How
long does it take to create a fiberglass shell inside an
existing pool?
Answer:
It depends on the size of the pool and the number
of workers. Most residential pools range in size from
14’x28’ to 20’x40’ but can be smaller
or larger. These pools can be completed within two to
three days with two or three workers.
Does epoxy paint work well on
swimming pools?
Answer: No! Epoxy will only last
between 2 and 6 years. First, it will become chalky, then it will crack and blister, so
it must be done again. The
problem is the pool must be sandblasted before anything
else is applied. It's costly and it's a
mess.
What
level of experience or expertise is required for
fiberglass resurfacing?
Answer: None.
The work can be performed by any homeowner or handyman
capable of following the directions in the book. But, if
you do run into an unforeseen problem, we're only as far
away as your telephone and we're available 5 days a week
from 9AM-6PM Eastern Time and on Saturday and Sunday
until 3PM.
What
happens to the tile on my swimming pool?
Answer: You have several
choices:
-
Leave
the tile alone and begin the shell at the bottom of
the tile
-
Remove
the tile and begin the shell at the bottom of the
coping
-
Have
the tile replaced by a local tile company.
How does
freezing cold weather affect a fiberglass pool
surface?
Answer. Not a problem.
Fiberglass has tremendous flexibility, even greater
than steel. It not only becomes part of your pool,
but it moves with your pool during contraction and
expansion. (Arctic and Antarctic never tested).
What
color will the swimming pool be when it’s finished?
Answer: Any
color you want it to be, but we recommend white. There
are two reasons:
colors tend to fade because of sunlight and/or
improper chemical usage; and there is a small increase
in cost for pigment.
Nevertheless, you can order whatever color you prefer
for your pool.
Click
here to read our Blue Water Guarantee
What
color will the water be in my swimming pool after
resurfacing?
Answer: It
depends on which color you choose for the finish. If you
follow our recommendation and choose white, you will
have beautiful medium blue water.
The darker shade of blue water is possible only with
fiberglass because the white is so brilliant that it
provides greater reflection from the sky. Of course,
this only applies to outdoor pools.
I
have a cantilever deck instead of coping, does it make
any difference?
Answer: Absolutely not.
How
long will it be before the pool needs to be fiberglassed
again?
Answer: Should last 25 to 30 years assuming the pool is
properly cared for (i.e. pH levels and
alkalinity).
I
know that fiberglass surfaces consist of resin,
fiberglass mesh, and gelcoat. Can I use regular boat
resin and boat gelcoat?
Answer:
Absolutely not. These polyester resins are not formulated
for use in chlorinated water or for resistance to ground
water. In addition, boat resins and gelcoat are not
designed for freezing temperatures and are not able to
withstand severe climatic changes. Fibre-Shelkote™
products for Pool Restoration are based on the finest
quality vinyl ester resins and gelcoat, which assures both
strength, elasticity,
and chlorinated water resistance.
How
is the specially formulated resin and gelcoat applied?
Answer: Both the resin and the gelcoat are rolled on
which is why experience is not required and installation
is easy.
Is
there any special formulation in the fiberglass and how
is it installed?
Answer: There's
no special formulation in the fiberglass mat because
it's protected by the resin and the gelcoat.
Additionally, we provide one and one half ounce fiberglass which is specially cut, feathered on one side, and manufactured in the
USA.
This insures no seams, plus long life and serviceability.
What
happens to the bottom drain and the other openings?
Answer: The
openings including the light, returns, skimmer, and
vacuum connections remain the same. The fiberglass is
cut to accommodate each opening.
My
coping stones are cracked and some are broken. Can I
fiberglass over them?
Answer:
I don't recommend it.
I
have gunite steps in my swimming pool, can they be fiberglassed too?
Answer: Absolutely.
Is
the new fiberglass pool surface slippery?
Answer:
No. The finished surface has a textured finish and is
not slippery. In addition we provide a great non-slip
polymer for
the steps.
Can
weather conditions have an effect during the
installation?
Answer:
Yes. The pool wall temperature must be between 60 and
95 degrees while the resin and gelcoat are being rolled
on. Also, the work should not be attempted if
there is a chance of rain within an hour. The resin and gelcoat dry quickly but if it rains before that, the wet
area will have gray spots. It is very important for
indoor pools that the pool surface be at least 60°.
Can
I use
the same chemicals and will the amount change?
Answer: The
chemicals remain exactly the same but the quantity is
dramatically reduced. Many customers have reported a reduction of considerably more than 50% in annual chemical costs.
What
about Algae?
Answer: Algae
will no longer be a factor in pool maintenance. The
finish is non-porous so algae can’t cling. Since it
can’t cling, it can’t thrive. Should algae appear,
just wipe it off with a soft cloth and kitchen detergent.
A
tree fell into my newly fiberglassed swimming pool last winter and
there's a green stain, can it be fixed?
Answer: Absolutely! About the only thing that can
stain fiberglass is tree limbs, twigs, or leaves touching the actual wall
or bottom of the pool. This is due to the chlorophyll. We recommend a product that can be ordered at
www.hawaiiclean.com.
