The Ultimate Fiberglass Pool Maintenance Guide

Fiberglass Pool Maintenance 101

So, you’ve taken the plunge into luxurious fun and purchased your first fiberglass pool? Congratulations! We think you’re going to love it.

But, now what?

The amount of fiberglass pool maintenance you’ll perform will ebb and flow with the seasons and usage volume, but you can make your maintenance schedule more predictable by being consistent and detailed in your approach. As a new pool owner, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with all the attached or connected components of your pool, understand the basic tools involved in the maintenance of the pool and filtration system, know about pool chemistry and water balance, and learn the ins and outs of pool vacuuming.

Tools of the Trade

Optional or mandated in certain locales, an automatic pool safety cover is a fantastic ongoing pool maintenance accessory. The many benefits of an automatic pool cover include enhanced safety and peace of mind and the ability to keep dirt and debris out of your pool with push-button ease.  If you want to learn more about tools for maintenance, read this blog.

Many important pieces of equipment and great tools are available for easy DIY maintenance to keep your pool looking pristine and in good working condition. 

• The Skimmer – Your pool’s skimmer is the open “window” on the wall along the water’s surface. Your pool water will slowly circulate toward the skimmer, removing some of the larger surface particles before they can go to the bottom. A basket, usually accessible from a small cover on the deck, traps leaves, twigs, and other floating items. Checking and clearing out the skimmer should be a regular part of your fiberglass pool maintenance.

• The Strainer Pot – Your pool’s strainer pot is at the front of your pump. As the pump draws in water, it’s passed through the strainer pot to keep debris from entering the pump and filtration system. The basket inside the pot catches leaves, insects, and other debris to prevent clogs or damage, which could cause strain on the pump motor and negatively impact efficient water circulation.

• The Filter – Your pool filter catches all the little things you can’t see, like sand, sunscreen, tanning oil, and other particles, and removes them from the pool water. Particles that make it through the skimmer basket or strainer pot make your pool water cloudy or unsanitary.

• Pool Brushes – Nylon bristles are great for gently scrubbing the sides and bottom of your pool. One great thing about fiberglass pools is their resistance to algae growth. You may still encounter occasional debris or particles accumulating along pool surfaces, especially along the water line. With a soft nylon brush, you can quickly swipe anything away with a quick stroke and no harm to the surface gelcoat.  Read this blog to learn more about why and when you should brush your fiberglass pool.

• A Skimmer Net – Different and separate from the skimmer installed on your pool wall, a skimmer net on a telescopic pole is great for basic manual removal of surface-level debris. Skimmer nets are highly effective at cleaning out bugs, sticks, leaves, grass, flower petals, and anything else that may blow into the pool. 

• Pool Vacuum Head & Hose – Pool vacuums are among the most common tools for thoroughly cleaning and clearing debris from the bottom and sides of an inground fiberglass pool. The vacuum head has wheels, a connector for a telescoping pole, and a place to hook up to the suction hose.

Robotic pool cleaners are especially effective at collecting dirt or debris along your pool’s bottom edges or corners. They include filtration systems that operate independently of your pool’s pump and filter. An automated and robotic vacuum can clean your pool much faster and more efficiently than manual efforts, saving you significant time and effort.

Protecting the Gelcoat: A Fiberglass Pool’s First Line of Defense

Your pool’s gelcoat is the smooth, durable layer that coats the surface of your fiberglass pool shell. The gelcoat serves several purposes, including providing a smooth finish, enhancing the pool’s aesthetics, and protecting the fiberglass from water damage or chemical exposure. Proper maintenance is crucial to keep the gelcoat protected and ensure the longevity of your pool. 

While gelcoat is highly durable, it isn’t invincible.

• Regular cleanings with a soft-bristled brush or fiberglass pool vacuum will help remove the dirt, debris, and organic matter that can stain or damage the gelcoat. Avoid abrasive brushes, steel wool, or other aggressive cleaners that can scratch the gel coat.

• Keep sharp objects and other blunt or rough surfaces away from your fiberglass pool, which could scratch or puncture the gelcoat. Be extra cautious when using pool accessories, such as cleaning tools, to prevent accidental scratches and damage to the gelcoat.

