Hot water is very aggressive on cementitious products and low-end pool paints. GFCs are proven to work well in spas.
- Does the coating contain glass fibre for added strength and durability?
- Is the base resin high-performance or is it a low-end product?
The benefits of high-performance polymer coatings
- The non-porous surface inhibits algae penetration and minimizes staining.
- Long-lasting solution to surface problems.
- Can be applied to steel and concrete.
- Ideal for elevated pools.
- Some versions can remediate structural cracks in concrete.
- Years of field experience has demonstrated that polymeric products can dramatically reduce renovation cost, limit maintenance, and extend the life of a pool or aquatic facility.
Final thoughts
Polymer coatings reduce operational costs for commercial pools and aquatic centres. Upon completion of resurfacing projects, the startup and balance procedure are less complicated and costly when compared to cement-based finishes, and no induction time is required as well.
Pool chemicals are more efficient and less costly as less products are required due to the inert nature of polymeric materials; whereas cement contains minerals that can leach out and form on the surface. A common problem is calcium nodules that form on plaster, making it very rough. Although traditional pool paints have been around for decades, the introduction of polymer composite coatings, especially GFCs, have ushered in a new generation of high-performance coatings for the pool industry.
From the foregoing discussion, it is fascinating to see how polymeric materials had humble beginnings in the pool industry to now, where they have become some of the most sought-after material for pool and spa finishing and resurfacing projects. Today, there is a wide array of options to explore when it comes to polymer coatings for pool and spa projects.
Notes
1 An example of “worked” would be plastering the pool where the plaster is pneumatically applied then “worked” with a trowel. GFC are only sprayed and not “worked” beyond that point.
Author
Peter Gibson of GRC Pool Coatings has been involved in the pool polymer coatings industry for more than 30 years. He has worked with a broad range of coatings, from simple pool paints to high-performance glass fibre-reinforced coatings and linings. He is also a specifications writer and specifier, as well as an instructor for the application of polymer composite coatings. He can be reached at resinmaster@gmail.com.
