Causes and solutions in osmosis in polyester / fiberglass pools

En Ok Pool Reform we have a dedicated blog with the primary reasons for wanting to renovate a pool and specifically, on this page we are going to touch on the topic of Causes and solutions in osmosis in polyester / fiberglass pools.

What are fiberglass pools?

Fiberglass pools are prefabricated pools

Fiberglass pools are a very popular type of prefabricated pools.

Fiberglass pools are elements that are manufactured in a single piece that is covered with fiberglass.

What is fiberglass? 

Fiberglass what is it

It is a polymer made up of groups of very thin glass filaments. This coating material is complemented in pools with a polyester resin, which provides the thickness to the pool.

Fiberglass characteristics

Fiberglass is a flexible, lightweight, durable and easy to maintain material.

Its useful life exceeds 100 years, since the glass with which the material is made takes a long time to decompose given its mineral nature.

What is fiberglass used for?

It is no coincidence that this material is used to reinforce plastics and is often used in boats, cars, bathtubs, surfboards, poles or in multiple construction materials.

Advantages of polyester pools

These are pools that are quick to install and very easy to maintain.

Fiberglass pools have multiple advantages and one of them is that they are a relatively economical solution taking into account that they can be a long-term investment due to their durability.

Polyester or fiberglass pools are cheap pools

Normally economical, prefabricated with molds based on fiberglass and resins.

Its price is so economical since there are as many models as there are molds the manufacturer may have, and its installation is relatively simple and quick.

It is only necessary to have accessible land for the truck or crane that transports the prefabricated pool, make a hole with a base to accommodate the prefabricated pool, and connect the hydraulic pumping and filtration system to it.

Primary disadvantage of polyester or fiber pools

Counterpart of polyester or fiberglass pools: they tend to cause problems

• On the other hand, these are pools that usually cause problems with water leaks, and more commonly osmosis problems, and their repair or rehabilitation is usually complicated and very expensive.

---

What is Osmosis in a polyester pool?

Osmosis in fiberglass pools is a very common problem

Water leaks and osmosis, common problems in polyester pools

Besides the Leaks from water that many polyester pools suffer from, osmosis in fiberglass pools is a very common problem that occurs more frequently than their owners would like.

What is osmosis in fiber pools?

Osmosis is the main disease of fiber and polyester

Prefabricated polyester and fiber pools deteriorate over time.

Depending on the quality of the glass, over the years the paint may discolor, crack, or the so-called osmosis may appear in the glass.

What generates osmosis in fiber pools

In fiber pools, osmosis disease tends to occur, creating natural aging of the fiber, which consequently causes blisters to appear on the entire surface of the pool.a, and these blisters can produce small pores and generate small perforations and leaks in the pool glass.

Physical process of osmosis in fiber pools

How the osmosis process affects swimming pools in the pool

Osmosis is a physical process in which a liquid or fluid passes through a semipermeable membrane through its pores when pressure is exerted.

The problem of osmosis in fiber pools is very common. The gel coat or lacquer, which is the shiny and initially waterproof material that covers the structure, over time (not much) loses its properties and becomes permeable and microporous, allowing moisture to pass from one side of the pool to the other. .

When the gel coat becomes microporous, it allows the fluid inside the pool glass, that is, the water, to pass through the structure and come out to the outside, causing water leaks.

Also, in the opposite direction, the environmental humidity that exists in the soil surrounding the fiberglass pool can penetrate the structure and accumulate in the micropores it now has, rotting and forming bubbles visible from the outside and black spots, which when They explode and release a very unpleasant blackish liquid.

Symptoms of osmosis in swimming pools

Both the problem of water loss and the problem of osmosis in fiber pools are unfortunately very common and recurring. We encounter them practically every day.

Signs of osmosis in swimming pools

• Presence of blisters on the surface with liquid inside.
• The liquid in the blisters is sticky and has a vinegar smell.
• With a pH paper you can measure the acidity of the liquid. A reading between 3 – 6 indicates the presence of osmosis.
• Measurements made with a hygrometer indicate a high humidity rate within the laminate.
• Defects in the gelcoat, small cracks, very fine holes, whitish fibers near the surface or protruding.

