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Fiberglass Swimming Pool & Hot Tub
Gel coat Application

How to Apply Swimming Pool Gel coat and Fibre-Shelkote resin

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. 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 gel coat (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 Containments Only

*Method 1 - Sand Blasting

Remove all (about 95%) of the existing gel coat (the outside color which is usually white or blue by sandblasting (recommended), We recommend that you contact a professional sand blasting contractor for the gel coat removal on a swimming pool. We also recommend they call our offices for the information necessary to sandblast fiberglass safely.

NOTE:
Sand blasting-off gel coat 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.

  1. Remove nearly all existing gel coat. Have contractor remove all the sand when he is finished.

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

  3. Repair any divots (caused by the sand) with Fibre-Shelkote putty. Let dry, then lightly sand the putty down to the contour of surrounding fiberglass.

    4.

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

  5. Roll-on Fibre-Shelkote resin to smooth the surface. Do the walls first, then the bottom. Wait until dry, but still a little tacky.

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

  7. As soon as the bottom is completely dry with no tackiness (1-3 hours depending on temperature and direct sunlight), roll-on the second coating of Fibre-Shelkote gel coat. 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 - Hand Sanding

Sand the gel coat (removing as much as possible), sand with an angle grinder and a 24 grit sanding pad (available at Lowes).

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

  2. Repair any cracks with Fibre-Shelkote putty. Let dry, then lightly sand the putty down to the contour of the surrounding fiberglass.

  3. Wash down the surface with solvent immediately prior to the  application of Fibre-Shelkote resin.

  4. Roll-on Fibre-Shelkote resin 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 swimming pool gel coat. Cover the entire pool surface doing the walls first, then the flat bottom.

  6. As soon as the first coat is completely dry with no tackiness (1-3 hours depending on temperature and direct sunlight), roll-on the second coating of Fibre-Shelkote gel coat.

Call our office at 800-830-0501 to determine the exact amount of gel coat and/or Fibre-Shelkote resin required for your pool.

Our swimming pool gel coat will dry quickly, so you won't need to worry about rain after it is dry. However, it does take between one and three hours, so schedule the application accordingly.

The fiberglass containment (pool, hot tub, spa, baptistery, fiberglass steps, sliding board, etc.) must remain empty while the gel coat cures. 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� gel coat is brilliant white, however it can be tinted to any of the colors shown on our gel coat color chart. For outdoor containments, we recommend white or light blue, or any other light color. 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 Fibre-Shelkote resin, gel coat and acetone. A chemical odor mask or a respirator is recommended when applying chemicals outdoors, and a respirator mask is mandatory for indoor projects.

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Click here for article about how to empty a fiberglass pool

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Pool and Hot Tub Resurfacing
Fibre-Shelkote� Distributors
332 Bustleton Pike
Suite A
Feasterville Trevose, PA 19053

Toll Free: 800-830-0501



This is a web site of UGlassIt Pool Resurfacing, Inc.

 

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Page last updated on Tuesday, July 29, 2008

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