Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What resurfacing options are available for a concrete pool?
A). Concrete pools generally have a few options available for a makeover these include:
- Fibretech Coating System
- Plaster & pebble
- Epoxy Paint
- Vynal Liner
- Chlorinated rubber paint
- Fully tiled
Q). What resurfacing options are available for a fibreglass pool?
A). Fibreglass pools generally have fewer options available for a makeover these include:
- Fibretech Coating System
- Epoxy Paint
- Vynal Liner
- Resin Coat only
- Fully tiled
Q). What resurfacing options are available for a Vynal liner pool?
A). Vynal liner pools generally have even fewer options available for a makeover these include:
- Fibretech Coating System
- Vynal Liner
Q). What is Fibretech Coating System?
A). Fibertech Coating system has been around for at least 20 years. Fibreglass matting is laminated over the existing plaster or fiberglass surface with Vynal ester resin which has up to 30% flexibility. Using the pool shell as a mould this system seals the entire pool shell and helps prevent salt water from damaging the concrete shell. The Matting then gets 2 more colour coats with sanding in between to produce a beautiful surface that will always stay smooth.
With a fiberglass pool this system is always the best option, rather than just “coat only” which has no structural strength. Also it does not have any seams and wont be cut, shrink or tear like a Vynal liner. A Fibretech coating can not blister like paint, or become rough and porous like aging plaster and pebble.
Best Features are:
- Beauty, smoothness and strength combined with flexibility,
- Insulates against heat loss,
- Becomes part of your pool shell (no Seams),
- Good range of colours,
- Strengthens a thin pool shell (in fiberglass pools),
- Seals and repairs cracking,
- Reduction in chemical usage,
- Algae can’t stick to it,
- Resists chemical abuse,
- Eliminates and prevents black spot algae and osmosis,
- 7 year warranty
- Lifespan 10-15 years,
Possible negatives:
- Plaster needs to be in relatively fair condition otherwise there is a lot of
patching prior to coating. - Noise and dust from sanding,
- Can be damaged by excess chlorine,
Q. What is epoxy paint?
A). Epoxy paint is a 2 pack paint which is resistant to chemicals such as salt and chlorine. It is easily applied with a brush or roller and is a good low cost alternative for pools that have a completely sound plaster surface and needs an easy makeover that can last a few years (with good care). Also it can be done DIY. (DIY kits are available)
Best Features are:
- Seals and repairs cracking,
- Becomes part of your pool shell (no Seams),
- Good range of colours,
- Algae can’t stick to it
- Resisted chemical abuse
- Eliminates black spot algae
- Lifespan 5-7 years.
Possible negatives:
- Plaster needs to be in very good condition because epoxy paint hasn’t
enough structural strength to deal with weak areas or “pitts” in the
plaster - Epoxy paint can chalk if the water balance is not kept perfect.
- Can blister if the pool is neglected or if the surface is not in good
condition.
Q). What is chlorinated rubber paint?
A). Chlorinated rubber paint is a 1 pack pool paint that is not used as often as it once was. We do not use it because it is rated for about a 3 year lifespan which doesn’t tend to suit most backyard pool users.
Q). Why consider plastering my pool then?
A). Pool Plaster is by far the best option when the existing plaster surface is in really bad condition. Also plaster has a beautiful natural look and feel. With Different coloured Quartz finishes available such as rainbow quartz or 3 M there is a good range of looks to go for or just keep it natural with a plain white render finish.
Best Features are:
- Beautiful appearance and feel
- Becomes part of your pool shell (no Seams),
- Good range of colours,
- Reduction in chemical usage,
- Reduces pool chemical usage and is easy to care for less pool
maintenance, - 7 year warranty
- Lifespan 10-15 years.
Possible negatives:
- Shouldn’t add salt after coating for about 3 – 6 months pending on
who you speak to, - Can be damaged or stained by poor chemical balance easier than most
surfaces, - Does not have much flexibility,
- No heat insulating properties,
Q. Do we install vinyl liners?
A). No we do not, although we can replace your vinyl liner for a fiberglass one even on sand bottom floors. Its costs about 30 % more than a quality vinyl liner but is much more durable and harder to damage.
Q). What tiling options are available?
A). When renovating your swimming pool it is a good opportunity to replace existing tiles or to incorporate more tiles into the design. These are a few options available.
- Replacing existing waterline tiles with similar size ceramic tiles
200mm x 200mm. - Replacing existing tile line with a similar size band 150mm – 200mm or
up to about 300mm with ceramic or spectacular glass mosaics. - Tile entire step and ledge areas in 200mm x 200mm, mosaic tiles or
natural stone - Tile the entire pool surface with mosaics,
- Tile the pool surrounds with natural sandstone, granite, Quartzite,
quartz, terracotta, marble or basalt.
Q). Why consider tiling my pool then?
