Pool resurfacing: fibreglass or plaster?

Everyone loves a home with a swimming pool. Whether you prefer swimming laps, doing water aerobics, or just playing around with your family, a pool offers you a great way to have fun and get in shape at the same time.

If your pool is looking a little worse for wear, now’s the time to have it resurfaced. Here are the top two materials used in pool resurfacing:

Fiberglass

Thanks to its long-term performance advantage, fibreglass is now the material of choice for pool owners. Fiberglass is incredibly strong and can withstand shifts in the ground. It also lasts longer than concrete or plaster since it doesn’t tear or rip. Plus, it’s much less prone to cracking or chipping than plaster. Another advantage is that algae doesn’t stick to its non-porous, smooth surface. This will save you money in the long run as the amount of chlorine needed to keep the pool clean is reduced.

For the resurfacing process, your contractor will smoothen the surface by filling in and reinforcing any cracks and chips. Once that’s done, coats of resin and fibreglass are applied and then sanded. Finally, about three layers of topcoat will be applied to seal the whole thing off.

Plaster

On a limited budget? Not to worry. You can still resurface your concrete pool by using plaster. Aside from being economical, there are also certain products that actually make resurfacing with plaster easy enough for you to tackle.

At some point, the plaster will react with pool water and become damaged, so more chemicals are required for its upkeep. Since the surface is porous, algae and bacteria can be a recurring problem. Many pool owners like how cost-effective plaster is but want none of the problems that come with it. The solution would be to add a “filler”, such as pebbles or quartz, to the plaster mix. These materials increase the strength and durability of plaster.

Your contractor will have to chip or sandblast the old plaster out, exposing the original concrete shell. Next, two to three coats of bond coat is applied, followed by a coating or two of the new plaster.

Tiling

Tiling is regarded as the premium finish for pools. With almost limitless design options, pool owners who want an elegant look for their pool often choose tiling. Aesthetics aside, pool tiles are extremely durable and require less maintenance than other pool surfaces. Just a reminder, pool tiles are different from the tiles used in kitchens or bathrooms.

Other options

If your pool is still in decent shape, another option would be to paint it. Pool painting is an inexpensive alternative to resurfacing. With tons of colours to choose from, you can easily enhance the look of your pool and minimise surface deterioration at the time. If you choose this option, your contractor will water-blast the old paint off and then spray on a new coat of epoxy, rubber-based acrylic paint.

For more information regarding pool resurfacing, contact our pool specialists and get a free estimate.