Commercial Pool Refurbishment Using Vinyl Ester GRP Lining Technology
Tankline recently completed the refurbishment and relining of a commercial swimming pool in East Sussex, transforming an ageing painted pool into a modern facility protected by a fully bonded and waterproof GRP lining system.
The existing pool had previously been maintained using traditional swimming pool paint systems. While these coatings can provide a cosmetic finish, periodic maintenance and reapplication can become necessary as the system ages. To provide a more durable long-term solution, a fully bonded vinyl ester GRP lining system was specified.
Existing Pool Assessment & Surface Preparation
The project commenced with the pool being drained and prepared for refurbishment. Multiple layers of existing swimming pool paint needed to be completely removed before installation of the new lining system could begin.
The painted surfaces were grit blasted to strip away the existing coatings and expose the original tiled substrate beneath. This provided a clean, mechanically prepared surface onto which the new composite lining system could be securely bonded.
Effective preparation is fundamental to coating and lining performance. Tankline provides specialist abrasive blast cleaning and surface preparation to remove existing coatings, contamination and deteriorated material before the installation of new protective systems.
Vinyl Ester Priming & GRP Laminate Installation
Once abrasive preparation was complete, the pool shell was primed using a high-performance vinyl ester resin system.
Our specialist operatives then installed a heavy-duty glass reinforced plastic (GRP) laminate throughout the pool. The laminate was applied across the walls, floor and transitions, with careful detailing around fittings and penetrations to create a continuous protective barrier.
Combining fibreglass reinforcement with vinyl ester resin created a strong, seamless and fully bonded waterproof lining over the existing pool structure. Tankline’s GRP lining systems are designed for applications where reliable waterproofing, chemical resistance and long-term durability are required.
Benefits of the Vinyl Ester GRP System
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Long service life
- Resistance to osmotic blistering
- Exceptional adhesion properties
- Low maintenance requirements
- Superior waterproofing performance
Vinyl Ester Resin Sealing Coat
Following installation of the fibreglass laminate, a pigmented vinyl ester resin coat was applied to fully seal the reinforcement and provide a consistent surface throughout the swimming pool.
This stage completely encapsulated the laminate while providing additional protection and preparing the newly lined pool for its final decorative finish.
Precision Swimming Lane Installation
Before application of the final topcoat system, the swimming lane markings were carefully measured and set out. Accurate positioning ensured consistent alignment throughout the length of the pool and provided the professional appearance required for the finished facility.
Blue Swimming Pool Topcoat & Lane Markings
The refurbishment was completed with the application of a specialist blue swimming pool topcoat designed for continuous immersion environments.
The bright blue finish dramatically improved the appearance of the facility while providing a durable and easy-to-maintain surface over the GRP laminate. Jet black lane markings were incorporated into the finished system, providing a sharp visual contrast against the blue pool surface.
Completed East Sussex Swimming Pool Refurbishment
The completed refurbishment replaced an ageing, repeatedly painted pool surface with a fully bonded GRP lining system designed to provide a considerably more durable waterproof finish.
- Complete removal of existing swimming pool paint
- Grit blasting and substrate preparation
- Vinyl ester resin priming
- Heavy-duty GRP laminate installation
- Fully bonded waterproof swimming pool lining
- Precision swimming lane markings
- Bright blue decorative topcoat
- Reduced ongoing maintenance requirements
By retaining the existing tiled pool shell and installing a new composite lining directly over the prepared substrate, Tankline was able to transform the ageing facility without the need for complete pool reconstruction.
Specialist GRP Swimming Pool Relining Contractors
Tankline provides specialist GRP swimming pool relining and refurbishment services for commercial, educational and leisure facilities throughout East Sussex and across the UK. Our services cover the complete refurbishment process, from removal of failed coatings and specialist surface preparation through to vinyl ester laminating and final pool finishes.
If your swimming pool is suffering from failed paint systems, leaks, deteriorating finishes or recurring maintenance issues, explore our swimming pool lining case studies to see further examples of our work, or browse all recent Tankline projects.