The Importance of Water Chemistry

Properly balanced water chemistry prevents chemical damage to your pool’s gelcoat and underlying layers. Understanding that your swimming pool’s water chemistry will play a large part in your regular maintenance regimen is essential.

Balanced, neutral water is safest for your pool shell and swimmers’ skin. The science may be intimidating, but you don’t need to be a chemist to achieve the proper chemistry balance. The Langelier Saturation Index should be one of every fiberglass pool owner’s best friends for keeping water from becoming corrosive, scaling, irritable, or unsafe for swimming. 

The Consequences of Improper Pool Maintenance

As with most prized possessions, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Several types of damage can occur to a fiberglass pool without proper preventative maintenance, impacting its appearance, structural integrity, and functionality. 

• Stains – The good news for owners is that fiberglass pools’ non-porous gelcoat is quite stain-resistant. Stains can develop, however, without regular cleanings and proper water chemistry maintenance. Organic materials like dirt, leaves, and berries can leach into your pool water and cause staining. Black algae and calcium scaling can also leave residue behind.

If your pool becomes privy to some minor stains here and there, they should be fairly easy to remove. Regular maintenance and chemistry balancing can prevent most stains. If you see stains on your pool’s surface, you can remove many with a cloth or sponge and a gentle cleaning agent specifically for fiberglass pools. If stains persist, you could have a chemical issue and may need to enlist the help of a professional. The importance of proactively maintaining your fiberglass pool’s water chemistry cannot be understated.

• Discoloration – Prolonged exposure to improper chemical balancing or using Calcium Hypochlorite will encourage discoloration of your fiberglass pool’s gelcoat. Discoloration may appear as fading, yellowing, or browning of the pool surface, diminishing its aesthetic appeal.

• Rough Surfaces – Accumulating dirt, algae, and mineral deposits on your fiberglass pool surface can cause it to become rough or abrasive. A rough surface could be uncomfortable for swimmers, increase the risk of injury, or make cleaning more challenging while helping harbor bacteria and other pathogens.

The Best Practices for Maintaining Your Pool

Fiberglass pool maintenance may not be as difficult or time-consuming as you imagine, but you must do it right to protect your investment and provide long-term enjoyment. From knowing when and how to open or close your pool for the season to the day-to-day regular upkeep throughout the swimming season, brush up on the best practices for fiberglass pool maintenance to keep yours looking great.

You can maximize the service life of your fiberglass pool and protect your investment by diligently sticking to some universally accepted best practices for pool maintenance.

• Staying on top of your pool’s water chemistry and keeping it balanced is the best way to protect your pool’s surface. Whether or not you use a pool maintenance professional to maintain the balance, browse our resources to be sure you thoroughly understand the implications of water chemistry for your fiberglass pool.

• Maintain your water level. Your pool water should always be at least halfway to the top of the skimmer window.

• Check and clean out the skimmer basket regularly to prevent unnecessary wear on your pool pump.

• Skim and vacuum weekly or as needed, especially after heavy use and if storms blow dirt and debris into the water. Keeping debris out can prevent certain stains and save your filtration system from extra strenuous work. 

• Recognize when to call a professional. You can manage much of your fiberglass swimming pool’s day-to-day maintenance. But if something needs repairs, hire a professional pool maintenance company to ensure your pool is in top shape.

You can avoid many issues with inground fiberglass swimming pools by staying on top of your pool maintenance. Some of the most common mistakes that many novice or first-time pool owners make include: 

• Using harsh solvents or cleaning tools. The smooth, non-porous gelcoat of fiberglass pools requires a gentler touch than other pool types. Highly abrasive cleaning tools or agents can corrode the gelcoat and do more harm than good.

• Leaving your pool uncovered. Covering your pool, especially during the fall and winter offseason, goes a long way in helping keep it in good shape over the years. If you do not cover your pool for the winter, you’ll face a lot more work—and costs—when it comes time to reopen it the following spring. We recommend installing an automatic pool cover for the additional convenience and protection they provide.

• Not maintaining proper water balance. When your water chemistry is out of balance, many other problems can arise. Bacteria can thrive. Water can become cloudy or unsafe for swimming. Hard water can compromise your gelcoat, while high alkalinity can cause pH problems and long-term damage to your fiberglass pool’s surface.

