Give the pool
a new skin.
Some pools don't need another coat of paint or another layer of plaster. They need to be taken back, repaired properly, and given a new surface — fiberglass and resin, the same basic materials used throughout marine and composite construction.
More than
a coating.
Fiberglass resurfacing isn't just another finish rolled or sprayed over an old pool. The fiberglass itself becomes a new reinforced surface over the existing shell. That distinction matters.
Before any fiberglass goes down, we need to know what's underneath it. Loose plaster, old coatings, cracks, blisters, moisture problems, and previous repairs all have to be dealt with first. It's dusty, hands-on work, and it's a big part of the job.
Once we have something solid to work from, fiberglass and resin are applied across the pool and tied into the repaired areas. The surface is then faired, sanded, and finished in gelcoat. The result is a smooth, non-porous fiberglass surface built over the pool you already have.
We come from fiberglass.
Nautilus Composites wasn't started as a pool plastering company. My background is in surfboards, boats, and composite fabrication — years spent laminating, repairing, fairing, sanding, and finishing things by hand. Pools are a different scale, but the fundamentals are familiar: preparation, a solid bond, proper saturation of the reinforcement, and patience with the finish work. That's the approach I bring to every pool.
Start With What's Underneath
Putting fiberglass over a bad surface doesn't fix the bad surface. We remove loose and deteriorated material and repair the shell before covering it back up.
Fiberglass Across the Whole Pool
Rather than treating every crack as an isolated patch, the resurfacing system creates a continuous fiberglass skin across the pool.
Built and Finished by Hand
There are parts of this process that simply take time. Fairing, sanding, transitions, corners, and finish work are done until the surface is ready — not just until it's covered.
A different way of approaching the surface.
Plaster has been used successfully in swimming pools for a long time, and there are pools where it makes perfect sense. Fiberglass is simply a different approach.
Instead of relying on a cementitious finish, we build a reinforced resin-and-glass surface over the existing shell. The finished surface is smooth and non-porous, which makes it pleasant underfoot and easier to keep clean. For older pools with recurring surface deterioration, or for owners who simply want an alternative to another plaster finish, fiberglass is worth considering.
The Nautilus Composite Pool Restoration System™
Every pool is a little different. The condition of the shell, previous repairs, coatings, cracks, and even the way the pool was originally built can change what needs to happen — so I don't believe in pretending every job is identical. What stays consistent is the order of operations.
Assess
First, we figure out what we're actually dealing with. That means looking at the existing finish, cracks, hollow or damaged areas, penetrations, previous repairs, and the general condition of the shell.
Expose
Next comes the dirty part. Failing material and incompatible coatings are mechanically removed until we're working from a surface we can trust.
Repair
Cracks, voids, and damaged sections are opened up and repaired before they're covered. If something looks questionable, this is when we want to find it — not after the pool is finished.
Prepare
The entire pool is cleaned and prepared for fiberglass. At this point we're paying attention to surface profile, dryness, transitions, corners, and anything else that will affect the bond.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass reinforcement and resin are applied across the prepared pool. This is what creates the new composite surface. Particular attention is paid to repairs, transitions, penetrations, and other areas where movement or stress tends to concentrate.
Fair & Sand
Fresh fiberglass isn't perfectly smooth. The pool is faired and sanded to clean up transitions, remove high spots, and bring the surface into its final shape. This is where a lot of the craftsmanship lives.
Finish
Once the surface is ready, the pool receives its final gelcoat finish. This gives the pool its color and the smooth, water-facing surface you actually see and touch.
Inspect
Before we're done, the pool gets a final inspection. We check the finish, transitions, penetrations, and overall surface before it goes back into service.
35' × 15' Fiberglass Pool
This pool came to us with extensive blistering, cracking, and deterioration beneath the existing surface. Instead of simply refinishing it, damaged areas were opened up and repaired first. The pool was then prepared, faired, and refinished as a complete surface. We documented the job along the way because I want people to be able to see what this work actually involves — not just the finished blue pool at the end.
From the shop and the field.
I believe the best way to explain this work is to show it. The photos here are from actual Nautilus projects — damaged fiberglass, grinding, repairs, reinforcement, resin, sanding, masking, and finished surfaces. As we complete more pools, this will become an ongoing archive of the work and the different problems we encounter.
San Luis Obispo County & the Central Coast.
Nautilus Composites is based on the Central Coast and works throughout San Luis Obispo County, including San Luis Obispo, Atascadero, Paso Robles, Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, and Arroyo Grande. For the right project, we're happy to travel farther.
Fiberglass vs. plaster, in one page.
The full comparison, laid out for printing or sharing with a contractor.
View / download the brochureBefore you call.
What kinds of pools can be resurfaced with fiberglass?
Concrete, gunite, and existing fiberglass pools can all potentially be candidates. The important question is the condition of the pool underneath the existing finish. Send us a few photos and we can usually get a pretty good idea of what you're dealing with.
Why is preparation such a big deal?
Because fiberglass only works if it's bonded to something solid. Loose plaster, contamination, moisture, or deteriorated material doesn't magically become sound when fiberglass goes over it. I'd rather spend the time fixing what's underneath than hide it and hope for the best.
What happens to cracks?
We don't just cover them. Cracks and damaged areas are opened up, evaluated, and repaired before the fiberglass surface is installed over them.
Can you really fiberglass a concrete or gunite pool?
Yes. The concrete or gunite remains the structural shell of the pool. The fiberglass system creates a new reinforced surface over it.
How long does it take?
A typical residential project may take roughly one to two weeks, but the condition of the existing pool makes a big difference. A relatively sound pool moves quickly; one that reveals extensive cracking, delamination, or previous repair work takes longer. We'll have a much better idea once we've seen it.
How long does fiberglass last?
There's no honest way to give every pool the same number. A well-installed fiberglass surface can have a very long service life, but preparation, installation, water chemistry, and the condition of the underlying pool all matter. Our goal is to build the surface correctly rather than sell it with an arbitrary lifespan.
What colors are available?
Gelcoat can be made in a range of colors, from traditional pool whites and blues to more distinctive finishes. We'll go through the options before the project begins.
Do you work outside San Luis Obispo County?
Yes, depending on the project. Most of our work is on the Central Coast, but we're open to traveling for the right job.
From the pools we've built.
"All work was completed as promised. Chandler is a perfectionist. Every detail covered. Color matched a one off gelcoat and blended in flawless with the exterior hue. The one guy you want to call."
"Great repairs, and great customer service. I highly recommend!!"
"Great job. Awesome customer service."
Not sure what
to do with it?
Send me a few photos. You don't need to know whether it needs fiberglass, plaster, repair work, or something else before you call — that's what the assessment is for. A few wide shots of the pool and close-ups of any cracks, blisters, or damaged areas are a good place to start.
- Pool location
- Pool type (concrete, gunite, existing fiberglass)
- Approximate age
- Current surface condition
- Visible cracks or damage
- Photographs, if you have them
Have photos? Text them with your name and pool location to (805) 400-7137.