CFB Esquimalt Pool Refinishing Project
Olympic Pool Epoxy Removal — Esquimalt, BC
Perma Construction contracted Ocean Pacific Media Blasting to complete a major pool refinishing project at CFB Esquimalt.
The project involved stripping multiple layers of epoxy coating from the Naden swimming pool, an Olympic-size facility used by Canadian Forces personnel for training, competition, and physical conditioning.
Due to the importance of the facility and the complexity of the coating system, the work required a precise, professional surface preparation approach.
Heavy Epoxy Build-Up Over Time
Over time, the pool had accumulated eight layers of epoxy paint, creating an uneven surface that was no longer suitable for recoating. Thick epoxy systems can become brittle, delaminate, and interfere with adhesion if not fully removed before repainting.
The scope of work included:
Complete removal of all existing epoxy layers
Preservation of the underlying pool surface
Uniform surface preparation for new coating application
Efficient turnaround to minimize facility downtime
Given the size of the pool and the number of coating layers, conventional removal methods would have been slow and inconsistent.
Aluminum Oxide Media Blasting Solution
Ocean Pacific selected aluminum oxide blasting media for this project due to its cutting efficiency and ability to remove heavy epoxy coatings without damaging the pool substrate. Aluminum oxide is well suited for aggressive coating removal where precision and surface control are required.
The blasting process removed all eight epoxy layers evenly across the entire pool surface, leaving a clean, consistent profile ready for repainting.
Advantages of aluminum oxide blasting on this project included:
Efficient removal of thick epoxy coatings
Consistent surface profile for new paint adhesion
No chemical stripping or excessive grinding
Reliable results across large surface areas
Precision Execution on an Olympic-Size Pool
Working on an Olympic-size pool requires disciplined technique and experienced operators. Over-profiling or uneven removal can compromise the new coating system and shorten its lifespan.
Ocean Pacific’s crews applied controlled blasting pressure and consistent coverage throughout the pool, ensuring uniform results from start to finish. The entire surface was brought back to a properly prepared condition, allowing Perma Construction to proceed directly with repainting.
Project Outcome and Long-Term Value
By fully removing all existing epoxy layers, the project ensured the new coating system would bond properly and perform as intended. The result was a clean, properly prepared pool surface ready for refinishing—supporting the long-term use of an essential training facility for Canadian Forces personnel.
This project demonstrates how professional abrasive blasting provides an effective solution for complex coating removal in high-use recreational and institutional facilities, delivering reliable surface preparation and long-term performance.
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Project Brief
Aluminum oxide blasting removed eight epoxy layers from Olympic-size military swimming pool.
Client Name
Perma Construction
Category
Surface Cleaning Project
Location
Esquimalt, BC, Canada
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