Sort of a similar question in this regards...

Have you ever used any actual fiberglass repair materials or is it most common to paint the fiberglass with a paint (epoxy or otherwise)? I will be tackling the issue later rather than sooner - but I am looking to get a hold of as much information ahead of time so that I can make needed arraignments.

Just as an example of how we would handle a regular fiberglass issue (not on a pool - but a boat or car). First we would sand down any remaining gel, paint or clear coat finish in order to get to the fibers. Once that is exposed, we would clean it up with a solvent (works a bit like purple primer for PVC...prepares the old material for new material). If the fibers are in good shape still, we will apply a thin coat of vinyl or polyester resin (depending on what the original resin was). After that it would get sanded smooth all over the repair area. Finally a couple coats of gel coat would be sprayed on to protect the underlying resins and provide a color coat. If the fibers themselves were actually damaged (due to something puncturing or tearing through a boat hull or a bumper for example) the bad area would be cut out and a plug would be formed to support new mesh. The edges of the old fiberglass would be ground down to a knife edge taper. The plug would be fit behind the hole and new fiber would fitted over the opening (several layers in order to build it up to the original thickness). After that, it is treated like the other repairs (resin, sand, gel coat).

On repairs like those which I have done in the past they have held up quite well in their given applications. Normally, just as well as the original unless you have issues with materials or prep work. Considering that the original pool panels have lasted as long as they have - I would assume that refurbished materials would last as long again (definitely more then 6 years). Again though, the stuff I have had to work with either floated in regular water (salt and fresh) or was on the road. The chemical bath likely does play on the fiberglass - though I am not entirely sure how quite yet. Since PVC seems to be the plastic of choice for the plumbing though and I have used PVC resins for FRP work...I would imagine something more permanent can be done.

Of course then the question ends up being the cost of having it done for you for those who prefer to do things that way. I know what we charged to reglass the bottom of a boat, although the pool is a much easier shape to work with - I would imagine that you would be looking at a pretty descent sized bill.