Fiberglass inground pools are manufactured in one, ready-to-install piece, which makes them easier to clean and maintain. The non-porous gel-coat surface of fiberglass pools also requires less frequent cleaning when compared to other pool types. Basic fiberglass pool maintenance consists of cleaning and appropriate maintenance of water chemistry, surfaces and water levels.
Water Chemistry Maintenance
The inert surface of fiberglass pools means fewer water chemistry adjustments. However, testing and maintaining your water is the most important part of fiberglass pool maintenance. Keep your water chemistry properly balanced to ensure bather safety and equipment longevity by:
- Using a good test kit for regular testing of sanitizer, pH, and total alkalinity levels.
- Retrieving water samples from at least 18 inches below the surface, on the opposite side of the return jet.
- Testing for calcium hardness, cyanuric acid, and metals monthly.
Bring a water sample in to a professional pool dealer for complete water analysis when you open your pool, once a month during the swimming season and before you close your pool. Besides regular testing, bring in a sample anytime you have a water issue you can’t solve yourself.
Fiberglass Pool Cleaning
The best way to clean a fiberglass pool is similar to any inground swimming pool, which includes regular brushing, skimming and vacuuming. However, the smooth, gel-coat surface requires less brushing and overall cleaning, performed with a much gentler touch.
- Always use nylon bristled brushes to ensure you don’t scratch the surface.
- Scoop out leaves and debris with a skimming net attached to a telescoping pole.
- Brush dirt and debris that sinks to the bottom into the main drain to be trapped in the filter.
- Use a pool vacuum suitable for fiberglass pools to remove heavier deposits of dirt and debris.
- Use gentle cleaning products; never harsh or abrasive cleansers that could damage the gel-coat and potentially disturb your water chemistry balance.
Surface Maintenance
Along with cleaning the water, you must also clean the surface. It’s common for any pool to develop a ring around the pool wall, which is caused by body oils, suntan lotions, and other contaminants. These can be easily removed from fiberglass surfaces with a sponge or soft rag and a non-abrasive cleaner.
Prevent scratching or permanently damaging the gel-coat finish by avoiding harsh cleaners, metal scrapers or brushes, steel wool or other abrasive materials. Should you scratch the surface, these scratches tend to be superficial and can be buffed out. The surface may also become dull over time, especially if it’s not properly maintained. Pool professionals use specialized buffing equipment to revive surfaces, which should only be required every 15 to 20 years. You may also notice hairline cracks, which are also repairable through the application of an epoxy filler or reapplication of gel-coating.
Maintaining Water Level
For optimal operation, keep your pool’s water level in the center of the skimmer plate. If your water level is too low, it could cause your pump to lose prime and incur damage. Alternately, too high a water level reduces your skimmer’s effectiveness. Never drain your fiberglass pool without professional assistance. Due to ground pressure, most fiberglass pools can experience damage when drained without taking proper measures. This could include buckling, bulging or cracking in the walls or floor.
The best way to clean a fiberglass pool doesn’t vary much from other types of inground pools, but remember:
- Testing and maintaining your water is a crucial part of fiberglass pool maintenance.
- Fiberglass inground pools are smooth and non-porous, which allows easier cleaning.
- The gel-coat finish can be scratched, if you use abrasive cleansers or cleaning equipment.
- NEVER drain your fiberglass pool without expert assistance.
Choose a Premiere Pool Dealer
Aqua Spas and Pools installs inground swimming pools, including stunning fiberglass pools, in Gig Harbor, Washington, and the surrounding areas. We’re a full-service pool company, so we can also perform repairs, surface refinishing, cleaning and maintenance on all swimming pool models. Contact us to learn more about our swimming pool services.