Why Pool Owners Trust Our Fiberglass Expertise

Professional Marine-Grade Materials Only

We never use paint on fiberglass pools. Ever. Paint sits on top of your gelcoat surface and traps moisture underneath, leading to peeling and delamination. Our marine-grade gelcoat chemically bonds to your pool's fiberglass structure, creating a permanent, waterproof seal that withstands Texas heat and chemical exposure.

Factory-Quality Application Standards

Amateur repairs fail because they skip critical steps. We apply gelcoat at proper thickness (25–30 mils), use correct catalyst ratios (1–2%), maintain temperature-controlled conditions, and employ professional HVLP spray systems. The result? A finish that matches the quality of new fiberglass pool manufacturing.

Fiberglass-Specific Experience

Most pool contractors are plasterers or painters who occasionally work on fiberglass. We're fiberglass specialists. As the exclusive Fibre Tech™ dealer for North and Central Texas, we understand polyester resin chemistry, osmotic blister formation, and proper gelcoat layering techniques that general contractors simply don't possess.

The Real Cost of Ignoring Fiberglass Pool Damage

Spider Cracks Spread Exponentially

That network of fine surface cracks you're seeing now? They're growing. Spider cracks start as gelcoat stress fractures from improper chemical balance, ground movement, or manufacturing defects. Left untreated, they expand into structural cracks that require expensive fiberglass cloth repair instead of simple gelcoat touch-up.

Current Investment:

  • Small area repair (localized spider cracks): $800–$1,500
  • Delayed until widespread: $3,500–$6,000
  • Ignored until structural damage: $8,000–$15,000

Osmotic Blisters Require Immediate Attention

Blisters aren't cosmetic. They indicate water penetration through porous gelcoat, creating osmotic pressure between your gelcoat and fiberglass layers. This causes progressive delamination. Each season you wait, more blisters form and spread.

The Timeline of Neglect:

  • Year 1: 10–15 small blisters appear
  • Year 2: 40–60 blisters across pool surface
  • Year 3: Delamination begins, complete gelcoat failure imminent
  • Repair cost increases from $3,000 to $8,000+ as damage spreads

Faded Gelcoat Becomes Porous and Permeable

That chalky, faded appearance isn't just aesthetic. UV exposure breaks down gelcoat's resin structure, creating microscopic porosity. This allows water infiltration, accelerates algae growth, increases chemical consumption, and leads to structural issues within 2–3 years.

What Professional Fiberglass Pool Repair Actually Involves

Proper Diagnosis Comes First

We don't guess. Our fiberglass specialists conduct comprehensive pool inspections to determine whether you're facing cosmetic gelcoat issues or structural problems requiring different repair approaches.

Our Assessment Process:

  • Visual inspection using proper lighting to identify all cracks, blisters, and delamination
  • Tap testing to detect hollow spots indicating separation
  • Gelcoat thickness measurement using specialized gauges
  • Chemical analysis of pool water to identify damage causes
  • Structural evaluation of shell integrity
  • Honest recommendation: repair, refinish, or complete resurfacing

Spider Crack Repair Process

Spider cracks require grinding, proper surface preparation, gelcoat application, and professional finishing to create invisible repairs that last.

Step 1: Surface Preparation (Day 1)

We drain your pool and grind out all affected areas using diamond grinding wheels. This removes compromised gelcoat and creates proper surface profile for new gelcoat bonding. Amateur repairs fail because they skip grinding and simply apply gelcoat over damaged surfaces.

Step 2: Color-Matched Gelcoat Application (Day 2)

We color-match your specific gelcoat shade and apply marine-grade material at proper thickness. Our HVLP spray systems ensure even application without runs, sags, or thin spots that cause premature failure.

Step 3: Finishing and Buffing (Day 3)

After proper cure time, we wet-sand and buff repaired areas to match your pool's original finish. Professional finishing makes repairs invisible—you won't be able to identify where cracks existed.

