Maintenance Tips for Fibreglass Swimming Pools

In-ground fibreglass pools are popularly found in residential property because they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. In addition, if you choose this pool, your maintenance tasks will be fewer compared to alternatives like vinyl and concrete. The structure is built from shell-like fibreglass but some models are mixed with concrete for reinforcement.

Generally, the pool is installed in excavated ground and supported by sand and concrete. If you have this type of swimming feature in your home, consider using these simple tips to ensure long-term quality service:

Regular Cleaning Guidelines

The pool must be cleaned regularly to prevent contamination of the water and loss of aesthetics. Skim the surface daily to remove leaves, stray insects and other debris with a net. If you abandon this task, the debris will soak in water and sink to the bottom. You should also wash the actual pool structure to limit accumulation of grime.

It is important to note that fibreglass surfaces are not as resilient as concrete or vinyl alternatives. Therefore, you should avoid using harsh detergents with corrosive effects as well as brushes with hard bristles when cleaning.

These can damage the pool structure and the finishes, especially if you have installed a coloured model. These damages can necessitate costly repairs so purchase and use only cleaning products suited for fibreglass pools.

Removing Stains

Fibreglass pools can sustain stains which may prove difficult to eliminate with standard cleaning methods. Furthermore, the stains are normally very apparent in this type of pool due to the shell-like structure. This problem can be mainly attributed to poor chemical balance in the water. If there are reddish-brown, bluish-green or greyish stains, your pool has high levels of iron, copper and magnesium elements respectively.

Remove the iron stains by rubbing a chlorine tablet on the area gently and scrub away copper and magnesium stains using a non-abrasive tile cleaner and soft-bristled brush. Additionally, treat the pool with a commercial metal-chelating agent fortnightly to prevent the recurrence of the issue. Algae growth can also cause unattractive stains on the fibreglass but these are easily treated with algaecide. Any residue can be eliminated through regular cleaning.

Cover the Pool

You should consider purchasing and installing a cover if you do not swim often or you are too busy to skim the water regularly. This will keep out debris and dust, limit the growth of algae and help in maintaining the right temperature. In addition, it might mitigate the risk of the coloured finish fading, a common fibreglass pool concern.

If you want to know more, or have other questions, contact a professional pool service for more answers.