How Do You Clean A Fibreglass Pool?
It is glamorous to have a fibreglass pool in your backyard. It helps maintain a good fitness routine even with busy schedules and increases the charm of the house during parties and get-togethers.
Furthermore, it also provides a private place for the family to relax, unwind, and have a good time. A lot of deliberations and discussions happen before the actual decision to buy a pool. This is understandable since a swimming pool is a huge monetary investment. But a really important element that one has to keep in mind before buying a pool is its maintenance. Proper cleaning and maintenance are necessary for a pool; otherwise, it can cause issues like algal build up, contaminated water, and damaged structures, to name a few. Several cleaning tips and techniques are available to keep a pool healthy and beautiful.
Cleaning your fibreglass pool
Cleaning your pool is extremely important to increase its lifespan and protect the health of the people using it. An unclean pool filled with leaves, dust, debris, algae, and oil is a breeding ground for serious infections. There can also be residue build-up caused by the pool chemicals, affecting the quality of the pool water. All these issues make it necessary to have a regular pool cleaning schedule. It takes some hard work to keep your pool clean, but with a bit of know-how, it will be easier to keep the pool clean throughout the year.
There are some important steps that should be followed while cleaning your pool.
Cleaning an empty pool
Empty pools are much easier to clean as you can reach the pool bottom and sides effortlessly. But this will require completely draining your pool, which is a tricky task. Do this only when there is a huge amount of debris in your pool.
Cleaning dirt and debris
It is important to clean the dirt and debris to keep the pool sparkling and to avoid health and hygiene-related issues. Fallen leaves and pollen clumps can be easily removed by skimming. This is a low-cost method in which long-handled nets are used to skim out leaves and other floating debris. Pool vacuums can also be used to clean fallen leaves, algae deposits, and any other debris from the pool surface. The pool vacuum works in a way similar to indoor vacuums and is an easy and quick way to clean pools. If the pool is located near big trees, it is advisable to trim these trees to limit the number of leaves falling into the pool. It is also necessary to clean pools at least once a week.
Check out our post on troubleshooting suction pool cleaners!
Clean the pool filter and pump
To have a clean and healthy pool, invest in a good quality pool filter and pump. The pool pump should run for at least eight hours every day. Also, remember to regularly clean debris collected in the filters to prevent clogging. Backwashing can be done once a month to clean out the pipes and drain any stagnant water.
Cleaning stains
Stains in your pool can be caused by high metal concentrations. Do thorough research about the metal causing the stain in your pool and treat it appropriately. For example, maroon stains are caused by iron concentration, and turquoise stains are caused by copper. Small brown rust stains can be removed by rubbing vitamin C tablets on them and scrubbing them. For larger stains, you can use chlorine. Similarly, copper stains can be removed by using pool cleaners.
The concentration of pollen and algae can cause organic stains, which are usually yellow. These stains are usually removed using pumice stones. If the stains still won’t go away, you can use chlorine or vitamin C tablets.
Calcium deposits are also an issue when it comes to fibreglass pools. These deposits appear as a white stain that can be removed using pumice stones. More stubborn stains will need a calcium scaling treatment.
Acid washing
You can acid wash your pool safely using ascorbic acid. After washing it, adjust the chemicals and pH level of your pool before using it again.
Tips for having a clean fibreglass pool
A fibreglass pool is much easier to clean when compared to its counterparts. By following a few simple tips, you can keep your pool healthy and shining throughout the year.
Maintaining pool chemical levels
Maintaining a consistent chemical level in the pool is an indispensable facet of pool cleaning. Unbalanced pool chemicals can cause the water to start to become cloudy, irritating eyes and skin and sometimes causing severe allergic reactions. It can also make the pool a hotbed for harmful bacteria. If the pH and alkalinity of your pool are high, it can cause stains. Regularly test your water for chlorine, pH, alkalinity levels, and calcium and metal hardness. Maintain your water quality by using a superior filter pump.
Clean the skimmer basket
The skimmer basket is an important component of your pool that collects all the dirt and debris from the pool. Make sure to empty and clean it at least once a week for efficient operation.
Clean stains promptly
Try to clean the stains as soon as they appear. If you postpone cleaning them, they will become darker and much harder to remove.
Use a good pool cover
Most of the stains in your pool might be caused by falling leaves and debris. This can be avoided by investing in a pool cover. Always keep your pool covered when not in use. This can also save a lot of cleaning time and effort.
Here’s our take on whether you really need a pool cover or not!
Use good quality products
Cleaning products with harsh chemicals can damage your fibreglass pool. Make sure to use products designed specifically for a fibreglass pool. Also, avoid using stiff-bristled brushes that cause damage to the fibreglass surface.
Fibreglass pools need very little upkeep, but with a little effort, they can go a long way. By having an appropriate cleaning schedule and using the proper chemicals, they can be kept clean, healthy, and beautiful year-round. You can also seek professional help at least once a year to check the overall state of the pool, if necessary.