Investment Range: $800–$2,500 depending on affected area

Timeline: 2–3 days including cure time

Warranty: 2 years workmanship

Osmotic Blister Repair—The Right Way

Blister repair is complex. Rushed work guarantees failure within months.

Step 1: Complete Drainage and Drying

We drain your pool and allow 3–5 days of thorough drying. Moisture trapped beneath blisters must completely evaporate before repair begins. Rushing this step causes immediate repair failure.

Step 2: Grinding and Blister Removal

Every blister gets ground out completely, exposing sound fiberglass substrate underneath. We remove all compromised gelcoat and waterlogged fiberglass material.

Step 3: Barrier Coat Application

We apply specialized epoxy barrier coat to prevent future water infiltration. This critical step—often skipped by amateurs—creates permanent moisture barrier.

Step 4: Fiberglass Reconstruction

Where structural integrity is compromised, we rebuild using fiberglass cloth and resin, properly catalyzed and laminated.

Step 5: New Gelcoat Finish

After reconstruction cures, we apply marine-grade gelcoat at manufacturer-specified thickness using professional spray equipment.

Investment Range: $3,000–$8,000 depending on extent

Timeline: 7–10 days (drying time critical)

Warranty: 3 years workmanship

Complete Gelcoat Refinishing

When damage is widespread or when your gelcoat has reached its 15–20 year lifespan, complete refinishing restores factory-new appearance and durability.

Our Refinishing Process:

  1. Surface Preparation: Remove all existing gelcoat using specialized grinding equipment
  2. Surface Profiling: Create proper tooth for new gelcoat bonding
  3. Inspection and Repair: Address any structural issues before refinishing
  4. Professional Gelcoat Application: Spray marine-grade gelcoat at 25–30 mil thickness
  5. Temperature-Controlled Curing: Maintain proper conditions for complete chemical cure
  6. Wet Sanding and Buffing: Achieve factory-quality gloss finish

Investment Range: $5,000–$12,000 depending on pool size

Timeline: 10–14 days

Warranty: 3 years workmanship

Expected Lifespan: 10–15 years with proper maintenance

Why Gelcoat Beats Paint Every Time

Paint Is a Band-Aid, Not a Solution

Many North Texas contractors will recommend painting your fiberglass pool. They present it as the affordable option. What they don't tell you is that paint is a temporary cosmetic fix that creates long-term problems.

Paint Problems:

  • Lasts only 2–5 years before peeling and chipping
  • Traps moisture between paint and gelcoat, causing delamination
  • Looks painted, never achieving factory gelcoat appearance
  • Requires complete removal before proper gelcoat repair becomes possible
  • Creates rough texture that harbors algae
  • Weakens with every refinishing cycle

15-Year Cost Reality:

  • Paint Approach: $3,000 initial + repaint every 3 years = $15,000 total (5 paint jobs)
  • Professional Gelcoat: $8,000 once = $8,000 total
  • Your Savings: $7,000 + permanent solution

Gelcoat Is Engineered for Fiberglass Pools

Gelcoat isn't just pool coating—it's specifically formulated for fiberglass pool chemistry.

What Makes Gelcoat Superior:

  • Chemical Bonding: Gelcoat becomes part of your fiberglass structure, not a separate layer
  • Thickness: 25–30 mils vs. paint's 3–5 mils provides real protection
  • UV Resistance: Marine-grade gelcoat contains UV inhibitors engineered for sun exposure
  • Chemical Resistance: Withstands chlorine, salt, and pH fluctuations without degradation
  • Factory Finish: Properly applied gelcoat is indistinguishable from new pool manufacturing
  • Longevity: 10–15 years vs. 2–5 years for paint

We Only Use Professional Marine-Grade Gelcoat

Not all gelcoat is equal. We source marine-grade materials from manufacturers who supply fiberglass pool builders.

Our Material Standards:

  • Vinyl Ester or Iso-NPG Resin Base: Superior chemical and blister resistance
  • Proper Catalyst System: 1–2% MEKP for complete cross-linking
  • UV Inhibitor Package: Prevents fading and chalking
  • Air Release Additives: Eliminates pinholes and air bubbles
  • Thixotropic Properties: Prevents sagging on vertical surfaces

Common Fiberglass Pool Problems We Solve

Surface Crazing and Spider Cracks

What You See: Networks of fine hairline cracks across gelcoat surface, most visible when pool is drained.

