In March 2025, Fibreglaze restored this 8 x 4 m fibreglass pool in Mooloolah Valley, Queensland. The pool presented with deteriorated tiling, osmosis and surface blistering, requiring careful assessment and preparation before resurfacing.
Fibreglaze prepared the deteriorated tiled areas, treated the osmotic damage and corrected surface irregularities with resin-based screeding and filler. A new structural fibreglass laminate and the Fibreglaze Enduratec finishing system were then installed, with the pool completed in Sapphire Blue Speckle AquaGuard as a smooth, seamless interior.
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.
Wow awesome work thankyou Fibreglaze I highly recommend this product and workmanship.
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.
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.
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.
A local repair may be suitable when only a few tiles are loose and the surrounding tiles, grout, substrate and waterproofing remain sound. The failed tiles and old adhesive need to be removed back to a stable base before pool-suitable materials are used. If nearby tiles sound hollow, grout loss is widespread or cracks continue through the area, replacing isolated tiles is likely to be temporary. A broader inspection should establish the boundary of the bond failure before the repair scope is chosen.
Send us a few photos and our team can help identify the likely issue and the most suitable next step.
