What is Marblesheen/Marblelite?
Marblesheen also known as Marblelite is a decorative coating applied to the surface of concrete pool shells with the average thickness between 5-25mm. It is primarily composed of white cement and white marble chips between 1-2mm in diameter. If the Marblesheen coating was applied prior to 1990, it may include asbestos.
View the pool-coating diagram and photographs in the Queensland Government’s Marblesheen asbestos guidance.
How Do I Identify If A Pool Coating Contains Asbestos?
The only way to confirm if a Marblesheen coating contains asbestos is to have a sample analysed by a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited laboratory.
Before maintenance, repairs or renovation, pre-1990 Marblesheen pools should be tested, including resurfaced pools where an older coating may remain underneath. Until testing confirms otherwise, assume these older coatings contain asbestos. If the installation date is unknown, arrange testing before resurfacing or renovating.
Is There A Risk Of Exposure To Asbestos From Marblesheen Coatings?
If the Marblesheen coating is in good condition and left undisturbed, it presents a low risk as it is non-friable and the asbestos fibres are bound to the cement. However if the surface is deteriorated in the way of cracks, breaks and chips or delamination of the coating there may be a risk.
Maintenance, Renovation Or Demolition Of Marblesheen Containing Asbestos
Any work involving the removal or disturbance of Marblesheen coatings assumed or confirmed to contain asbestos must be done in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011.
Read the complete Queensland Government Marblesheen asbestos guidance for testing, licensing and work-method requirements.
For help with common-property administration and records, see our Body Corporate administrative services. Testing, risk assessment and removal advice should come from qualified asbestos professionals.