A). Pool tiling is a beautiful finish both to look at and to feel, that will last for many years providing the correct adhesive is used. Fully tiled pools have always been considered the premium finish. It is possible to fully tile both fibreglass and concrete pools,
Best Features are:
- Beautiful appearance and feel,
- Good range of colours, textures and effects
- Reduction in chemical usage,
- Resistant to chemical damage
- Lifespan 10-15 years.
Possible negatives:
- Expensive,
- Time consuming process,
- Joins and seams are visible,
- Existing surface has to be in perfect condition
- Grout may require periodic cleaning,
- No heat insulating properties,
Q). How long will it take to renovate my pool?
A). With good weather each renovation process takes approximately the following conservative times.
| Work carried out | working days |
|
Pool header pavers |
1-4 |
These times are as a guide only and are affected by differences in site difficulty, inclement weather, location and size of construction. We can provide written time schedules and or express service if requested at the time of quotation.
Q). What is the best time of the year to renovate my swimming pool?
A). Every season has its positives and negatives. Although it is easier for us to work outdoors in the mild weather of spring and autumn.
Q). Can I change the shape of my swimming pool?
A). Yes, we can extend or shorten your swimming pool to your requirements, we can even make it shallower, build new bench seats, a spa inside of it or a new set of steps.
Q. Is there going to be someone at my house every day during the renovation process?
A). No not necessarily, some stages of the process may be filling the pool, emptying the pool, coatings curing, drying time, too windy for coating, too hot for coating, too wet for coating, ect ect, where there will not be anyone on site watching the paint dry so to speak. We will however keep you informed of what is happening with your job and our shop premises is open 7 days to handle any enquiry you may have.
Q). What type of lighting options is available?
A). We have several types of lighting available from standard halogen lights, LED lights to fibre-optic lighting all of which can be installed retro fit to operate on a timer system for maximum effect.
Here are the benefits and possible negatives of these different lighting types
1). Quartz halogen lights (12, 24, 32 volt)
Benefits
- Least expensive
- Powerful
- Usually able to run off existing transformer,
- Easy to repair,
- Good warranty,
Possible negatives
- Globes only last about 12 months pending on brand,
- Can only run 2 lights off 1 transformer,
- Limited colours,
- Limited colour change,
2). LED lights (12 volt)
Benefits
- Great colours and effects
- Creates a nice hue to the water
- Usually able to run off existing transformer,
- Long lasting 50,000 hours,
- Can run up to 4 lights off the one transformer
Possible negatives
- Not usually as bright as halogen lights,
3). Fibre optic lights
Benefits
- Stunning effects with under edge lighting and water feature lights ect
- Only one globe (light source) for all lights in the pool,
- Good colour changing effects
- Creates a nice hue to the water
- Good warranty,
Possible negatives
- Very expensive,
- Can be not bright enough,
- Difficult installation process,
- Performance may decrease with age
Q). Should I replace my pipe-work under the ground when I renovate my pool?
A). If you are taking up old pavers or concrete around the pool then it is probably worthwhile replacing pipe-work at this stage especially on older pools, or if there is a problem with leaks occurring. Otherwise PVC pipework is very hardy if laid correctly and rarely needs replacing. Return jets are easy to replace and is recommended on most pool renovations mainly just for ascetic reasons alone.
Q). Should I landscape my yard first or renovate my pool first?
A). This all depends on whether you have a fiberglass or concrete pool and if you are having bullnose copings laid. Concrete pools are best laying Bullnose pavers first (especially with mosaic tiles) and then finishing the pool renovation process before progressing to the paving/landscaping. Fibreglass pools are best renovated first then headers and then paving/landscaping. (Due to any movement that may occur). Major construction work around the yard is best done before all other works. (ie retaining walls, pergolas, ect).
Q). What type of preparations can I make to have the renovation process go smoother and safer around my property?
A).
- Remove any items in and around the swimming pool area that may be affected by dust from sanding or hazards that may get in the way of workers carrying products to and fro.
- The cleaner your yard is the easier it is for us to keep leaves and sand from blowing in whilst we are coating your swimming pool.
- Turn off reticulation around pool area and avoid watering in and
around pool area during coating. - Fiberglass resin has a strong odour so it is advisable to leave windows surrounding the pool area closed. Also remove any items from the pool area that may be affected.
- Avoid walking close to the edge of empty fiberglass and concrete
swimming pools. This will lessen the chances of subsidence of paving and avoid dangerous falls. - Please keep people and pets out of the swimming pool area during renovation. This maintains a cleaner and safer working area. Do not walk in the pool this is dangerous and can also damage previous coatings unwittingly, with shoe prints, oils from feet or other contaminants.
- During the renovation process workers need access to your pool area. Some stages may only require a few hours work per day so it is very helpful if we are able to access the pool area easily on a flexible time basis.
