Over my head in Wisconsin

[kimkats]

LOL famous last words!

I googled pool gel coat and found this link

How to Gel Coat a Fiberglass Swimming Pool | Home Guides | SF Gate

Good thing your pool is your hobby as you are heading to some real bonding time with it!

I admire what you have already done and what you are thinking of doing. You are a true DIY person! I bet you save quite a bit of money with all you do.

I can't wait to see what you end up doing!

Kim

 

[Tredge]

My current plan is to fill in the holes with a vinyl fiber reinforced patching cement. It has superior bonding strength and is designed for this type of application.
Then whatever I end up using as a final surface will be more smooth.

There is a good video I found here of how it works. I already chiseled out anything sounding hollow.
How to Refinish a Swimming Pool - YouTube

 

[kimkats]

Looking at that video is does look VERY doable! Lots of time and effort but doable! I hope you take pics as you do it. This will be fun to watch and cheer you along! A few beers will be helpful as well at the end of the day I am sure!

Kim

 

[Tredge]

I used to be into beer but now I'm a scotch man.
I have a bottle waiting for me when I finish.

 

[kimkats]

I hope it is some good stuff! You are going to deserve it when you get that job done!

Kim

 

[Marlahoutex]

I used to be into beer but now I'm a scotch man.
I have a bottle waiting for me when I finish.

Did someone say Scotch??? Single malt? The Macallan by chance?

 

[Tredge]

Macallan 12 was my introduction to scotch It surprised me how smooth it was.
I've since tried a number of others and it's no longer my favorite. Highland park is the bottle I have been saving for this project.

 

[Ale_Brewer]

I highly recommend the Aberlour 18 for special occasions.


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[Marlahoutex]

Have not had either of those, but The Macallan 18 is quite tasty.

 

[Tredge]

Prepped, cleaned, and ready for resurfacing today.

 

[kimkats]

So what method/material did you decide on? Who will be helping you?

PLEASE tell me someone will be taking pics of you doing this with your comments along the way.

Kim

 

[Tredge]

Decided on epoxy.
Fiberglass was expensive and more risky with my skill level. I know how to handle the epoxy well enough.

My lovely wife is helping me - she rocks.

We applied this super thick patching epoxy with a trowel today to cover all the spalling and uneven areas. Tired but we finished - took the entire day. Will post pics of the progress when I have some light.
Tomorrow we start applying the first coat!

 

[kimkats]

So nice that you are able to do such hard, demanding work together...........some cannot handle it. Such does mean something when you are done AND you both had a hand in it! Floating with an adult drink in hand after the work is done=happiness!

How is the cover doing with the temps? Do you notice if it is holding the temp up inside?

Kim

 

[Tredge]

Just finished the first coat - so far so good.
It is windy and chilly today but almost too warm inside for working - just the right temp for the epoxy though. About a 15 degree difference even with the doors open for ventilation.

Progress pics soon.

 

[Tredge]

Patching with the thickest epoxy I have ever seen. Was like toothpaste only thicker.

Sanding

First coat almost done - respirators required for this step.

- - - Updated - - -

A question for the pool construction experts - will the frost line hurt this pool if I dont fill it till spring?
I'd rather wait and fill when I can start using it fresh than let it sit all winter but I am unsure of the risks.
I am on a gravel hill well above the water line if that helps.

 

[Ale_Brewer]

Wow looks great


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[kimkats]

Wonderful pics and great job done! That looks great!

How many coats will you put on?

For the water question I think I would call the epoxy company and see what they say.

I love seeing a pretty lady that is not afraid to do such hard work! I am woman! Hear me ROAR!

Kim

 

[Tredge]

At least 2 coats - 3 if we can make it.
I'm considering thickening the last batch a little to give it a smooth and durable finish.

We did 6 gallons today and even did some of the second coat on the walls. I have 14 gallons total.

 

[Nursenini]

Impressive!! It really looks great!

 

[Tredge]

Final coat applied and tape removed.