Osmosis video in polyester pool

Osmosis video in swimming pools

As we have already explained, osmosis is the main disease of fiber and polyester and consists of a natural aging of the material from which it is made.

Consequently, the pool creates blisters all over the surface of the pool shell and these blisters can simultaneously produce small pores and generate small perforations and leaks in the pool glass.

---

Rehabilitation of polyester or fiberglass pools

Repair osmosis fiber pool: Common problem

Setbacks for fiber and polyester pools: osmosis

A problem commonly generated in fiber pools is the so-called osmosis disease, which produces natural aging of the fiber, creating blisters on the surface of the pool.

The repair in this case becomes a complex process, which we will describe below.

What to do once osmosis has appeared in a pool

Rehabilitation of fiber and polyester pools. a bit complicated process

Repairing osmosis in a swimming pool is relatively complicated

Once osmosis has occurred in a pool, the repair process is relatively complicated, because there may be breaks and cracks in the contours, therefore it will depend a lot on the quality and thickness of the fiber and polyester with the one where the pool was originally made.

Attention: Poorly done repair of fiberglass pools can lead to poisoning

So, we point out again that the reparación de pools fiberglass can be a complex process.

That is why we suggest that to carry out the rehabilitation of polyester and fiber pools you contact a company specializing in the sector, since it is the safest way to do it, since If it is not done correctly, there could be poisoning with the resins in the fiber itself.

Solutions to end osmosis in swimming pools

So there are three solutions that can end the osmosis problem:

Remedies to end osmosis in swimming pools

1. Firstly, as the best resolution, line the pool with reinforced liner.
2. Secondly, we have the option of sand the pool glass (most common solution).
3. And finally, we can place tile on top of the polyester or fiber (not recommended solution).

---

Recommended solution to end osmosis in swimming pools: Rehabilitation of fiber or polyester pools with reinforced sheet

Reinforced sheet: solution to osmosis in fiber pools

The reinforced sheet is an optimal solution for osmosis in polyester and fiber pools.

The solution that existed until now was not cheap or definitive, since if the gel coat was sanded and the glass pool glass was lacquered again, it was not guaranteed that the humidity would not cause new bubbles and black spots. new.

The other, more definitive but radical solution was to remove the entire glass pool and build a new pool.

Instead, as a recommended option, you can covering the polyester or fiber pool pool with a type of reinforced sheet or reinforced liner, in this way you will completely cancel the osmosis and you will obtain waterproofing and tightness that no other material can guarantee..

End osmosis in swimming pools with reinforced sheet pool lining

Osmosis rehabilitation of swimming pools with reinforced sheet

The fact of working on this system outside makes it difficult to carry out this type of repair, thanks to our PVC sheet coverings Perfect waterproofing is created, cutting off the osmosis disease and offering great durability to the fiber pool glass, being able to extend the life of the pool for many more years.

As a rule, fiber pools are blue, thanks to the printed finishes on the PVC membranes, a much more successful design is achieved.

Rehabilitation of fiberglass or polyester pools with reinforced sheet

Below, you can find out about our excellent reinforced sheet: CGT Alkor reinforced liner.

Reinforced liner installation in polyester and fiber pools

How to install the reinforced liner in polyester and fiber pools

1. As in construction pools, you must prepare the pool basin and change the built-in accessories; skimmer, nozzles, pool cleaner intake, sump and make them compatible for the reinforced PVC sheet coating. Otherwise we will compromise the tightness and impermeability of the pool.
2. Then we will start clean the walls and bottom of the pool of all the waste that may exist. Correct disinfection is essential to avoid the proliferation of microorganisms.
3. In those cases where the pool floor is in poor condition, to reinforce the waterproofing of the pool we will need to install a geotextile on the walls and we will do so with the help of a spatula.
4. Then we will proceed to place the assembled liner on the walls of the pool and even on the stairs.
5. Finally, the joints will have to be covered with a PVC sealant to prevent leaks.

Next, so that you can know the entire process, we provide you with the link to the page where we discuss all the details about the Installation of reinforced liner for swimming pools.