Fiberglass Pool Maintenance Costs

While wrinkles in vinyl pools can promote algae growth, and the porous nature of concrete contributes to more chemical costs with gunite pools, fiberglass pools comparatively require fewer chemicals and less time and money spent on regular maintenance.

Monthly and annual costs can fluctuate based on several unique factors. However, the long-term savings available with fiberglass vs. competing pool types may surprise you. One of the best things about fiberglass pools is their relatively lower levels of necessary maintenance. 

While fiberglass swimming pools are relatively easy to take care of compared to vinyl or gunite pools, and their lower-maintenance nature is certainly an attractive selling point, it’s critical to note they are NOT maintenance-free. However, proactively investing in regular pool maintenance will leave you much less likely to require expensive repairs throughout the life of the pool.

So, how much does it cost to maintain a fiberglass pool? Maintenance costs will depend on a few factors, particularly the size of your pool and the frequency you use it. For example, if you live in a seasonal climate, you likely won’t be using your swimming pool for a portion of the year, whereas if you live in a hot climate, you might use and clean your pool year-round. 

Because fiberglass pools can last for a long time without resurfacing, your costs may be limited to cleaning equipment, chemical balancers, sanitizers, and the electricity to run the filtration system.

You can hire a pool cleaning company if you prefer to leave it to professionals, but you may find that your fiberglass pool is easy enough to maintain on your own, allowing you to significantly save on costs. While some owners appreciate the relative simplicity of fiberglass pool maintenance and trust themselves to take a DIY approach, others prefer letting their local pool pros take on the upkeep.

Opening Your Pool

Warmer weather means one thing for pool owners: It’s time to open your pool for the swimming season! Getting your fiberglass swimming pool up and running after a long winter is often one of the year’s most anticipated events. To ensure a successful kickoff to your summer of fun, be sure to do the following when opening your pool for the season:

• Pump any excess water and clean any debris off of your pool cover.
• Remove the pool cover.
• Clean and sanitize the cover before storing it for the season.
• Check your water levels. Water should be about halfway to the top of the skimmer window.
• When water is at the proper level, check all your equipment: pumps, filters, skimmer baskets, etc. Have an experienced pool professional inspect, repair, or replace anything that is not working correctly.
• Thoroughly clean the pool by skimming out debris from the surface, brushing any dirt from the water line and the sides, and vacuuming the bottom.
• Check your pool’s water chemistry and balance as necessary.
• After adding the necessary chemicals, let your pool filter run for at least 12 hours to sufficiently circulate the water.
• Check your water chemistry again and make adjustments to achieve proper balance.

When your water chemistry is balanced and the filter has had an opportunity to run for a day, your pool will be ready to use.

The right time to open your pool will depend largely on where you live, but a good rule of thumb is to wait until daily temperatures are consistently above 70 degrees. If you wait too long to open your pool, higher temperatures could encourage the growth of algae and bacteria, so it’s best to get ahead of that process!

Be aware that many homeowners in the United States view Memorial Day weekend as the unofficial opening of the swimming season. If you plan to hire a professional maintenance company to clean and open your pool for the year or need new equipment, you can beat the crowds by beginning your pool-opening maintenance in early May.

In-Season Pool Maintenance

Continue to check, adjust, re-check, and adjust again to ensure your pool’s water chemistry stays balanced throughout the swimming season. Weekly home testing is recommended, while monthly digital testing at your local pool professional’s facility can give you an even clearer picture and detailed breakdown of what’s in your water. Make sure your pool professionals and stores know your pool manufacturer’s recommended ranges for your fiberglass pool. You can find our recommendations in your owner’s manual or our water balance guide.

The frequency with which pool owners should check and clean out their pool’s pump and skimmer basket may vary depending on pool size, pool usage, and the surrounding backyard environment. However, as a general guideline, we recommend inspecting and cleaning the pump and skimmer basket weekly during the swim season. If your pool is surrounded by many trees or in an often-windy environment, you may need to check and clear the basket as frequently as every few days. Leaves, twigs, insects, and other debris can accumulate quickly and clog the basket, affecting the pool’s circulation and filtration.

Pool Filter Maintenance

Your pool’s filter performs critical functions during the swimming season, such as removing organic particles and debris that could leave water looking cloudy or unsanitary and unpleasant.

