POOL RESURFACING

The Pool Resurfacing Process: What to Expect Step by Step

If your fibreglass pool is looking worn, faded or rough underfoot, a full resurface can bring it back to life. But what actually happens during a pool resurface? Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the process BRE Fibreglass follows on every resurfacing project.

Step 1: Initial Assessment

Every resurfacing job starts with a thorough assessment of the pool. This means looking at the condition of the existing gelcoat, checking for structural cracks, delamination, osmosis blistering and any areas of concern.

The assessment determines whether the pool needs a full resurface or whether a targeted repair would be more appropriate. BRE Fibreglass will always give you an honest recommendation — if a repair is enough, we will tell you.

You can start this process by sending through a few photos of your pool via our contact form. This gives us a good initial idea of the scope of work before an on-site visit.

Step 2: Drain the Pool

Once the job is confirmed, the pool is fully drained. This allows the team to access the entire surface and identify any issues that were not visible when the pool was full — cracks below the waterline, soft spots, or osmosis damage hidden under algae or staining.

Step 3: Surface Preparation

This is the most important stage and where the real work happens. The old gelcoat and any damaged fibreglass material is ground back using specialised tools. Cracks are opened up and repaired. Delaminated areas are cut out and rebuilt. The entire surface is cleaned and prepared for a proper bond.

Skipping or rushing surface preparation is the number one reason pool resurfacing jobs fail. If the new fibreglass and gelcoat do not bond properly to the substrate, the finish will not last. At BRE Fibreglass, we spend the time getting the prep right because the quality of the finish depends on it.

Step 4: Fibreglass and Resin Application

Once the surface is fully prepared, new fibreglass matting and resin are applied to rebuild the pool interior. This creates a strong, seamless structural layer that restores the integrity of the pool shell.

The fibreglass is hand-laid and rolled out to remove air bubbles and ensure a consistent bond. Multiple layers may be applied depending on the condition of the existing shell and the scope of the resurface.

Step 5: Gelcoat Topcoat

The final layer is the gelcoat — a smooth, durable and water-resistant topcoat that gives the pool its finished appearance. This is the surface you see and feel when the pool is complete.

BRE Fibreglass offers a range of proven pool colours including Sapphire Blue, Pacific Blue, Nite Blue, white and light tones, or custom colours on request. We can show you colour samples during the quoting process.

Step 6: Final Inspection and Handover

Once the gelcoat has cured, the team inspects the completed surface, checks every detail and walks you through the finished result. The pool is then filled and handed back to you.

Every BRE Fibreglass resurface comes with a 5-year written guarantee on workmanship and materials.

How Long Does a Pool Resurface Take?

Most residential pool resurfaces take between 3 to 7 days of on-site work, depending on the size of the pool and the extent of preparation required. Pools with significant structural damage, osmosis or concrete-to-fibreglass conversions may take longer.

We will give you a clear timeline during the quoting process so you know exactly what to expect.

Does Your Pool Need a Full Resurface?

Not every pool needs a full resurface. If the damage is isolated — a single crack, a small patch of blistering, localised gelcoat wear — a targeted repair may be the smarter and more cost-effective option. BRE Fibreglass assesses every pool individually and recommends only what is actually needed.