Owning a swimming pool comes with its fair share of maintenance responsibilities, and one of the lesser-known yet potentially serious issues is osmosis. If you’ve noticed bubbles, blisters, or strange lumps on the walls or floor of your fibreglass pool, you might be dealing with pool osmosis—a common concern that can affect both the appearance and structural integrity of your pool.
In this blog, we’ll break down what osmosis is, why it happens in swimming pools, how to identify it, and what to do about it. If you’re facing these symptoms, don’t worry—we’ll also share how experts like Fibre Style can help restore your pool to pristine condition.
What is Osmosis in Swimming Pools?
In simple terms, osmosis in fibreglass pools refers to the process where water seeps through tiny pores in the pool’s surface and gets trapped between the fibreglass layers. This water reacts with chemicals inside the pool shell, causing a gas or fluid build-up that forms visible blisters or bubbles.
These blisters are not just cosmetic flaws—they can grow over time, weaken the structure of your pool surface, and eventually lead to cracks or leaks.
What Causes Pool Osmosis?
Pool osmosis is typically caused by a combination of factors, including:
- Poor-quality materials or workmanship during pool manufacturing
- Aging fibreglass shells that naturally degrade over time
- Water pressure and temperature changes leading to stress on the shell
- Improper chemical balance, which accelerates surface breakdown
Though modern manufacturing has improved significantly, even newer fibreglass pools can develop osmosis if maintenance isn’t properly managed.
Signs Your Pool May Have Osmosis
Keep an eye out for these early warning signs:
- Raised bubbles or lumps on the pool’s surface
- Discolouration or staining around the affected areas
- Rough textures or changes in water clarity
- Foul odours from damaged spots (a sign of chemical reaction)
Spotting these symptoms early can save you from more extensive damage and costly repairs down the track.
Can Osmosis Be Fixed?
Yes—and that’s where professional fibreglass pool repair services come in. Companies like Fibre Style in Sydney offer specialised osmosis treatment and repair solutions. The process typically involves:
- Draining the pool and drying the interior
- Grinding out the osmosis blisters
- Reapplying high-quality fibreglass and resin
- Finishing with a fresh gelcoat to restore appearance and durability
This treatment not only removes the problem but also strengthens your pool shell against future damage.
Why Choose Fibre Style?
At Fibre Style, we understand the importance of a safe, beautiful, and long-lasting pool. Our team is experienced in identifying and treating osmosis damage with precision, using only top-tier materials and industry-standard repair methods. We work quickly and efficiently, ensuring your pool is ready to enjoy again—with no bubbles in sight!
Final Thoughts
Osmosis might sound like a scientific mystery, but for pool owners, it’s a real and fixable issue. If your fibreglass pool is showing signs of bubbling or blistering, don’t delay. The sooner you act, the easier and more cost-effective the repair will be.
Ready to restore your pool to its original beauty? Contact Fibre Style today for expert advice and high-quality fibreglass pool repair services in Sydney.