Fiberglass Pool Resurfacing
Excerpt from Aqua Magazine featuring our Expert Specifying / Corrosion Engineer Peter Gibson
FIBERGLASS POLYMER – HOW IT WORKS
By Peter Gibson
A fiberglass resurfacing polymer lining system is applied as a liquid and upon curing, it conforms to the shape of the concrete structure, steel or existing fiberglass structure. There is no need for special sizing, fitting or deconstruction of the vessel. In particular, fiberglass resurfacing polymer performs exceptionally well in commercial spas. High water temperatures are very aggressive on cement finishes, causing spalling, roughness, algae growth, staining and compromised aesthetics, not to mention an uncomfortable experience for bathers.
There are two types of fiberglass application methods:
• Hand-applied: In this method, the fiberglass mat is applied to the surface and the resin is rolled on. Because the field is easier to break into — no equipment needs to be purchased, and applicators receive no training — this is the most common method of application, but it products an inferior outcome.
Because these jobs are not performed to industry specifications, most applications fail, often due to bonding problems and the incidence of glass fiber exposure, i.e., fiber bloom, which occurs after exposure to pool water and the lining begins to degrade, causing fibers to become fuzzy or “bloom.” With this method, no high-build topcoat is applied. A lack of training for applicators and the use of inappropriate materials are the major reasons for poor performance.
• Spray-applied: In this method, recommended in the consensus standards, the resin and glass fiber are sprayed concurrently with plural component equipment. It ensures excellent bonding to concrete and eliminates all of the problems found in the hand-applied method. Bonding is achieved by roughening/fracturing the surface to create an anchor profile for bond, i.e., a mechanical tooth. With this method, the material is never applied over smooth plaster. Additionally, an elastomeric epoxy primer is first applied to further assist with the bonding process. Special resin and catalysts systems are also employed to slow down the reaction and promote bonding.
A niche is cut at all termination points to stabilize the lining and waterproof those points. Special resin heaters are also used to maintain the proper temperature during changes in ambient temperature to facilitate proper resin processing. The incidence of fiber bloom is eliminated by the application of a high-performance high-build topcoat.
This material is UV stable, osmosis and blister resistant and displays outstanding weathering characteristics. There are many other technical reasons for employing the spray-applied method.
The overall benefit of using fiberglass resurfacing polymer linings are corrosion resistance, long service life, low life-cycle cost and aesthetics retention. If you think of it, there’s really nothing in our system that can corrode or degrade.
With all of the science, research and logic behind it, one can effectively argue the pool and spa industry owes it to itself and its consumers to rethink their choice of interior surface materials.
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Peter Gibson
Our Expert Specifying / Corrosion Engineer
Technical Affiliations:
SPI – Composites Institute
ACMA – American Composites Manufacturers Association
SSPC – Society for Protective Coatings
NACE – The Corrosion Society
Interested in more information about Fiberglass swimming pools? Check out Aqua Magazine or read our Certified Pool Resurfacing brochure.
fiberglass pool resurfacing
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