Video osmosis repair in a fiber pool with reinforced liner

Rehabilitation of a fiberglass pool with reinforced liner

---

Most common solution to eliminate osmosis in polyester pools: Sand the pool glass

Sand glass to eradicate osmosis polyester pool

Remove osmosis by sanding the pool surface

• The solution usually adopted to eliminate osmosis from a polyester bucket is to sand the entire surface of the bucket, make a layer of fibers and paint it by applying a layer of Gelcoat resin. In this way the osmosis is repaired.

What does the repair of a fiber pool require?

What do we need to rehabilitate a fiber pool

• EWhen repairing a fiber pool, resin and fiber are needed to correctly carry out the coatings or products, which must be applied to the place where the damage, scratch or crack is located.
• The most important thing in repairing this type of pool is to avoid patches of different colors on the surface of the pool., because it would not be a valid or professional solution.

Steps to repair and renew a polyester pool by sanding it

Procedure for sanding polyester or fiber pool

1. Sand with fine sandpaper and vacuum up all the dust
2. Epogrout with a notched trowel 
3. Signapool S1 sheet 
4. 5cm overlaps with X-COLL 
5. Sealing accessories with Epogrout Depending on the number of accessories
6. Mosaic adhered with white Cerafix 
7. Grouting with Epogrout

When we eliminate the osmosis of the polyester pool by sanding, it is suggested to paint it

The best thing is, once the pool is repaired, to paint again to get the best possible image of our pool. (at the end of this page we explain how to paint it and what products to use).

As with built-in pools, fiber pools also need to prepare the pool basin and change built-in accessories.

• Well, such as the skimmer, the pool cleaner intake, the nozzles, the sump...

Video tutorial to repair osmosis in polyester and fiber pools

Video osmosis treatment in polyester and fiberglass pools

---

Paint the polyester pool after repairing the osmosis and as a preventive treatment

Reasons to paint the polyester and fiber pool

1st reason: When repairing the osmosis pool: painting the polyester pool

The best thing is, once the pool is repaired, to paint again to get the best possible image of our pool.

2nd reason for intar polyether pool: As an osmosis prevention treatment

As osmosis repair treatment is a complicated, time-consuming and expensive process, It is advisable to carry out a preventive treatment that, through a relatively simple painting scheme, protects the hull and avoids future problems.

Procedure for painting the polyester pool

The procedure to follow when painting a pool will depend on whether it is the first time it is painted or not.

1. In the first case, you will find that you will have to previously prepare the pool surface for subsequent painting.
2. And, if your pool is already painted, depending on the state of the paint, you will have to proceed to prepare its surface in one way or another.
3. In case you are interested, you can find a video tutorial on how to pubt

Preparation of the polyester pool surface:

The preventive system is applied on a new hull or after removing all existing paint, degreasing and sanding.

If the pool is not new and has already spent some time in the water, it is advisable to check that the laminate is dry before painting.

When is the best time to repaint the fiber pool

• The best time to repaint the fiber pool is when it is superficially dry but retains some stickiness.

Steps to paint the polyester pool

Preparing the surface to paint the pool after eliminating osmosis:

1. Remove the gelcoat and all laminate in poor condition using peeling and/or abrasive blasting. Sanitize dry fibers and areas where blisters were found.
2. Provide roughness to the surface of the exposed laminate to facilitate drying of the hull.
3. Wash frequently for several weeks with fresh, clean water in order to dissolve the chemicals within the laminate and extract them since they do not evaporate with simple drying.
4. Let the helmet dry for as long as necessary. This will depend on your condition but can last several months.
5. Control the drying process with a hygrometer.

Buy polyester pool paint

Fiber pool paint price

Video tutorial how to paint a polyester pool

How to paint a polyester pool

Later, video that explains how to paint a polyester pool: 🔹 Cleaning. 🔹 Crack repair. 🔹 Primer. 🔹 Particularities of polyester pool paint. 🔹 Painting and drying times between coats of paint. 🔹 How long to wait to fill the pool.

Video tutorial how to paint fiberglass pool

Video painting fiberglass pool

Next, you will be able to see a video where polyurethane paint is applied to a fiberglass pool, and crack repair.

Gel coat paint for fiber pools

What is Gel Coat Polyester pool paint?

