Frequently Asked Questions

FIBERGLASS VS. PLASTER

Pros of Plaster

Plaster is typically the least expensive product available for resurfacing.
Newer plaster can be acid washed & sanded when it becomes rough, stained, & develops calcium nodules.

Cons of Plaster

Plaster looks old sooner than other surfacing materials (discoloration & roughness) due to the porosity of the final product.
When plaster is used in a homeowner association, apartment complex or hotel application, where water is heated & has a high chemical content, it has a very good chance of showing heavy copper stains.
Plaster is not flexible & will crack if movement is present.
There is no margin for error in chemical balance as staining will occur if water is not balanced properly.
Calcium nodules are often present in plaster, especially when used to resurface.
When using plaster to resurface it is sometimes difficult to adhere to the old gunite (if they remove all of the old plaster) or old plaster surface. A cold joint between the new plaster and the old gunite often causes de-lamination of the two surfaces.
When removing old plaster to re-plaster it is common to expose some of the rebar (steel reinforcement) or rebar ties which would then cause the rebar to rust and show through the plaster surface.
Plaster start up has a hidden cost and is labor intensive.

Pros of Fiberglass

Fiberglass looks newer longer then most other surfaces due to the nature of the product. It is a very hard, durable, non porous material.
The finish coat allows for repairs, is stain resistant & will maintain the uniformity of its color.
The surface is flexible & will allow for some movement when shifting occurs.
Our product has a 15 year material warranty.
Fiberglass will stay smooth and strong over a period of many years & does not have the chipping, bubbling, cracking, and calcium nodule problems that are often present in plaster resurfaced pools.
Fiberglass creates a water tight shell that does not allow rebar to show through & does not get calcium nodules.
The surface maintains a very pristine appearance & is easier to keep clean as well.
Fiberglass startup simply requires a stain inhibitor and normal pool chemicals.

Cons of Fiberglass

Fiberglass is usually more expensive than plaster due to the materials used and the labor intensive installation process.
The time period from start to finish on a fiberglass installation is about 3 weeks.