Fiberglass pools are popular in Central Florida yards for many reasons. They’re significantly less expensive than their concrete counterparts – as well as faster to install. And while they’re also easier to maintain, fiberglass pools do require some amount of care to keep them in top condition for maximum enjoyment and longest life. Here’s what you need to know!
Basic Fiberglass Pool Maintenance
Most maintenance tasks can be handled by the homeowner. However, not everyone has the time and/or inclination. If this is the case, a pool service company will have the experience, equipment and supplies to do the job. Another advantage: The cost is typically less than that for concrete pools!
If you decide to DIY, River Pools provides the following maintenance tips for getting the best from your fiberglass pool:
- Clean regularly, with products made specifically for fiberglass pools.
- Check water chemistry.
- Run the pool filter.
- Keep water level above the skimmer.
Cleaning the pool — A fiberglass pool has a smooth, nonporous gel coat surface, which greatly reduces the chance of algae growth. For this reason, it requires less brushing. Should algae nevertheless crop up, use the SLAM (Shock, Level, And Maintain) method to shock the pool, and it will be ready for swimming in just 24 hours.
Use a skimming net and telescopic pole to get rid of leaves and bugs, and a pool vacuum to clean the bottom of debris. To remove grime and dirt, use a damp rag and simple pool cleaner – harsh cleaners can damage the gel coat and even change the water chemistry.
Balancing the water chemistry — Keeping your pool water balanced creates an environment that is both safe and inviting for swimmers. Every pool owner needs to maintain the proper levels of the following:
- Free chlorine: 2–4 ppm
- pH: 7.4–7.6
- Calcium hardness: 200–400 ppm
- Cyanuric acid (CYA)
- Total alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
Fiberglass pools typically require less adjustment because the surface is inert and doesn’t affect the water chemistry.
Running the pool filter — One circulation every day is sufficient to keep your water clean – saving a substantial amount on power bills!
Maintaining the water level — Maintaining water level is important because it equalizes groundwater pressure. Keep the water level above the skimmer at all times. The water level is important in a fiberglass pool because it counters the upward pressure exerted by groundwater. When you don’t maintain proper water level, it can pop out of the ground (as can every other type of in-ground pool). If your pool needs to be drained for any reason, it should be at the recommendation of a professional pool service company, and performed by the same company.
Keeping the water line clean — Fiberglass pool owners should keep the waterline around the pool perimeter clean. Body oils, suntan lotions, dirt, airborne contaminants, etc., can collect and cause buildup around this area. If you don’t keep it clean, the buildup can stain your pool’s gel coat finish.
How to Remove Organic and Inorganic Pool Stains
If not removed promptly, pool stains tend to become more difficult to clean as time goes by. Fiberglass pool stains can be categorized into two types:
Organic — Stains caused by leaves, berries and dirt. Note that algae isn’t a stain, but the presence of black algae may look like a stain.
Inorganic — Metal stains from iron, copper, or manganese. Cobalt staining and calcium scaling are other common forms of inorganic stains.
Once you’ve identified the type of stain, use the appropriate cleaning method. Always test in a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility with your pool’s finish. To protect your pool’s gel coating, be sure to use a soft cloth or brush, and don’t be aggressive in scrubbing. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling pool chemicals.
Organic Stains:
- Chlorine shock: Use a chlorine shock treatment to oxidize and break down organic matter.
- Enzyme cleaners: Enzymes can help break down organic contaminants, including oily residues.
- Stain erasers: Melamine sponges (Magic Erasers) can be effective on some organic stains.
Metal Stains:
- Metal sequestering agents: These chemicals bind to metals in the water, preventing them from staining the pool surface.
- Specialized metal stain removers: Products like Suncoast Iron & Cobalt Stain Remover or Stop Stains are designed to remove metal stains.
- Ascorbic acid: Vitamin C tablets can be used to remove metal stains, particularly iron.
How to Check for Leaks in Your Fiberglass Pool
Leaks in fiberglass swimming pools can be grouped into two categories:
- Cracks in the pipes and fittings in the system.
- Cracks in the fiberglass shell.
Identifying cracks in the pipes and fittings – In such locations, the pool system’s suction or return pipes are the most likely culprit for leaks. A leak detection expert can determine the rate at which the pool water is being lost. If you want to troubleshoot, perform the bucket test – also called the evaporation test. Our website has easy, step-by-step instructions for this simple, yet effective, diagnostic method.
If the bucket test indicates your pool is losing water at a higher rate than evaporation accounts for, the next step is to investigate the plumbing and the equipment pad. Start by testing if the pump is having problems getting primed, since that can signal a suction-side leak, either underground or at the pump.
If these checks don’t isolate the issue, call us. We will test for leaks with cutting-edge techniques, which allow us to locate even well-concealed cracks. The inspection may include disconnecting all equipment and plugging off the ends of the pipes to pressurize all parts of the plumbing system, then running the pool water through the closed circuit. If a pressure loss is detected on any of these systems, ultrasonic detection equipment may be used to find the exact location of the leak.
Identifying cracks in the fiberglass shell – If the leak is not in the plumbing pad or equipment, check for leaks in the pool shell. It is common for fiberglass swimming pools to leak wherever there is an opening in the shell. If there is any penetration in your pool – such as a light fitting, a return outlet, a main drain outlet, or a skimmer throat – there can be a potential for leakage. Moreover, check around the shell base where the pool walls start to curve upwards.
Cracks in the shell are usually caused by ground movement, uplift, or roots. However, as fiberglass shells start to age, they may develop cosmetic fatigue cracks that detract from the pool’s appearance, but don’t leak.
To identify the source of an underwater pool leak, you can start by injecting dye into the swimming pool near the suspect spots. You use methyl red dye – which is used for pH testing – or any red food color. To perform this test, place a syringe filled with red color near the suspected leak area underwater, slowly injecting the color and then checking for leaks. If repeated dye testing fails to give you results, then try another technique that will help you identify the crack’s location. Turn off the pump and plug off the pipes. Let the water level of the pool drop and check where it stabilizes. It will stabilize below the leak level, allowing you to narrow down the location of the leak.
Our blog post – “Is Your Fiberglass Pool Leaking?” – covers this topic in greater detail.
The Take-Home Message
With regular maintenance and checking for early signs of pool leaks, your fiberglass pool will ensure that your summer is all about carefree fun for many years to come!
Certified Leak Detection has more than 30 years of experience in leak detection and repair for swimming pools, spas and hot tubs, as well as slabs and foundations. Serving areas throughout Central Florida – including Orlando, Longwood, Lake Mary, Sanford, Kissimmee, Clermont and Winter Springs – our team is ready to answer your call.
Contact us for quick, reliable service.