Gel coat paint: specific for polyester pools

Gel-coat is a paint that is especially used to finish the surfaces for fiber-reinforced polyester composite materials. Likewise, due to its properties, it is a good waterproofing agent for polyester and fiber pools.

What is Polyester Gel Coat Pool Paint composed of? 

Gel coat paint made of unsaturated epoxy and polyester resins.

• It is composed of unsaturated epoxy and polyester resins.
• The Gel-coat in the form of a modified resin is applied in a liquid form and state.
• Specifically, it is cured to form cross-linked polymers and reinforced with polymer matrices, commonly with blends of polyester resin and fiberglass or epoxy resins with fiberglass or carbon.
  When the product is manufactured, when it is cured or dried and removed from the mold, it presents a gel-coat surface, which is usually pigmented to offer a smooth and shiny surface that enhances the appearance of the product.

What is gel coat paint used for?

Gel coat paint uses

• Specifically, gel coat paint is used to make cross-linked polymers and is completed and reinforced with polymer matrices.
• In addition, the gel-coat has many applications such as nautical, swimming pools and drinking water tanks and are manufactured using composite materials with an outer layer of gelcoat.
• They provide durability characteristics, resisting ultraviolet rays, degradation and hydrolysis.
• Some gelcoats are used to make molds that are then used to make other products.
• These molds require a high level of durability to overcome the heat and pressure they will face during molding.
• For all these reasons, gel coat paint is fantastic for polyester/fiberglass pools.

How to use gel coat in polyester pools

Use gel coat in fiberglass pool

• Use in small proportions of a maximum of 6 kg per mixture.
• Add catalyst between 1% and 5%.
• Always apply with temperatures below 23º, avoiding coagulation of the mixture.
• Its performance is approximately 300/400 grams per Mt2 depending on how it is applied per layer.
• We recommend not filling the pool until after 5 or 7 days.
• Use in small proportions of a maximum of 6 kg per mixture.
• Add catalyst between 1% and 5%.
• Always apply with temperatures below 23º, avoiding coagulation of the mixture.
• Its performance is approximately 300/400 grams per Mt2 depending on how it is applied per layer.
• We recommend not filling the pool until after 5 or 7 days.

Buy Gel coat paint for swimming pools

Price Gelcoat white wax paint for fiberglass 1 kg with catalyst

How to use gel coat paint in polyester pools

Gel coat paint for fiberglass pools

TOP COAT: variety of GEL COAT pool paint

Top coat paint for swimming pools

Top Coat paint ideal as a finishing layer for molds, as well as for repairing swimming pools, boats, etc.

Paint Top Coat Nazza is a waxed gel coat, which allows the surface to be free of mordant, facilitating subsequent sanding and polishing. The result is a smooth, very aesthetic surface and high hardness.

Recommended Uses of pool top coat paint

What is top coat paint for swimming pools used for?

• How to Live Aligned with finishing layer en molds
• By way of boat finishing paint
• Paint for Finished en polyester pools
• Coating of Shower trays

How to apply pool top coat paint

How to handle top coat paint for swimming pools

• Should be used between 1,5-2,5% catalyst (depending on temperature) and carry out good homogenization before application. To obtain the ideal hardening, it is recommended that the molded part Do not use until 7 days later of finished.
• The ambient temperature significantly influences the shelf life of the product mixture.. It is important to modify the amount of PMEK (reaction initiator), depending on whether the product is used in summer or winter. In times of higher temperatures such as summer, add no more than 1,5% of Mek Peroxide. In winter or at low temperatures, if a shorter mixing life is desired, add between 2 – 3% of PMEK to the mixture.. A volume measuring instrument should be used to add the appropriate dose of mek peroxide.
• It can apply with roller, brush or spray previously diluted with Butanone (Methyl Ethyl Ketone), in proportion 5-10% (50-100 g/kg.), depending on the desired viscosity for the application. 
• The recommended thickness is 500 - 800 gsm It is not advisable to exceed the 0.8 mm layer thickness.

Example of catalyzing top coat paint for swimming pools in winter:

• 1 Kg of gelcoat -> 20-25 Ml of catalyst.
• 5 Kg of gelcoat -> 120-125 Ml of catalyst.
• 25 Kg. gelcoat -> 500 Ml. of catalyst.

