In September 2024, Fibreglaze restored the fibreglass-lined concrete pool in Mermaid Waters, Queensland. The pool presented with delamination, deteriorated tiled areas, osmosis blistering, and a stained, rough or dated finish, requiring careful assessment and preparation before resurfacing.
The delaminated lining and deteriorated tiled areas were repaired and prepared, 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 Lagoon Blue 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.
We had a fantastic experience with the crew at Fibreglaze. The job was done efficiently, on time and to a very high quality. I would use them again if the need arose and highly recommend the company.
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.
Delamination may appear as a raised sheet or bubble, a soft or flexible area, flaking around an edge, or a section that sounds hollow when lightly tapped. Water may be released when a failed area is opened. The visible boundary can be smaller than the separation underneath, so tapping alone cannot confirm the full extent. A systematic inspection is needed to map unstable areas and determine whether the separation is limited to the surface or extends into the original laminate.
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.
Tiles and grout can deteriorate because of inadequate original bonding, poor preparation, water entering behind the finish, unsuitable grout, aggressive water chemistry, shell movement or missing movement allowance. A tile face may look sound even when the adhesive behind it has failed. Repeated grout loss, cracks and hollow-sounding areas suggest that more than the visible joint may be affected. The cause should be identified before tiles are reset so the same movement or moisture problem does not continue beneath the repair.
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.
A small, clearly defined delaminated area may be suitable for local rebuilding if the surrounding laminate is dry, stable and firmly bonded. Multiple hollow areas, widespread lifting or separation associated with movement usually require more extensive removal and a continuous resurfacing system. The decision is made progressively: unstable material is removed until sound laminate is reached, then the depth and spread of the defect can be assessed. Covering hollow material without removing it is not a durable repair.
Send us a few photos and our team can help identify the likely issue and the most suitable next step.
