Is your swimming pool showing signs of wear, leaks, or surface deterioration? At Pools Reno, we specialise in fibreglass pool relining in Cape Town and surrounding areas, offering a long-term, cost-effective solution that can completely transform your pool’s condition and appearance.
What Is Fibreglass Relining?
Fibreglass relining involves applying a high-performance fibreglass layer over your existing concrete, marbelite, or gunite pool shell. It seals cracks, prevents water leakage, and adds a smooth, durable finish that lasts for decades.
Fibreglass Pool Relining Cape Town: Benefits of Durable, Low-Maintenance Pool Renovations by Pools Reno
- Long-Term Durability: Fibreglass is resistant to algae, chemicals, and harsh Cape Town weather. Once relined, your pool will need fewer repairs over time.
- Smooth Surface Finish: Say goodbye to rough marbelite. A fibreglass finish is gentle on skin, easy to clean, and ideal for kids and pets.
- Leak Prevention: Fibreglass seals existing cracks, protecting your pool structure and reducing water loss – critical in water-scarce regions like the Western Cape.
- Fast Installation: Compared to full rebuilds, relining takes less time and causes minimal disruption to your property.
- Cost-Effective: A fraction of the cost of building a new pool, with long-lasting value.
- UV & Chemical Resistance: Ideal for the South African sun and modern pool chemical systems.
We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners in Bellville, Durbanville, Somerset West, Strand, Constantia, and Milnerton restore and modernise their pools using high-grade fibreglass technology.
When Should You Consider Relining Your Pool?
If you notice any of the following, it might be time to reline your swimming pool:
- Persistent leaks or low water levels
- Cracks or spalling on the surface
- Rough, abrasive walls and floor
- Fading or stained pool surface
- Outdated or damaged marbelite finish
How Fibreglass Pool Relining Is Professionally Installed in Cape Town
If you’re considering fibreglass pool relining in Cape Town, it’s important to understand the process. At Pools Reno, we follow a reliable, step-by-step method to ensure each swimming pool is resurfaced with maximum durability and a smooth, long-lasting finish.
Step 1: Cleaning and Preparing the Pool Surface
The first and most critical stage is preparation. We ensure the existing plaster or concrete surface is completely dry, clean, and free of any loose material. If your pool has mosaic tiles, these are sanded using a C16 diamond disc grinder to create a smoother, more absorbent surface.
Next, grooves are cut around fittings like pool lights, water inlets, and the weir. We also create a horizontal groove just under the coping tiles to tuck in the fibreglass mat securely during installation.
Step 2: Repairing Cracks and Uneven Areas
Before applying the fibreglass lining, all cracks, holes, or uneven surfaces are patched using cement plaster or marbelite. This ensures the fibreglass mat lies flat without air gaps or distortions.
Step 3: Preparing Materials and Tools
Once the surface is ready, we gather tools such as paint rollers, aluminium rollers, buckets, paint brushes, and a drill with mixer attachment. The fibreglass resin is mixed in small batches (2–5L) with catalyst hardener at 1–3% depending on temperature.
Ideal temperature range: 18–28°C for best application results.
Step 4: Applying Resin and Fibreglass Mat
We begin by applying a primer coat of resin on the pool surface using a 160mm or 225mm roller. After it becomes sticky-dry, we lay down pre-cut sheets of fibreglass mat and use aluminium rollers to press it flat and eliminate bubbles.
Another layer of resin is applied over the mat to bind it securely to the substrate.
Optional Step: Add a Surface Tissue Layer
For extra smoothness and structural strength, a surface tissue layer is added. This layer is also coated with resin and pressed flat, ensuring a sleek finish without bubbles or wrinkles.
Step 5: Cover Entire Pool with Fibreglass
The application process continues across the entire pool surface — floor, walls, and corners. Fibreglass mat is tugged into grooves and under coping tiles for a sealed, seamless finish.
Drying time: 4 to 12 hours depending on ambient temperature.