Q). Should I empty my pool myself and how long can it be left empty?
A). You should only have your pool emptied by an expert who knows how to empty your pool safely (it may also require bracing). The pool should be left empty for as little time as possible and should be refilled at the completion of the renovation in a timely manner. (It may void your warranty if left unfilled for any extra period of time).
Q). How much will the water cost to refill my pool? Can I save the water?
A). It costs about $1.00 per 1,000ltrs of water and the average pool holds about 50,000ltrs of water which equates to $50.00. Also the average yearly usage of a household is about 300,000ltrs. You can save your pool water for re-use in storage tanks although it will cost far more than $50.00 and you will need lots of room in your yard to store this water so unfortunately it is not a viable option at this stage for everyone.
Q). How often should I change the sand in my sand filter?
A). The typical life span of the sand in your filter according to SPASA is 3 to 5 years or every 12 months in a commercial swimming pool. What happens to the sand in the filter after time is that it becomes hard and causes an affect that is called channeling. When this occurs the water is going through holes that have been made by the water and is not actually filtering effectively through the sand. It is best to change your sand when you get your pool recoated if you believe it may require doing.
Q). Can I recoat my pool myself??
A). Yes we do provide DIY kits for epoxy paint and can guide you through this process. Fibretech and re-plastering is more difficult and requires a degree of expertise in the relative fields.
Q). Can I get someone to look after my pool regularly?
A). Blue Star Pool Renovations offer a regular pool service to look after your pool and keep it perfectly maintained and chemically balanced all year round. This is the best way to ensure your new pool stays looking new for as long as possible.
Q). What heating options are available?
A). There is generally 4 options available for your heating options these are
- Solar blanket
- Roof Solar heating
- Gas heater
- Heat pump
Here are the benefits and possible negatives of these different lighting types
1). Solar blanket
Benefits
- Inexpensive
- Heats pool by about 6-8 degrees
- Stops 99.9% evaporation,
- Required anyway with all heaters to prevent heat loss and to cut down running costs,
- Cuts down chemical usage,
- Helps keep out leaves and dust,
- Good warranty,
- $200.00 government rebate available,
- No running cost,
Possible negatives
- They can upset the appearance of a beautiful pool,
- May not be easy to take on or off some pools due to their shape,
- Can be damaged by poor chemical balance,
2). Roof solar heating
Benefits
- Heats quickly,
- Heats pool by about 12 degrees,
- Thermostatically controlled,
- Coloured heat exchangers for roof to camouflage,
- Low running cost,
- Can get away with not having a blanket by upsizing heat exchangers,
Possible negatives
- May be visible on roof from road or back yard,
- Can be a lot of work to run pipes for retrofit,
- Leaks on roof may cause damage to roof or guttering,
- Can be damaged by poor chemical balance,
- Heating requires good warm days of sunshine,
3). Gas heating
Benefits
- Heats very quickly,
- Heats pool by however many degrees are required,
- Heat all year round,
- Thermostatically controlled,
- Compact,
- Auto ignition,
- Can run off existing filtration pump with minimal pipe-work changes,
- Can get away with not having a blanket by upsizing but will increase running cost,
- Can be installed indoors with a flue or outdoors,
Possible negatives
- Can be expensive to run (average pool $60.00 per week constantly heated)
- Needs a gas line run out to heater,
- Can be damaged by poor chemical balance,
4). Heat Pump
Benefits,
- Heats pool to around 29 degrees,
- Heat all year round,
- Low running cost,
- Thermostatically controlled,
- Compact,
- Can run off existing filtration pump with minimal pipe-work changes,
- May get away with not having a blanket by upsizing but will increase running cost and affect performance.
- Great warranties on most units,
Possible negatives
- Best of run with a pool blanket to reduce heat loss,
- Needs a 15amp power supply or 3 phase power for increased efficiency,
- Initial cost may be high,
- Has to be outdoors in a well ventilated area,
Q). Can I convert my pool to salt?
A). Any pool can be converted to salt without any problems apart from metal framed above ground pools which can be affected by increased corrosion. All salt water conversions require installing a “salt water chlorinator control box and electrode” commonly referred to as a “power supply and cell”. Salt is then added to the pool water and the power supply and cell uses this to produce “chlorine gas” which sanitises the water. So in effect when you convert to a salt water system you are basically producing your own chlorine at home rather than purchasing it. This will lead to cost savings, less maintenance and better water quality. The best salt water chlorinator units are “Self Cleaning” where the salt electrode (the part of the chlorinator that produces the chlorine gas) reverses polarity every 2 hours or so to prevent calcium build up on the electrode plates (cathodes and anodes). This saves even more maintenance time and results in more efficient chlorine production. In my opinion Salt water chlorinators are far more practical than liquid chemical feeders, that tend to be more complicated, require more maintenance and are more expensive to run.