What Causes It:

  • Gelcoat applied too thin during manufacturing (under 20 mils)
  • Improper chemical balance causing gelcoat stress
  • Ground movement or settling creating flex stress
  • Thermal expansion and contraction cycles
  • Age-related gelcoat embrittlement

Our Solution: Grind out affected areas, apply color-matched gelcoat at proper thickness, professional finishing for invisible repair.

Prevention: Maintain proper water chemistry, avoid draining pool during temperature extremes, address ground water issues.

Color Fading and Chalking

What You See: Gelcoat appears faded, whitish, chalky to touch, stains easily.

What Causes It:

  • UV degradation breaking down resin structure
  • Improper water chemistry accelerating deterioration
  • Low-quality gelcoat lacking UV inhibitors
  • Natural aging (15–20 year expected lifespan)

Our Solution: For mild fading, professional wet sanding and buffing with compound restores gloss. For severe fading, complete gelcoat refinishing becomes necessary.

Cost Comparison:

  • Buffing and restoration: $1,200–$2,500
  • Complete refinishing: $5,000–$12,000

Osmotic Blisters (Water Blisters)

What You See: Bubble-like formations under gelcoat surface, ranging from dime-sized to several inches across.

What Causes It:

  • Manufacturing defect: gelcoat too thin or too porous
  • Wrong resin type used (polyester instead of vinyl ester)
  • Improper catalyst ratio during manufacturing
  • Water penetration through gelcoat creating osmotic pressure

Why They're Serious: Blisters indicate ongoing water infiltration. Each blister represents delamination between gelcoat and fiberglass layers. Left untreated, they spread and multiply, eventually requiring complete gelcoat removal and replacement.

Our Solution: Complete blister removal, thorough drying (3–7 days), barrier coat application, structural reconstruction where needed, new gelcoat finish.

Investment: $3,000–$8,000 depending on severity

Cannot Be Patched: Attempting to simply grind and fill individual blisters guarantees new blisters forming within months.

Structural Cracks and Gouges

What You See: Cracks that extend through gelcoat into fiberglass structure, deep gouges from impacts, or bulges in pool shell.

What Causes It:

  • Ground movement or settling
  • Hydrostatic pressure from high water table
  • Impact damage from pool equipment or debris
  • Manufacturing defects in fiberglass lamination
  • Inadequate structural support during installation

Our Solution: These require structural fiberglass repair, not just gelcoat. We reinforce cracks with fiberglass cloth and resin, rebuild damaged areas, then refinish with gelcoat for seamless appearance.

Investment Range: $2,500–$6,000 for major structural repairs

Frequently Asked Questions About Fiberglass Pool Repair

Can fiberglass pools be repaired, or do they need replacement?

Most fiberglass pools are excellent candidates for professional repair. The fiberglass shell structure is remarkably durable—it's the gelcoat surface that experiences wear. Complete pool replacement is rarely necessary unless the shell has catastrophic structural damage from ground movement, major manufacturing defects, or decades of neglect.

Repair vs. Replace Decision Factors:

  • Repair When: Surface damage only (cracks, blisters, fading), structurally sound shell, pool under 30 years old
  • Replace When: Severe shell damage throughout, multiple structural failures, extremely poor installation with ongoing settling

Cost Comparison:

  • Professional gelcoat refinishing: $5,000–$12,000
  • Complete fiberglass pool replacement: $40,000–$80,000

95% of fiberglass pools we evaluate are better candidates for professional repair than replacement.

How long does fiberglass pool gelcoat last?

Professionally applied marine-grade gelcoat lasts 10–15 years with proper maintenance. Factory gelcoat from reputable manufacturers lasts 15–20 years. Low-quality gelcoat or improperly applied material fails within 5–8 years.

