ZOMBIE POOL RESURRECTION: Repairing and resurfacing an old hybrid swimming pool with ecoFINISH
- Kandace Pierce
- 2 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Some types of pool projects are just more complicated than others—and this one was no exception. When we were called out to inspect an old hybrid pool with fiberglass walls and a gunite (concrete) bottom, we knew right away it would be a challenge. But with the right prep work and materials—specifically ecoFINISH—we were able to restore it to a beautiful, durable finish.
Let’s break down why hybrid pools are so tricky, and how we brought this one back to life.
📸 Before: A Closer Look at the Hybrid Swimming Pool Problem
These types of hybrid pools were popular in the late 1970's and early 1980's, but no one builds them any longer and few know how to maintain them. However, many of these old "Zombie Pools" simply refuse to die and are still in good enough condition to make remodeling the pool more cost-effective than rebuilding it. We've been approached by many homeowners throughout the years with these types of hybrid pools, and we are always eager to help if we are able.
As you can see, this particular pool had major surface breakdown. The fiberglass walls were heavily oxidized and pitted, while the concrete bottom was rough, stained, and beginning to delaminate. Years of fiberglass osmosis and chemical exposure and had taken their toll on this swimming pool.
🔍 Mixed Materials, Mixed Headaches
Hybrid swimming pool resurfacing presents a unique problem: you're dealing with two materials that behave completely differently.
Fiberglass is smooth and flexible, but vulnerable to cracking and delamination if not prepped perfectly.
Gunite is rough, porous, and prone to absorbing moisture—plus it needs structural repair in many cases.
ecoFINISH bonds well to both, but only if the surfaces are properly prepped. That means extra time, extra attention, and specialized knowledge of both materials.
🧽 Surface Prep: Where the Real Work Happens
Before any coating goes on, we have to:
✅ Strip the old finish down to the base layer
✅ Sand and grind the fiberglass to remove oxidation and create a mechanical bond
✅ Patch and prep the gunite, sealing voids and addressing any moisture issues
This is where experience counts—without the right prep, even a high-end product like ecoFINISH won’t last. We have a proven track record of resurfacing over 300 pools with ecoFINISH so we understand how to handle these challenges.
🔥 Application with Precision
ecoFINISH is applied using a flame-spray system, which melts the polymer into a smooth, durable shell. But each surface—fiberglass and gunite—requires different heat levels, spray techniques, and distance from the applicator.
This is especially critical at the joint where the walls meet the floor—a weak point in many hybrid pools.
🎉 After: A Beautiful, Durable Finish
Here’s the same pool just days later, fully resurfaced in a beautiful coat ecoFINISH. The new surface is:
💪 Durable and crack-resistant
💧 Smooth and non-porous—great for reducing algae growth
🧽 Easy to maintain with no more chalky fiberglass residue
🕶️ UV- and chemical-resistant for long-term good looks
💬 Final Thoughts
Hybrid pools may be rare, but they’re not impossible to restore—if you know what you’re doing. At Louisiana Pool, we specialize in tough resurfacing jobs like this one. ecoFINISH gives us the flexibility and performance we need to handle even the most challenging projects.
Got a hybrid pool that needs help? Let’s talk! We offer free consultations and can help you bring your pool back to life—better than new.