Common Fiberglass Swimming Pool Repairs

Fiberglass pools are catching to the eye when they are well maintained and in tip top shape, but busy lifestyles can cause setbacks when it comes to home repairs, especially if they are the larger more tedious home repairs. Even the pools in the worst of condition can be repaired and many of these repairs can be done by the owner at very little cost. Fiberglass pools typically suffer from stains, leaks, and built of algae. Luckily there are many products available to the consumer to remedy these minor problems. Older fiberglass pools can suffer from large black stains that are referred to as cobalt bleeding. These stains are almost impossible to get rid of completely and it is best to refinish the pool as most stain removers are only temporary with this particular problem. Grout is available for cracks and as long as your pool can be drained, you can patch the cracks with the same colored grout as your pool. Grout can be purchased at most home repair and pool supply stores. Over time, fiberglass pools will get their share of stains, but a muriatic acid wash will usually eliminate stains and discoloration. The pool needs to be drained before applying the acid. Algae is a typical problem in any type of structure built for the purpose of holding water. It is easily spotted by the various types and colors, usually pink, blue, green or yellow in color and the pink algae is considered bacteria, usually slimy in appearance. Algaecide is a chemical specifically made to kill algae and can be purchased at larger retail and pool supply stores. Sanitation with swimming pools can become a hassle, but keeping your pool clean will help keep the maintenance costs low. Murky water is a fairly common problem and can be easily cured with chlorine. You should adjust the PH to within 7.2 and 7.8 and run the filter until the water runs clean again. Once this is completed, sanitizing the water with a saline system will prevent the need for chlorine. This system uses a mild level of salt that dissolves in the pool water and is relatively inexpensive. It will also keep algae and other impurities out of the pool water.

Fiberglass pools last for a long period of time because they are so durable, but they can become discolored or even chip. Small chips can be sanded and plastered easily. Larger repairs may need the entire surface repainted and by simply applying a coat of epoxy paint you can make your pool look brand new again. Epoxybond is a putty designed for swimming pools and is used to fix small leaks and cracks. It cures in the water so there is no need to drain your pool and the epoxy can be mixed right in your hand. Larger surface cracks need to be checked by a professional as there could be other existing problems. Shifting in the earth can cause cracks in fiberglass pools and most patch repair kits will not fix a large problem. When repairing a large crack or resurfacing your pool with fiberglass, it is necessary to empty the pool. A backwash hose is the preferred method for doing this effectively. Resurfacing is relatively easy and is rolled on. Resurfacing products can be purchased at pool supply stores and the instructions are simple. You cannot successfully resurface your fiberglass pool in low temperatures or if there is a possibility of rain. The fiberglass is sold to accommodate the openings in your pool. Many pool owners desire a heater and buying one too small for the pool may cause substantial heat loss. Purchasing a solar pool cover will slow down on heat loss. It is important to properly clean your pool on a regular basis, and the pool needs a deep cleaning to prepare it for winter in colder climates. The bottom and sides of the pool should be vacuumed. Accessories to the pool like the filter, pump basket and skimmer should be cleaned as well. A winterizing kit can be purchased to help protect the pool during the winter months. A durable pool cover with a cable and wench should be kept over the pool to protect it from debris, build up and accidental injuries from the pool being hidden in the snow.