Get your pool ready before summer

Many tired-looking pools are structurally sound underneath. Faded coatings, worn surfaces, dated colours and localised damage can often be repaired and resurfaced without rebuilding the pool. The first step is understanding what is happening beneath the visible finish.

Usually, yes — but only if the cause is dealt with, not just the surface. Water loss often comes from cracks or movement joints in the shell. Re-finishing over the top of those won't hold. Our Full Restoration option seals the structure first, which is why it lasts.

 new coating is only as reliable as the surface it is applied to. Existing coatings, contamination, loose material and previous repairs all need to be assessed and properly prepared. A beautiful finish over a poorly prepared substrate is usually just a future problem wearing nicer clothes.

Fibreglass pools should not be emptied without understanding the conditions around the pool first. When the water is removed, the shell loses the weight that normally helps hold it in place. If groundwater is present, hydrostatic pressure can cause the shell to lift, move or distort. Heat and direct sun can also place additional stress on an unsupported shell. If a fibreglass pool needs to be drained for repairs or resurfacing, it should be planned carefully and ideally managed by an experienced pool professional.

Not usually. Cracks need to be assessed and repaired before the new finishing system is applied. Simply covering a crack may hide it temporarily, but it does not address the movement or failure underneath.

Yes, but they are different substrates and need to be treated differently. The preparation, repair materials and coating system need to suit the existing pool rather than taking a one-system-fits-all approach.

There can be several causes, including poor preparation, moisture, loss of adhesion, incompatible previous coatings or deterioration beneath the surface. Before recoating, it is important to establish why the existing system failed so the same problem is not simply covered up.

Absolutely. Resurfacing is an opportunity to completely change the appearance of the pool. Greys, pale tropical blues, deeper blues and more dramatic colours can all create very different effects without changing the shape of the pool itself.

A colour sample is only part of the story. Water depth, sunlight, surrounding paving, landscaping and even the sky affect how a finished pool colour appears. The same surface colour can look considerably lighter, deeper or more blue once the pool is filled.

Generally, yes. Darker surfaces create deeper, more reflective water tones, while pale finishes tend to produce brighter turquoise and tropical-blue effects. Neither is inherently better — it comes down to the look you want and the environment around the pool.

Sometimes. Existing tiles may be suitable for a coating system once properly prepared, particularly around coping, spas and surrounding areas. The condition of the tiles and grout needs to be assessed first.

Potentially. A coating can create a continuous new surface, but existing grout lines or tile indentations may still subtly read through depending on the substrate and preparation carried out. If a completely flat appearance is required, additional levelling work may be needed.

Often, yes. Worn or dated coping can sometimes be repaired and coated to give it a much more contemporary appearance. This can also help visually tie the pool into newly resurfaced paving or landscaping.

Yes. Pool surrounds, coping, steps and adjoining spa areas can often be resurfaced alongside the pool. Existing tiled or concrete areas can also be given new textures and colour variation, allowing the whole area to feel considered rather than having a freshly finished pool surrounded by tired surfaces.

Wet areas need more than a good-looking finish. The coating system and surface texture should be selected with slip resistance in mind, particularly around entries, steps, coping and frequently wet surrounding areas.

Not always. Once an old coating or failing material is removed, additional cracks, repairs or substrate issues can become visible. A good restoration process allows for these discoveries rather than simply applying a predetermined finish regardless of what is underneath.

Pools live in a fairly unforgiving environment: constant water exposure, chemicals, temperature changes and movement all place stress on the surface. What initially appears to be cosmetic deterioration can occasionally reveal an underlying repair or waterproofing issue once preparation begins.

Small areas of deterioration are generally worth investigating before they become larger failures. A localised crack, loose coating or damaged waterline may be relatively straightforward to deal with early but can allow water to affect surrounding areas if ignored.

Yes. The waterline is a useful place to introduce a different material or detail — from a subtle complementary tile through to something more distinctive such as a patterned, metallic or contrasting finish.

There is no useful one-size-fits-all number. Longevity depends on the substrate, preparation, coating system, application, pool chemistry, UV exposure and ongoing maintenance. The more important question is whether the entire system has been designed for the conditions it will actually experience.

Look beyond colour. Peeling, cracking, hollow areas, staining, rough surfaces, damaged grout, deteriorating coping and previous patch repairs can all tell you something about the condition of the pool. Understanding those issues first helps determine the right restoration approach.