In February 2025, Fibreglaze restored the marblesheen pool in Carindale, Queensland. The existing pool presented with a faded or worn finish and loose or hollow masonry areas, requiring careful assessment and preparation before resurfacing.
The faded or worn surface was prepared for the new lining, and loose or hollow material was removed to a sound edge before the affected areas were rebuilt. Resin-based screeding and filler corrected surface irregularities before a new structural fibreglass laminate and the Fibreglaze Enduratec finishing system were installed. The pool was completed in Dove Grey Speckle as a smooth, seamless surface.
These photographs follow the work from the pool’s original condition through preparation and repair to the completed finish.
These were the main pool conditions recorded for this project. Select an issue to learn more about its common signs, possible causes and repair considerations.
Additional views of the preparation, repair work and completed finish.
Very happy with the installation process, workmanship and final result. The workers kept us well informed. We couldn’t be happier with what looks like our brand new pool.
Answers to common questions about the pool conditions and restoration work shown in this project.
These are common signs that the existing gelcoat is oxidising or wearing away. If the surface is faded, difficult to clean, rough underfoot or no longer holding its colour, resurfacing will restore a smooth, fresh-looking finish.
A pool surface described as hollow or drummy makes a noticeably different sound when lightly tapped because the render, plaster, Pebblecrete, Marblesheen or earlier levelling layer may no longer be fully bonded to the concrete shell. The surface can still look intact, so tapping is only a screening check; it does not show the full boundary or cause. The empty pool should be systematically surveyed, with loose areas opened back to sound material so moisture, cracks, contamination and movement in the substrate can be assessed before resurfacing.
Oxidised gelcoat commonly looks faded, patchy or chalky and may leave a powdery residue when rubbed. Calcium scale is a mineral deposit added to the surface, so it is more likely to feel raised, crusted or sandpaper-like, particularly around the waterline and high-evaporation areas. Staining and scale can also sit over a worn finish, making visual diagnosis difficult. Check the water balance and have the surface assessed before using aggressive chemicals, because a treatment suited to scale can further damage ageing gelcoat.
A local repair may be suitable where the hollow area is clearly contained and the surrounding finish remains sound and firmly bonded. If drummy areas are widespread, recurring, soft or connected by cracking, progressive removal may show that a broader section—or the existing finish—needs to be taken back to the concrete shell. The decision is made after the pool is emptied and the surface is tap-tested. Unstable material must not be left beneath a new lining. Where older Marblesheen could contain asbestos, testing and compliant removal planning are required before it is disturbed. The exposed base is then repaired and levelled before resurfacing.
That depends on what remains beneath the faded surface. A cosmetic coating over oxidised, porous or poorly bonded material may only conceal the weak layer and can fail with it. Proper resurfacing removes unsound material, repairs cracks, blisters and soft areas, levels the pool and applies a continuous system suited to permanent immersion. If the existing shell and finish are still sound, the required preparation may be less extensive, but the decision should follow inspection rather than colour fading alone.
Often, provided the existing pebblecrete and the concrete shell beneath it are sound enough to form a stable base. Loose, hollow, deteriorated or contaminated material must be removed, while cracks, previous repairs and uneven areas are treated before the new lining is installed.
Firmly bonded pebblecrete is mechanically prepared, levelled where required and primed before the reinforced fibreglass system is applied. The final scope can only be confirmed after the pool is emptied and the exposed surface is inspected; the new surface is not simply a coating applied over untreated pebblecrete.
Send us a few photos and our team can help identify the likely issue and the most suitable next step.
