In June 2026, Fibreglaze restored this 10 x 4 m painted-concrete pool in New Brighton, New South Wales. Most of the existing paint had worn away, leaving a faded, patchy rendered surface, while the slate-faced swim-out had been identified as leaking and likely retaining water.
The remaining paint and slate were removed, existing waterline tiles were incorporated beneath the new lining, and the substrate was primed, levelled and sanded. Two layers of fibreglass laminate and two AquaGuard topcoats were then installed in Sapphire Blue Speckle, creating a seamless finish around the pool’s curved walls, steps, benches and existing rock features.
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.
The pool is looking fantastic. Thanks Cliff and friend. Such a relief to get it done.
Answers to common questions about the pool conditions and restoration work shown in this project.
A 24-hour bucket test can compare pool water loss with normal evaporation. Fill a bucket with pool water, place it securely on a pool step and mark the water level inside the bucket and the pool level outside it. Keep normal circulation running, avoid swimming, backwashing and water features, then compare both levels after 24 hours. If the pool falls noticeably more than the water inside the bucket, a leak is likely. Repeat the test if it rains or the test conditions change.
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.
It depends on the source of the leak. If the leak is caused by cracks or deterioration in the pool shell, repairs will form part of the resurfacing work rectifying any associated leaks. Leaks from plumbing, fittings or other components need to be identified separately.
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.
