Fiberglass Swimming Pool & Hot Tub
Gelcoat Application

How to Apply Gelcoat and CleerCoate by Fibre-Shelkote Products

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 6 step process which will restore the pool, spa, hot tub, or baptistery to its original beauty and watertight condition for many years to come.

Fiberglass Only

Method 1

Remove 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.

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 well on spa's fiberglass steps, and hot tubs.

1. Remove nearly all existing gelcoat. Have contractor remove all sand.

2. Repair any holes or deep impressions with Fibre-Shelkote putty. Let dry, then lightly sand down the putty to contour of surrounding gelcoat.

3. Clean the pool with water and let dry overnight.

4. Wash down the surface with solvent immediately prior to the first gelcoat application.

5. Roll-on the first coat of Fibre-Shelkote™ gelcoat. Cover the entire pool surface doing the walls first, then the flat bottom.

6. As soon as the bottom is completely dry with no tackiness (2-4 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.

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.

1. Clean the pool thoroughly with water and let dry overnight.

2. Repair any holes or deep impressions with Fibre-Shelkote putty. Let dry, then lightly sand down the putty to contour of surrounding gelcoat.

3. Wash down the surface with solvent immediately prior to the  application of CleerCoate.

4. 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.

5. Roll-on the first coat of Fibre-Shelkote gelcoat. Cover the entire pool surface doing the walls first, then the flat bottom.

6. 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 required for your pool.

The fiberglass containment (pool, hot tub, spa, 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 the next 15 years.

Fibre-Shelkote™ gelcoat is brilliant white, however it can be tinted to any of the colors shown on our color chart.

Always be careful when using an electric sander. Wear a mask and safety goggles when sanding, and gloves when using 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.

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Click here for article about how to empty a fiberglass pool

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