Example of catalyzing in top coat paint for swimming pools summer:

• 1 Kg of gelcoat -> 15 Ml of catalyst.
• 5 Kg of gelcoat -> 75 Ml of catalyst.
• 25 Kg. gelcoat -> 375 Ml. of catalyst.

Buy top coat pool paint

Pool top coat paint price

Pool top coat paint repair video

Coat the pool with top coat paint

Regarding pool rehabilitation, in the next video we show you how to repair a crack in a pool or tank.

---

NOT advisable solution to end osmosis in swimming pools: Cover the entire surface of the pool with tile.

Rehabilitation of polyester pool with tile

Not very functional alternative: rehabilitate polyester pool with tile

• The problem with this solution is that the tile is not a material that aligns well with the polyester and the fiber, so it may be that after a short time the tiles begin to peel off or break and you have to continually make grouts and a new coating.

Rehabilitation of osmosis in a fiber pool with tile

Osmosis Repair Steps in Fiber Pool with Tile

1. Sand with fine sandpaper and vacuum up all the dust
2. Place the ceramic with Epogrout with a 3mm notched trowel (special super flexible adhesive)
3. Grout the mosaic with Epogrout (special super flexible adhesive and grout)

Video tutorial how to put tile in a polyester pool

Video putting tile in polyester pool

As you can see, in this job we are putting the tile in a pool that was built more than 2 years ago, in which the client has been using it without the tile in place and it was not necessary to paint it since it was left waterproofed with resinous glues.

When eliminating osmosis in polyester tile pools, we must carry out the borada

The usual (cementitious) pool grout or grout is not waterproof and after a few years it begins to decompose and/or mold grows.

That is because the chemical resistance of cementitious grout is very limited. Additionally, cementitious-based grout is not waterproof and allows water to pass through the joint.

For this reason, and especially in the polyester pool system with tile, grouting with Epogrout is mandatory. This is because the polyester or fiberglass has movements that would crack the cementitious joint.

Necessary material for pool drilling

Steps to grout the pool

From the start: Safety in the Method for grouting a polyester pool with tile

First of all, obviously, you must be very careful with the contact of the products with the skin, it is better to wear gloves and long clothing for safety.

1st steps to grout the pool: Clean the pool surface

• Before starting the grout, the pool must be cleaned to remove any traces of dust, grease or any dirt it may have.
• For this you can use pool cleaning products.
• You should also ensure that the surface is dry, so that the grouting has better results. 

2nd Step to finish the pool: Apply the joint mortar

• Mix the three components with an electric mixer.
• When the pool is completely clean and dry, we spread the product using a hard rubber trowel over the surface of the pool and applying the product diagonally to the joints, taking care that the joints are completely filled and without gaps.
• Pick up all the excess with the same rubber trowel.
• Immediately clean the area with water and a scouring pad.

 3rd step to grout fiber pool with tile: Let the mixture dry

• The mixture should be left to dry for approximately half an hour.
• Ideally, it should not dry completely in order to remove any excess mortar that remains on the surface. 
• When the joint mortar is a little dry, remove the remaining mixture with a glass cleaner or any other similar device. This should be done with diagonal movements so as not to remove the mixture from the joints.   

4th step to decorate a polyester pool with tile: Clean the surface

• Once the excess joint mortar has been removed, the area should be cleaned with a damp sponge using circular movements. This should be done with diagonal or circular movements in the same direction as clockwise.
• Then collect that “broth” with a sponge trowel.
• On the other hand, as a clarification, at the end you must mix half a bucket of water with a bottle of salfumán in order to clean the entire pool of remains.
• Afterwards, the grouted area must be allowed to dry completely. 

5th step to grout polyester tile pool: Remove the rest of the joint mortar

• When the surface is completely dry, the rest of the mortar should be cleaned with a dry tissue until the area is free of dust and mortar residue. 

Video tutorial for grouting pool tiles

Video making pool grout step by step

Because we want you to have no doubts, now you will be able to see a video of how to make the grout for pool tiles, and with the intention that there is no oscialnte information left, we show step by step the technique of grouting the tiles. .