Bulletin 111
Refinishing Fiberglass Pools and Spas with GUNZITE Primer and ZERON (1 coat) or POXOLON (2 coats) Finishing Coat

When fiberglass swimming pool surfaces reach the point where they require refinishing, there is either a deficiency in the gel coat surface characterized by blistering; or the surface itself becomes dull and faded.

An epoxy coating is the best polymeric type material for maximum adhesion to fiberglass surfaces.

DESCRIPTION

GUNZITE - We recommend that our epoxy primer, GUNZITE, be applied prior to ZERON or POXOLON to insure proper adhesion and film build. GUNZITE is also a high build catalyzed epoxy primer. This combination of a white primer with the subsequent ZERON or POXOLON color coat insures the applicator of a total film build of 10 to 12 mils dry.

ZERON and POXOLON are catalyzed epoxy topcoats designed for refinishing fiberglass pools. Both ZERON and POXOLON have excellent chemical resistance, color retention and withstand constant submersion in water.

PREPARATION OF FIBERGLASS SURFACE

DRYING

Completely drain the pool. For thorough drying, empty the pool two days before refinishing. Remove all water from the filter and pumps with air pressure. Laying plastic on the surface will trap moisture and form condensation showing if surface is still damp.

PATCHING

Fill all pitted areas, cracks, and gouges with our #962 POXOFILL epoxy patching compound or equivalent material. Use a flexible putty knife to install POXOFILL in the pitted areas. The POXOFILL should be trowelled level with the pool surface. Let the POXOFILL set at least four hours before sanding smooth and overnight before coating.

SANDING

Sand the patched areas flush with the original surface. Then sand the remainder of the pool surface. The purpose of sanding the pool surface is to present a rough profile suitable for allowing the primer to achieve a mechanical bond.
A fifty (50) grit paper will easily provide the abrasiveness necessary to adequately scarify the surface. Work the sander vertically on the walls to create straight up and down lines. Work the sander in only one direction on the bottom, also. Obviously some hand sanding will be necessary to reach "hard to get" places.

When all sanding is completed, vacuum the pool thoroughly. Clean the surface with tri-sodium phosphate solution (our #910 Pool Washing Compound) and dry completely.

APPLICATION OF GUNZITE (PRIMER)

Before priming, be sure the entire surface is clean and dry. It may be a good idea to wipe the surface with a wax free tack rag.

The surface is then ready to be primed with GUNZITE PRIMER. Read carefully and follow all label directions on the GUNZITE label.

APPLICATION OF FINISH COAT: ZERON OR POXOLON

After waiting for overnight dry of GUNZITE, inspect the surface for contamination by bugs, dust, or dirt. Any foreign matter may be removed with #1109 Epoxy Solvent and a clean rag.

Apply the finish coat after carefully reading and following the label directions on the ZERON or POXOLON container.

SPRAYING

Rolling is the recommended application method for this system. Spraying does not save much time, especially when the time taken to adequately clean the equipment is considered.

If spraying is desired, we recommend only airless equipment be used fitted with a very large orificle tip (Devilbliss #74EP.070 or equal). For absolute information, contact your spray equipment representative and ask for equipment information on spraying a high solids two-component epoxy.

If spraying GUNZITE, first run #1109 Epoxy Solvent through the system. Then dilute GUNZITE with 1 1/2 pint #1109 Epoxy Solvent to each gallon of primer. IMPORTANT! If the temperature is 75 F you may start spraying immediately. If cooler, wait about one-half hour but never over one hour. This may cause sagging. Spray on a 10 to 12 mil film thickness or 125-150 sq. ft. per gallon.

For spraying ZERON, dilute each gallon of ZERON with 4 oz. of #1109 Epoxy Solvent. Spray on 6-8 mils wet film thickness. Allow the pool to dry at least five days before filling.

It is not necessary to thin POXOLON when sprayed.

RACING LINES

POXOLON in Black or POXOLON Viking Blue should be used over either coating. These lines should be applied no later than the next day and may be put down as soon as the surface is hard enough to walk on without marring the finish. Masking tape should be used in order to produce straight lines.

The fastest and most efficient means is by using a commercial size belt sander which is usually available at a rental location that offers tools.

RECOATING AND MAINTENANCE

A pool coated with ZERON or POXOLON should not be recoated until it becomes so thin that it is almost transparent. After 5 to 6 years, the pool wears down until it is thin and dull. This provides the perfect surface to recoat. However, pools do not wear evenly and any glossy or extra smooth areas should be sanded prior to recoating. Priming is not necessary. When a color is used, it is advisable to acid clean the chalk from the surface each year. This also removes stains and other residue. This brings back the normal uniform color. White should also be acid cleaned every 2 or 3 years. Use a mild (10%) acid solution for cleaning. Consult our Bulletin #119 for recoating.