Pool resurfacing and relining in Cape Town
When a pool surface turns rough, stained or cracked, resurfacing gives the shell a new skin. We refer you to a contractor who covers your suburb and can explain which finish suits your pool.
When a pool needs resurfacing
A pool surface does not last forever. Marbelite slowly etches and roughens, especially if the water balance has been off for long periods. Painted pools peel. Old fibreglass can blister or fade. The shell underneath is often perfectly sound.
- The surface feels rough and catches skin or costumes.
- Stains that brushing and chemicals no longer shift.
- Chalky or hollow-sounding patches, or plaster that has come loose.
- Many fine cracks across the surface.
- Algae that clings to a porous surface and returns quickly.
- Paint that is peeling or flaking into the water.
The main options
Re-marbelite. The old surface is chipped back or prepared, and a new layer of marbelite plaster is applied by hand. It is the traditional finish on concrete and gunite pools in Cape Town. It has a natural look but is porous, so water balance matters to how long it lasts.
Fibreglass relining. Layers of fibreglass matting and resin are applied over the prepared shell, then finished with a gel coat. The result is smooth and non-porous, which makes it harder for algae to take hold. It can also bridge some fine cracks, although a moving crack still needs its cause dealt with.
Other finishes. Some contractors offer pebble finishes, tiles or specialist paints. Paint is the cheapest short-term option but needs redoing more often.
Our guide to re-marbelite versus fibreglass relining compares the two most common choices in more detail.
How resurfacing is done
The pool is drained after the contractor has checked the groundwater risk. Loose material is removed, cracks are opened and repaired, and the shell is cleaned and prepared. The new finish is applied, then cured or allowed to harden before the pool is refilled.
With marbelite, the first weeks after filling are important: brushing and careful water balance help the surface settle. With fibreglass, the contractor will tell you when the pool can be filled and when chemicals can be added. Follow their instructions closely, because many surface problems start in the first month.
Questions to ask before you choose
- What preparation does my existing surface need?
- How will you check for and manage groundwater when the pool is empty?
- Which cracks will you repair, and how?
- How long before the pool can be filled and used?
- What care does the new surface need in its first month?
- What guarantee do you give, and what would void it?
What happens when you send us your request
Tell us your suburb, the current surface, the pool's rough size and what is wrong with it. We pass the enquiry to an independent resurfacing contractor who covers your area, who contacts you, inspects and quotes directly. We are a referral service and do not do the work ourselves.
Related services
- Pool renovations, if you also want new coping, paving or equipment.
- Pool repairs, for a few cracks or a single damaged area.
- Pool leak detection, if the pool is losing water.
- Resurfacing is often part of a renovation in older suburbs such as Rondebosch and Claremont.
What moves the quote
We do not publish prices. The contractor quotes you directly once they understand the job. These are the factors that usually make the difference:
- Surface area: length, width and depth profile of the pool.
- The finish chosen and the number of coats or layers.
- How much of the old surface must be removed or prepared.
- Crack repairs found once the pool is empty.
- Draining, groundwater management and refilling.
- Waterline tiles and coping, if replaced at the same time.
- Access for materials and removal of old surface material.
Our guide to what moves a pool repair quote in Cape Town explains how to compare quotes fairly.
Frequently asked questions
How often does a pool need resurfacing?
It varies with the finish, the water balance and how the pool is used. Ask the contractor what life to expect from the finish they recommend for your pool.
Can fibreglass be applied over marbelite?
Yes, fibreglass relining is commonly applied over a prepared marbelite or concrete shell. The contractor will check that the existing surface is sound enough.
Will resurfacing fix a leak?
Not necessarily. Leaks at fittings or pipes are separate from the surface. Find the leak first, then plan the resurfacing.
Can I paint my pool instead?
Paint is an option on some pools, but it usually needs redoing more often than marbelite or fibreglass. Ask the contractor what suits your shell.
Do you resurface pools yourselves?
No. We refer you to an independent contractor who covers your suburb. They quote and do the work.
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