samtex
07-05-2011, 11:37 AM
I seem to need to post something before I can use the search feature evidently, so a couple of questions to get into the system.
I have a 32 year old gunite bottom and fiberglass walled pool. The bottom is original, if you can believe that, actually, if you could see it, you would believe it. The pool seems to be structurally sound, as far as cracks go.
(I had the pool installed) It showed some wear about 15 years ago but has really gotten bad.
The bottom has many exposed areas where the plaster has worn off. I have experimented with a small 1850psi power washer and it seems that it would be fairly easy to remove the remaining plaster. I am assuming that it is plaster, the chips are hard and don't seem to break down after sitting in acetone for a few days. (I don't remember the actual finishing process they used back then) Could it be something different than plaster?
The fiberglass walls have started to blister over the past few years, in one area the gel-coat appears to be thinning (has a darker patch?) Since I have been around boats, although never needing to repair blisters on mine, I am familiar with the process of repairing them.
Because of a lack in confidence with the one and only pool store/service company in town, I am considering redoing it myself. I may try to get some other estimates if I can locate any "qualified" people.
I have been reading about options (plaster,fiberglassing whole pool, 2-part epoxy, etc). From what I have read so far, the 2-part epoxy seems to be the most practical overall answer. Correct me if I am wrong but will a new plaster job over "mature" concrete adhere as well as "fresh" concrete? Since I also have the fiberglass walls to deal with, I thought just using the 2-part epoxy might simply things a bit and might be something I could possibly tackle myself.
Since I can not currently use the search function, I'm sorry I haven't been able to research this more before posting.
I have a feeling that like most products/services, quality and competency varies greatly from company to company.
So, does anyone have any suggestions for either what type of refinishing process I should use and also what brand?
Also, if I need to be aware of any other issues? Other questions I should ask?
Thanks in advance for your help.
I have a 32 year old gunite bottom and fiberglass walled pool. The bottom is original, if you can believe that, actually, if you could see it, you would believe it. The pool seems to be structurally sound, as far as cracks go.
(I had the pool installed) It showed some wear about 15 years ago but has really gotten bad.
The bottom has many exposed areas where the plaster has worn off. I have experimented with a small 1850psi power washer and it seems that it would be fairly easy to remove the remaining plaster. I am assuming that it is plaster, the chips are hard and don't seem to break down after sitting in acetone for a few days. (I don't remember the actual finishing process they used back then) Could it be something different than plaster?
The fiberglass walls have started to blister over the past few years, in one area the gel-coat appears to be thinning (has a darker patch?) Since I have been around boats, although never needing to repair blisters on mine, I am familiar with the process of repairing them.
Because of a lack in confidence with the one and only pool store/service company in town, I am considering redoing it myself. I may try to get some other estimates if I can locate any "qualified" people.
I have been reading about options (plaster,fiberglassing whole pool, 2-part epoxy, etc). From what I have read so far, the 2-part epoxy seems to be the most practical overall answer. Correct me if I am wrong but will a new plaster job over "mature" concrete adhere as well as "fresh" concrete? Since I also have the fiberglass walls to deal with, I thought just using the 2-part epoxy might simply things a bit and might be something I could possibly tackle myself.
Since I can not currently use the search function, I'm sorry I haven't been able to research this more before posting.
I have a feeling that like most products/services, quality and competency varies greatly from company to company.
So, does anyone have any suggestions for either what type of refinishing process I should use and also what brand?
Also, if I need to be aware of any other issues? Other questions I should ask?
Thanks in advance for your help.