condition it was handed over in.
Ready to give your pool a new surface?
Whether your pool needs a remarbelite or a refibreglass, we'll inspect the shell and give you one straightforward price, with the finish choice explained rather than assumed. Request a quote for your pool, or get in touch if you'd like to talk through which finish suits your shell first.