Tankline recently completed the refurbishment and relining of a teaching pool in Essex, replacing a failed bag liner with a fully bonded GRP swimming pool lining designed to provide long-term waterproofing, durability and ease of maintenance.
The project involved removal of the existing liner, structural repairs to the pool shell, extensive surface preparation, installation of a vinyl ester GRP laminate and specialist anti-slip finishes to the pool access steps.
Removal of the Existing Pool Liner
The original bag liner had reached the end of its service life and was completely removed to expose the underlying tiled pool shell.
Following removal, the existing tiled surfaces were mechanically ground to create the surface profile required for the new bonded lining system. Thorough preparation at this stage is essential to achieve reliable adhesion between the existing pool structure and the new GRP laminate.
Mechanical preparation forms an important part of many Tankline projects, with specialist diamond grinding and surface preparation used to remove existing finishes and prepare substrates for subsequent coating and lining systems.
Pool Shell Repairs & Preparation
With the original liner removed, the exposed pool shell could be properly inspected. Localised repairs were undertaken to rectify defects within the existing structure before installation of the new lining began.
Once repairs and mechanical preparation were complete, the pool shell was primed using a high-performance vinyl ester resin system, creating the appropriate substrate for installation of the GRP laminate.
Correct preparation is fundamental to the long-term performance of a fully bonded swimming pool lining, helping to maximise bond strength and reduce the potential for future lining failure.
Vinyl Ester GRP Laminate Installation
Our specialist operatives installed a heavy-duty GRP laminate throughout the teaching pool using premium vinyl ester resin technology. The laminate was carefully applied across the walls, floor, steps and pool features to create a continuous waterproof barrier fully bonded to the existing shell.
Tankline’s GRP lining systems combine fibreglass reinforcement with specialist resin systems to create strong, seamless protective linings suitable for demanding environments.
Benefits of the GRP Pool Lining System
- Excellent resistance to chlorinated water
- High structural strength
- Long service life
- Resistance to osmotic blistering
- Exceptional adhesion properties
- Low maintenance requirements
Resin Sealing Coat
Once installation of the laminate was complete, a pigmented vinyl ester resin coat was applied to fully seal the GRP laminate and provide a consistent surface ready for the final topcoat.
This additional layer completely encapsulates the fibreglass reinforcement while providing further protection to the underlying laminate.
Decorative Swimming Pool Finish
The pool was finished with a specialist blue swimming pool topcoat, providing the required chemical and water resistance while giving the refurbished teaching pool a bright, clean appearance.
The new finish transformed the appearance of the existing facility while retaining the original pool structure beneath the fully bonded lining system.
Anti-Slip Pool Step System
Particular attention was paid to safe access and egress from the teaching pool. Anti-slip step nosings were incorporated into the access steps to provide additional grip and clearly define the step edges beneath the water.
- Improved grip under wet conditions
- Enhanced visibility of step edges
- Increased user safety
- Long-term durability in submerged conditions
This detailing is particularly valuable within teaching pools, where the facility may be used by inexperienced swimmers and safe access to and from the water is an important consideration.
Completed Teaching Pool Refurbishment
The completed project transformed a pool suffering from a failed bag liner into a fully bonded, seamless GRP-lined facility. Rather than replacing the existing pool structure, Tankline was able to repair and prepare the existing shell before installing a new protective lining over it.
- Removal of the failed bag liner
- Mechanical preparation of the tiled pool shell
- Localised structural repairs
- Vinyl ester GRP laminate installation
- Fully bonded waterproof pool lining
- Specialist blue swimming pool finish
- Anti-slip step detailing
- Reduced future maintenance requirements
The result is an attractive, waterproof and highly durable teaching pool designed to provide many years of reliable service.
Specialist GRP Swimming Pool Lining Contractors
Tankline provides specialist swimming pool lining and refurbishment services for commercial, educational and leisure facilities throughout Essex and across the UK. Our systems can provide a cost-effective solution for pools affected by failed liners, leaks, deteriorating finishes and recurring maintenance problems.
You can see further examples of our work in our swimming pool lining case studies or browse our complete range of recent projects.