Longevity Factors:

  • Material Quality: Marine-grade vinyl ester gelcoat outlasts cheap polyester
  • Application Thickness: 25–30 mils provides durability; under 20 mils fails prematurely
  • Water Chemistry: Balanced pH and alkalinity preserve gelcoat; improper chemistry accelerates deterioration
  • Sun Exposure: UV inhibitors and proper additives extend life in full-sun environments
  • Maintenance: Regular cleaning and chemical balance dramatically extend gelcoat lifespan
What causes spider cracks in fiberglass pools?

Spider cracks form when gelcoat experiences stress beyond its flexibility limits.

Primary Causes:

  1. Manufacturing Issues: Gelcoat applied too thin (under 20 mils) lacks durability
  2. Chemical Stress: Improper pH, high chlorine, or chemical imbalance weakens gelcoat structure
  3. Ground Movement: Settling or shifting creates flex stress on rigid gelcoat
  4. Thermal Stress: Rapid temperature changes cause expansion and contraction
  5. Age: Natural gelcoat embrittlement after 15–20 years reduces flexibility

Important Distinction: Spider cracks are gelcoat-only surface fractures. They're different from structural cracks that extend into fiberglass shell. Spider cracks require gelcoat repair; structural cracks require fiberglass reconstruction.

How much does fiberglass pool repair cost in North Texas?

Repair investment depends on damage type and extent.

Repair Type Investment Range Timeline
Spider crack repair (localized area) $800–$2,500 2–3 days
Gelcoat touch-up (chips, small gouges) $600–$1,800 1–2 days
Osmotic blister repair $3,000–$8,000 7–10 days
Structural crack repair $2,500–$6,000 3–5 days
Bulge repair $2,500–$5,000 3–5 days
Complete gelcoat refinishing $5,000–$12,000 10–14 days
Delamination repair $4,000–$10,000 7–14 days

Price Factors: Pool size, extent of damage, material quality, access and preparation requirements, color matching complexity

Schedule Your Free Fiberglass Pool Assessment in North Texas

Stop Accepting Temporary Fixes

Your fiberglass pool deserves professional gelcoat repair from specialists who understand fiberglass chemistry, not painters offering band-aid solutions. Whether you're facing spider cracks, osmotic blisters, fading gelcoat, or structural concerns, we provide honest diagnosis and permanent repairs backed by warranties.

What Happens When You Call

Step 1: Initial Consultation (Same Day)

Call 972-789-2983 to speak with our fiberglass specialists. We'll discuss your pool's symptoms, age, and concerns during 10–15 minute conversation. If we can provide guidance immediately, we will. Most cases warrant on-site inspection for proper diagnosis.

Step 2: Free Assessment (Within 3–5 Days)

Our fiberglass specialist visits your North Texas property at convenient time. We'll conduct comprehensive inspection, take photos, test for delamination, evaluate gelcoat thickness, and assess structural integrity. Assessment takes 45–90 minutes depending on pool size.

Zero Pressure, Zero Obligation: We're gathering information to provide accurate recommendations, not generating high-pressure sales situations.

Step 3: Detailed Proposal (Within 48 Hours)

You'll receive comprehensive proposal including:

  • Photo documentation of all damage identified
  • Detailed explanation of required repairs
  • Multiple repair options with pros and cons
  • Transparent pricing for each approach
  • Timeline requirements with cure considerations
  • Material specifications and warranty coverage
  • References from similar North Texas projects

Take time to review. Compare with other contractors. Get second opinions. We're confident in our expertise and pricing—no pressure necessary.

Step 4: Professional Repair (Scheduled at Your Convenience)

Once you decide to proceed, we'll schedule repair work at your convenience with exact start date, daily updates, professional crew with specialized equipment, marine-grade materials, quality inspection, and complete cleanup.

Step 5: Follow-Up and Support

After completion, we provide detailed maintenance guidelines and remain available for any questions. We'll contact you at 30 days and annually to ensure satisfaction and offer inspection scheduling.

Schedule Your Free Assessment → 972-789-2983