NOTE: These directions apply only to a
fiberglass swimming pool or hot tub that was manufactured in a factory and
dropped into the ground.
These directions do not apply to a
swimming pool or hot tub that was re-surfaced with fiberglass. If your pool was
previously re-surfaced, please visit our
corporate
web site at UGlassIt Pool Resurfacing, Inc. (www.uglassit.com) for complete instructions.
Fiberglass pool refinishing is always necessary
after about 15-20 years of use. These pools are known for strength and
durability, but eventually they will need some cosmetic help. Hot tubs
and other fiberglass containments with heated water will need new
gelcoat (sometimes referred to as fiberglass paint) even sooner.
The "facelift" is a 4 step process which will
restore the pool, spa, hot tub, or baptistery to its original beauty and watertight condition
for many years to come.
Only
*Method 1
Remove all (about 95%) of the existing gelcoat (the outside color which
is usually white or blue by sandblasting (recommended), We recommend that you contact a professional sand blasting
contractor for the gelcoat removal on a swimming pool. We also recommend
they call our offices for the
information necessary to sandblast
fiberglass safely and expediously.
NOTE:
Sand blasting-off gelcoat on a swimming pool is not possible with
inexpensive rental (Home Depot, Lowe's, etc.) sand blasting equipment,
however it works reasonably well on spa's, hot tubs and vinyl liner pool
steps.
-
Remove
nearly all existing gelcoat. Have contractor remove all the sand
when he is finished.
-
Clean the pool with water and let dry
overnight.
-
Repair any holes or deep impressions with Fibre-Shelkote putty. Let
dry, then lightly sand down to the contour of surrounding
fiberglass.
ash down
the surface with solvent immediately prior to the first gelcoat application.
Roll-on the first coat of
Fibre-Shelkote™
gelcoat. Cover the entire pool surface doing the walls first, then the
flat bottom.
As soon as the bottom is completely dry
with no tackiness (2-3
hours depending on temperature and direct sunlight), roll-on the
second coating of Fibre-Shelkote gelcoat. Outdoor pools must remain
empty to cure for 3 full days, indoor pools for 5 full days.
*Sandblasting fiberglass is a new
concept for most contractors. To expedite to completion and avoid
any possibility of damage, we provide the technical information
regarding medium, nozzle size, psi, and cubic feet per minute (cfm).
By taking advantage of our experience, most fiberglass pools can be
completed in one day.
Method 2
Rough all the gelcoat being careful not to miss
anywhere, sand with an orbital random sander. 24 (preferably) or 36 grit
orbital sanding pads should be used for the roughing of the gelcoat.
-
Clean the pool
thoroughly with water and let dry overnight.
-
Repair any holes or deep impressions with Fibre-Shelkote putty. Let
dry, then lightly sand down to the contour of surrounding gelcoat.
-
Wash down the surface with solvent immediately prior to the application
of CleerCoate.
-
Roll-on a thin
layer of CleerCoate to smooth the surface. Do the walls first, then
the bottom. Wait until dry, but still a little tacky.
-
Roll-on the first coat of Fibre-Shelkote
gelcoat. Cover the entire pool surface doing the walls first, then the
flat bottom.
-
As soon as the bottom is completely dry
with no tackiness (2-3
hours depending on temperature and direct sunlight), roll-on the
second coating of Fibre-Shelkote gelcoat. Outdoor pools must remain
empty to cure for 3 full days, indoor pools for 5 full days.
Call our office
at 800-830-0501 to determine the exact amount of gelcoat and/or
CleerCoate required for
your pool.
The fiberglass containment (pool, hot tub, spa,
baptistery, fiberglass steps, etc.) must remain empty while the gelcoat cures. Our gelcoat dries
quickly, so you won't need to worry about rain after it is dry. However,
it does take between one and three hours to dry, so schedule
the application accordingly.
Typical curing time is 3 days for outdoor pools
and 5 days for indoor pools. Indoor pools should be ventilated during
and after the application. After the surface has cured, fill the pool
and that's it. It will look as good as the day it was brand new, and
will not leak or stain for up to 15 years. After that, the process must
be completed again.
Fibre-Shelkote™ gelcoat is brilliant white,
however it can be tinted to any of the colors shown on our
color chart. For
outdoor containments, we recommend white or light blue. Darker
colors, in direct sunlight, will fade eventually.
Always be careful when using an electric sander.
Wear a mask and safety goggles when sanding, and gloves when using
CleerCoate, gelcoat and acetone. A chemical mask is recommended when applying
chemicals outdoors, and a respirator mask is recommended for indoor
projects.
Never allow smoking
anywhere near the pool during the application and (for indoor pools)
during the curing period.
click here for material cost
Click here for article about
how to empty a fiberglass
pool
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