Step 6: Sanding and Surface Smoothing
Once dry, we sand the pool using:
- P36 grinder disc for floors and walls
- Hand sanding paper for tight corners
This ensures a perfectly smooth, even surface.
Step 7: Patching Minor Imperfections
Any minor flaws, pinholes, or gaps are patched using a mix of resin, hardener, and fibreglass putty powder. After drying, the surface is sanded again to ensure smoothness. The entire surface is then swept or vacuumed.
Optional: Add Waterline Patterns or Graphics
If you’re customising with waterline mosaic patterns or images like dolphins or turtles, we apply a coloured top coat first. After drying, the image is placed and sealed under multiple layers of clear top coat.
Step 8: Final Top Coat Application
We apply the final coloured fibreglass top coat across the entire pool using resin-compatible rollers or brushes. Colour options include:
- White
- Blue
- Charcoal
- Custom mixed tones
Step 9: Curing and Final Cleaning
The newly lined pool must cure for at least 7 days before filling with water. If rain falls during this period, the surface must be dried immediately. Once cured, the pool is cleaned, and water chemistry is balanced before it’s safe to swim.
Checklist: Materials & Tools Used in Fibreglass Pool Lining
- Fibreglass mat (+20% extra for overlaps)
- Optional: Surface tissue (+20% overlap)
- Resin (1.3–1.7 kg/m²)
- Top coat (0.6 kg/m²)
- Clear top coat (optional for graphic overlays)
- Catalyst hardener (1%–3% per resin volume)
- Fibreglass putty powder
- Acetone for cleaning tools
- Paint rollers, brushes, sanding discs (C16 & P36), buckets, and trowels
Ready to transform your pool with fibreglass relining? Contact Pools Reno today for expert service across Cape Town and surrounding suburbs.
Our experienced team at Pools Reno will conduct a thorough pool inspection and recommend the most affordable solution for your home or commercial pool.
Other Swimming Pool Services in Cape Town
At Pools Reno, we offer more than just expert fibreglass relining. Our full range of swimming pool services in Cape Town covers everything you need to keep your pool safe, sparkling, and in peak condition year-round:
- Swimming pool installations – custom new pool builds for homes and commercial spaces
- Pool leak detection and repairs – fast fixes for cracks, leaks, and shell damage
- Pool pump and filter installations – efficient water circulation systems
- Weekly pool cleaning and maintenance – including water testing, vacuuming, and backwashing
- Salt chlorinator and automation system setups
- Acid washing and deep chemical pool cleaning
- Tile replacement and coping upgrades
- Full pool makeovers and resurfacing
We work with residential homes, estate developments, guesthouses, and schools across Bellville, Durbanville, Somerset West, Strand, Milnerton, Constantia, and surrounding suburbs.
Why Choose Pools Reno for Fibreglass Relining in Cape Town?
- Over 15 years of local pool renovation experience
- Trusted by homeowners across the Western Cape
- Local, friendly, and professional Cape Town-based team
- Transparent pricing and warranties
Don’t wait until your pool becomes a costly problem. Contact Pools Reno today to schedule a free site visit and quote for expert fibreglass pool relining in Cape Town.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does fibreglass relining last?
With proper maintenance, a fibreglass relining can last between 15–25 years in South African conditions.
Is fibreglass relining better than re-marbeliting?
Yes. Fibreglass is more durable, requires less chemical treatment, and is smoother and more comfortable than marbelite finishes.
Can you reline any type of pool?
Yes. Most concrete, gunite, or marbelite pools can be relined with fibreglass, depending on the structure’s condition.
What is the cost of fibreglass pool relining in Cape Town?
Prices vary depending on pool size, condition, and access. On average, relining starts from R25,000 to R55,000+ in the Western Cape. Request a free quote.
Do I need to empty the pool for relining?
Yes, the pool is drained, cleaned, prepped, and relined before being refilled and chemically balanced.
