In February 2024, Fibreglaze restored the 8 x 4 m fibreglass pool in Currumbin Waters, Queensland. The existing pool had a worn and faded surface, osmosis blistering, and a stained, rough or dated finish, requiring careful assessment and preparation before resurfacing.
Osmotic damage and blistering were treated, and surface irregularities were corrected with resin-based screeding and filler. A new structural fibreglass laminate was installed, and the pool was completed in Dove Grey Speckle using the Fibreglaze Enduratec finishing system.
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.
It has now been six weeks since Fibreglaze resurfaced our fibreglass pool. I could not be happier with the result. Our pool was quite a mess before they started, bubbles everywhere, repairs and water leaking out. I was having to refill the pool every three days and chemicals seemed to be affected by the breakdown of the fibreglass. Since we have had it resurfaced, we have been away once for two weeks and once for a week and came back to find the pool nicely balanced, what a change. I was very impressed by the people that came around to do the job and I up actually enjoyed their company. We did the Dove grey colour – so impressed. I would definitely recommend Fibreglaze to any of my friends or family. Thanks Ben, for doing such a great job instead of our pool becoming a large garden. The cost of a new pool would’ve been too much. I’ve given Fibreglaze five stars which I wouldn’t normally do. I think there is always room for improvement but I cannot fault anything to do with the pool or the service I received. Thank you Fibreglaze for making my property viable to sell in the future. Jeff
Answers to common questions about the pool conditions and restoration work shown in this project.
Osmosis bubbles, also called blisters, can develop when moisture reacts with standard general purpose resins beneath the pool’s gelcoat. They may appear as small raised bubbles on the walls or floor. During resurfacing, affected areas are prepared and repaired before the new more advanced fibreglass Enduratec System is applied.
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.
Pool stain colour alone does not confirm the cause. Brown or rust-coloured marks may involve iron or organic debris; green, grey or black marks can involve algae, copper, manganese or material trapped in a rough surface. Location, texture, recent water changes and the way a small test area responds are more useful than colour by itself. The source also needs attention, such as metals in fill water, corroding equipment, poor circulation or debris, otherwise the stain can return after cleaning.
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 few small blisters do not automatically mean the pool is structurally unsafe, but they should not be ignored. Osmosis indicates that moisture and chemical activity are occurring beneath the visible surface. The seriousness depends on how many blisters are present, how deep they extend and whether the surrounding laminate is still sound. Widespread, split or weeping blisters generally require more extensive removal and reconstruction than a small isolated area. An inspection that opens representative blisters is the best way to determine the extent.
Many stains can be treated without resurfacing when the underlying finish is sound and the stain type is correctly identified. Organic, metal and mineral deposits require different treatment approaches, so the safest starting point is water testing and a controlled test on a small area. Resurfacing becomes more relevant when stains are deeply embedded, repeatedly return through a porous surface, or occur with widespread roughness, pitting, peeling or earlier failed repairs. Correcting the stain source remains important after either treatment.
Send us a few photos and our team can help identify the likely issue and the most suitable next step.
