Resurface plaster pool with Fiberglass composite?

[fern88]

Hello TFPers,

I’ve started collecting quotes to resurface my plaster pool here in Southern California. It’s a 25,000-gallon pool, and so far, the estimates I’ve received are around $19,000 for plaster and $22,000 for either pebble or fiberglass composite.
The scope of work includes
- Resurfacing
- New tile,
- Splitting the drains
- New expansion sealer
- And startup
I plan to keep the existing coping. From what I can tell, the plumbing is copper, and one contractor mentioned that fiberglass composite might be the best option since it would prevent any copper from leaching into the surface.

I’ve heard of pre-made fiberglass pools, but not fiberglass composite surfaces.

I’m mainly wondering if these prices sound reasonable for Southern California, and whether fiberglass composite is a smart choice compared to plaster or pebble. Is maintenance harder than pebble?

thx

 

[Bperry]

Hello TFPers,

I’ve started collecting quotes to resurface my plaster pool here in Southern California. It’s a 25,000-gallon pool, and so far, the estimates I’ve received are around $19,000 for plaster and $22,000 for either pebble or fiberglass composite.
The scope of work includes
- Resurfacing
- New tile,
- Splitting the drains
- New expansion sealer
- And startup
I plan to keep the existing coping. From what I can tell, the plumbing is copper, and one contractor mentioned that fiberglass composite might be the best option since it would prevent any copper from leaching into the surface.

I’ve heard of pre-made fiberglass pools, but not fiberglass composite surfaces.

I’m mainly wondering if these prices sound reasonable for Southern California, and whether fiberglass composite is a smart choice compared to plaster or pebble. Is maintenance harder than pebble?

thx

How old is this pool? Copper would be an odd choice for plumbing in a pool. What’s makes you think it’s copper?

Do some research on “hybrid” pools. They are fiberglass walls with concrete bottom. They are a big pain to deal with later on if repairs are needed.

Maybe consider removing the main drains altogether and replace the remaining plumbing with standard PVC?

 

[fern88]

How old is this pool? Copper would be an odd choice for plumbing in a pool. What’s makes you think it’s copper?

Do some research on “hybrid” pools. They are fiberglass walls with concrete bottom. They are a big pain to deal with later on if repairs are needed.

Maybe consider removing the main drains altogether and replace the remaining plumbing with standard PVC?

I think it was built in the 70's. We bought it in 2010. If you look at the last photo, you can see the metal pipes going into the ground.

 

[Bperry]

I think it was built in the 70's. We bought it in 2010. If you look at the last photo, you can see the metal pipes going into the ground.

I see it. How bad would the damage be to the budget to replace those? You can safely remove the bottom drain all together by just filling it in instead of adding a second drain. The drains are optional and don’t do much anyway.

 

[fern88]

I see it. How bad would the damage be to the budget to replace those? You can safely remove the bottom drain all together by just filling it in instead of adding a second drain. The drains are optional and don’t do much anyway.

Good question, I think around 7k to repipe both spa and pool.

 

[kimkats]

I do not see anything about removing the old plaster. You need a full chip out for the best long term outcome.

 

[Bperry]

Good question, I think around 7k to repipe both spa and pool.

I’d pay the $7k vs using fiberglass in the refurb all day long.

Having the old plaster chipped out like mentioned above before applying new is also a very wise idea. Almost guarantee they won’t want to do it though and it’ll add another $5k onto the job.

 

[fern88]

Thanks for the info, steps on the quote for states the following steps for the surface. Is Roughening the same as chipping the plaster or less deep?

PLASTER: Draining the Pool and Spa Surface Cleaning and Roughening Repairing Any Cracks or Damage Applying Bonding Agent Mixing Plaster Material Applying First Coat of Plaster Applying Subsequent Coats of Plaster Smoothing and Shaping the Surface Curing the Plaster Acid Washing (if necessary) Final Surface Finishing Leak Testing System Integration Final Inspection Cleanup

Pebble: Draining the Pool and Spa Surface Cleaning and Roughening Repairing Any Cracks or Damage Applying Bonding Agent Mixing Mini Pebble Material Applying Mini Pebble Finish Smoothing and Shaping the Surface Curing the Mini Pebble Finish Acid Washing (if necessary) Final Surface Finishing Leak Testing System Integration Final Inspection Cleanup

FIBERGLASS COMPOSITE: Draining the Pool and Spa Surface Cleaning and Roughening Repairing Any Cracks or Damage Applying Primer or Bonding Agent Laying Down Fiberglass Matting Applying Fiberglass Resin Smoothing and Shaping the Surface Curing the Fiberglass Final Surface Finishing (sanding and polishing) Leak Testing System Integration Final Inspection Cleanup

 

[Bperry]

Thanks for the info, steps on the quote for states the following steps for the surface. Is Roughening the same as chipping the plaster or less deep?

PLASTER: Draining the Pool and Spa Surface Cleaning and Roughening Repairing Any Cracks or Damage Applying Bonding Agent Mixing Plaster Material Applying First Coat of Plaster Applying Subsequent Coats of Plaster Smoothing and Shaping the Surface Curing the Plaster Acid Washing (if necessary) Final Surface Finishing Leak Testing System Integration Final Inspection Cleanup

Pebble: Draining the Pool and Spa Surface Cleaning and Roughening Repairing Any Cracks or Damage Applying Bonding Agent Mixing Mini Pebble Material Applying Mini Pebble Finish Smoothing and Shaping the Surface Curing the Mini Pebble Finish Acid Washing (if necessary) Final Surface Finishing Leak Testing System Integration Final Inspection Cleanup

FIBERGLASS COMPOSITE: Draining the Pool and Spa Surface Cleaning and Roughening Repairing Any Cracks or Damage Applying Primer or Bonding Agent Laying Down Fiberglass Matting Applying Fiberglass Resin Smoothing and Shaping the Surface Curing the Fiberglass Final Surface Finishing (sanding and polishing) Leak Testing System Integration Final Inspection Cleanup

Roughing is not the same as removing all of the old surface