Do You Need to Brush a Fiberglass Pool?

Fiberglass pools are incredibly popular for good reasons. They are durable and elegant and can make a beautiful backdrop for many memorable moments in your life. But, like most luxury items worth having, they need maintenance to stay that way. Upkeep for your fiberglass pool includes water and surface cleaning. With reference to surface cleaning, homeowners commonly ask, “do you need to brush a fiberglass pool?” This post covers common questions about using a brush to clean your fiberglass pool surface.

The Maintenance Rundown

Like any pool, fiberglass pools have several essential maintenance tasks that need to be performed on a regular basis in order to keep them clean, safe, and functioning properly. The good news is that thanks to the way they’re made, fiberglass pools can be easier to take care of than other inground pool types. Like said other pool types, they will require brushing, but the brushing is generally light work.  

Why Do You Brush a Fiberglass Pool?

While fiberglass pools are algae-resistant, dirt and debris may be a daily occurrence when your pool is surrounded by vegetation. Left alone, unwanted debris (especially if it contains metal) in your pool can result in staining, so it’s essential to attend to those items immediately. Additionally, after adding chemicals to your pool, brushing helps the chemicals dissolve.

How Often Should You Brush a Fiberglass Pool?

The frequency with which you’ll need to clean your pool’s surface will depend on how much dirt and debris get in your pool, whether you use the pool on a daily basis, and whether you have a pool cover. If you don’t see dirt and debris, you should still give it a ten-minute brushing once or twice per week to prevent any chemical buildup.

What Kind of Brush Do You Use for a Fiberglass Pool?

As opposed to the hard scrubbing you would give to a pool with a porous surface, fiberglass pools require a gentler touch to avoid scratching the gelcoat. The only type of brush you should use is one with poly or nylon bristles. You should also consider your pool’s shape when choosing a brush for a fiberglass pool. If your pool is rectangular, choose a flat, rectangular brush to get into the corners. If your pool is freeform, choose a brush with a curved head.

How Do You Brush a Fiberglass Pool?

Push the brush over the entire pool surface, including the walls and floor, working your way down and over to the main drain. Sweeping toward the main drain will allow as much debris as possible to enter the filter. Depending on the amount of dirt and debris, you may want to backwash (or clean) your filter.

Do You Brush a Pool Before Vacuuming?  

Yes, but don’t brush your fiberglass pool directly before vacuuming. Brushing the pool kicks up the dirt that was stuck to the surface, causing it to float in the water. You want to wait to vacuum until after the particles have either gone through the filter or settled to the bottom. 

Summing It Up

You do need to brush your fiberglass pool as part of your fiberglass pool maintenance routine. Brushing is one of the most important ways you can keep your fiberglass pool’s surface beautiful, and it isn’t very time consuming. Protect your investment and a future of memories by properly maintaining your fiberglass pool.