There are three main types of filters. Each type operates differently but essentially serves the same purpose of filtering impurities out from your pool water. Regardless of which filter type your pool uses, regular inspections to check for signs of damage should be a staple of your maintenance routine.

• Cartridge Filters: Cartridge filters have a removable filter element that needs to be periodically cleaned or replaced. Depending on the usage level and water quality, you should clean the cartridges with a hose regularly and considering them every season.

• Diatomaceous (DE) Filters: DE filters use a fine powder made of diatomaceous earth to capture unwanted particles. Maintenance for this equipment involves periodically backwashing the filter and replenishing the DE powder. Depending on how much you use your pool in a typical year, this may need to be done twice to four times yearly.

• Sand Filters: Backwashing is the primary maintenance task for sand filters. Backwashing involves reversing water flow through the filter to flush out any trapped debris. Regularly perform sand filter backwashing maintenance, typically every few weeks or when the filter’s pressure gauge indicates a high-pressure reading.

Closing Your Pool

If you live in a traditionally seasonal climate, you’ll probably close your pool for a portion of the calendar year. One of the most critical aspects of fiberglass pool maintenance is preparing your pool for upcoming changes in seasons.

If your area’s climate undergoes a freeze-thaw cycle, you should plan to close your pool by early fall. When it comes time to close your swimming pool for the season, taking the necessary steps can help ensure everything goes smoothly and make next year’s opening simple and stress-free.

• Prepare your pool for closing by bringing the water chemistry in balance for the average low temperature the pool will experience over the winter season. 
• Give your fiberglass swimming pool a good cleaning before closing it for the season. In addition to grass, leaves, and dirt, substances like sunblock and body oils can accumulate in your pool. Wipe down the waterline of your pool or gently scrub it with a soft brush. Be careful not to use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials like steel wool, which can damage your fiberglass pool surface.
• Properly winterizing your pool equipment and plumbing is essential to prevent costly damage to the pipes and other equipment.  Consult your pool professional and equipment manufacturer on best practices for winterization. 
• Important Note! Do not lower your pool water level for winterization. A fiberglass pool should remain at normal operating level at all times. 

Offseason Pool Maintenance

While much of your winterization maintenance responsibilities will be done when closing your pool for the year, there are steps you should continue to take throughout the offseason.

• Keep an eye on the water level throughout the winter months. Heavy rainfall or snowmelt can cause the water level in the pool to be displaced. You may need to add water to maintain the proper water level. 
• Periodically inspect the pool cover, equipment, and surrounding area for any signs of damage, leaks, or other issues. Address any problems promptly to prevent further damage and ensure a smooth opening in the spring.

Other Backyard Maintenance Considerations

Your inground fiberglass pool presents many maintenance considerations to keep in mind. In addition to maintaining the pool itself, it may create additional upkeep necessities for the rest of your backyard.

Pool water can affect the surrounding pool deck and landscaping, for example. Splashing water could cause soil erosion and flood plantings located near the pool. Water runoff from the pool deck may impact drainage patterns and potentially cause erosion or pooling in other areas of your property.

Carefully plan landscaping around your pool to minimize maintenance requirements and potential damage from pool water or cleaning chemicals. Choosing plants that are tolerant and resistant to splashing pool water can help maintain a healthy and attractive landscape. Additionally, installing proper drainage systems can help manage water runoff from the pool and prevent damage to nearby plants and soil.

Your pool’s surrounding pool deck or patio, whether made of concrete, pavers, or other materials, will require regular maintenance to ensure its longevity and safety. Annual maintenance responsibilities may include cleaning, sealing, and repairing cracks or damage caused by exposure to pool water, sun, and weather elements. Proper pool deck maintenance also helps improve safety and prevent slips and falls.

Nearby outdoor living spaces adjacent to the pool, such as patios, seating areas, and outdoor kitchens, may also feel an impact by the pool’s maintenance requirements. For example, if the pool deck requires frequent cleanings or maintenance, it may affect the usability and cleanliness of nearby outdoor living areas. Planning the layout and design of outdoor living spaces to complement the pool and minimize maintenance requirements can enhance your backyard’s overall functionality and enjoyment.