Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Fiberglass Swimming Pool

There is a good chance you chose your fiberglass in-ground pool because it was delivered in a single piece that was ready to install and the non-porous gel-coat surface is easy to clean and maintain. Cleaning is needed less frequently compared to other types of pools, and below are tips for cleaning and maintaining your fiberglass swimming pool.

Maintain Water Chemistry

Because fiberglass pools have an inert surface, fewer adjustments are needed in the water chemistry. The most important factor in fiberglass pool maintenance is testing and maintaining the water. Ensure safe swimming and equipment longevity by keeping your water chemistry balanced properly.

The following are helpful tips:

• Use a good test kit for regular testing of total alkalinity levels, pH, and sanitizer.
• The water samples should be retrieved on the opposite side of the return jet and at least 18 inches below the surface.
• Each month, test for cyanuric acid and calcium hardness.

It is recommended that you bring a water sample for complete water analysis to a professional pool dealer on the following occasions:

• When you open your pool,
• Once per month at the height of the swimming season, and
• Prior to closing your pool.

How to Clean Your Fiberglass Swimming Pool

Cleaning a fiberglass swimming pool is similar to the routine for any inground swimming pool. Same as with the others, vacuuming, skimming, and brushing are required. The difference is primarily that less overall cleaning is needed because the gel coat surface demands a gentler touch and less overall cleaning and brushing. Steps for cleaning your fiberglass swimming pool follow:

• In order to ensure that you do not scratch the surface of the pool, always use nylon-bristled brushes.
• Scoop out debris and leaves using a skimming net on a telescoping pole.
• Dirt and debris that sinks to the bottom of the pool should be brushed into the main drain so that it can become trapped in the filter.
• To remove more stubborn deposits of dirt and debris, use a pool vacuum designed for fiberglass pools.
• Always use gentle products for cleaning. Abrasive and harsh cleansers can damage the gel coat and could disturb the water chemistry balance.

Maintain the Water Level

Optimal operation of your fiberglass pool requires that the water level is kept in the center of the skimmer plate. If the water level drops too low, your pump could be damaged because it would lose prime. If, on the other hand, the water level is too high, the skimmer will be less effective.

Your fiberglass pool should never be drained without assistance from a professional. Because of ground pressure, most fiberglass pools are prone to be damaged when getting drained as a result of failing to take appropriate measures. The types of damage that could occur include bulging, buckling, and cracking on the floor or on walls.

For more information and tips on cleaning your fiberglass swimming pool, contact Pool Works here or call (863) 967-2863. Sparkling clean pools are our specialty, and our service area includes Auburndale FL and all of Polk County.