Stains in fiberglass pools

En Ok Pool Reform within the section of clean pool we present you an article about: Stains in fiberglass pools

---

Pools made of fiberglass will always stain

Benefits in the ease of maintenance of the fiberglass pool

A fiberglass pool is the easiest to maintain due to its smooth, easy-to-clean, and algae-resistant surface.

However, when overall cleanliness and chemical levels, especially chlorine, pH, and calcium hardness, are not properly maintained, It is easy to find organic and inorganic stains in a fiberglass pool.

TIP: Clean pool stains as quickly as possible

• Pool stains should be cleaned immediately as they become stubborn and difficult to remove when left unattended for a long time.
• It is recommended that you first use household products, such as soap and water, to remove stains, as they contain light chemicals that are kind to pool surfaces.
• Only proceed to other solutions when the easiest one proves ineffective.

---

Types of stains in fiberglass pools

Types of organic pool stains

Types of stains in the pool of metal-based origin

---

How to get rid of organic stains in swimming pools

For organic stains in the pool

Organic stains are best resolved by chlorinating the water and brushing; However, these types of stains sometimes disappear just by brushing.

Treatment of organic stains in the pool

1. First of all, we must check that the chemical values ​​of the pool water are correct.
2. If not, at least we must guarantee the pH balance (ideal value between 7,4-7,69 and alkalinity (between 100 and 150 ppm).
3. Next, we will proceed to perform a shock treatment on the pool.
4. And, as always when we do a treatment in the pool, we will leave the filtration running at minimum, which amounts to a filtering cycle (between 4-6 hours is normal depending on the equipment and type of pool); although it is advisable to let the water recirculate for 12-24 hours.
5. So, once the pool has received the dose of shock chlorination, we will completely brush all stains.
6. In any case, we should continue to brush the stains intermittently while keeping the chlorine level high until the stains are completely gone.
7. Finally, as a clarification, we will not turn off the pool filtration until we stop adding chlorine and until the purifier has had time to recirculate all the water in the pool until the last time we added product.

In case the shock treatment to remove organic stains does not work

In the event that brushing the pool and doing coke chlorination have not had an effect, we must rub the pool with a specific product that we can find in a pool store.

On the other hand, if within a maximum of two months we have not found a solution to remove the stain, we recommend that a pool professional advise you on site.

---

How to remove rust stains from fiberglass pools

Get rid of metal stains in swimming pools

Horrible rust stains on the surface of your fiberglass pool can take away its appeal and while they may be a little more difficult to remove, they are not impossible.

What contributes to metal stains in fiberglass pools?

Mineral deposits and the decomposition of metals contribute to these unattractive stains and as we have already mentioned before, although stains of this nature present some difficulty, they are not at all impossible to resolve.

Type of treatment for rust stains in fiber pool

Brown stains in and around fiber pool

Scrubbing rust stains with a bleach tablet can often remove the stain effectively. This is particularly true for brown stains in and around the pool, which is an indication of iron accumulation. If the stain is turquoise, the copper is causing it and a tile cleaner will likely remove the stain.

Remove rust stains

For rust, apply a vitamin C tablet directly to the stain until it lightens. If it is caused by metal, it will usually dissolve quickly, but you can use a soft bristle brush to remove excess rust.

Rust infection spread around the pool

When you have a rust infection spreading around the pool, put ascorbic acid powder in your pool filter. Follow the manufacturer's specifications for optimal results.

Another way to dissolve rust is to rub bleach tablets on the affected areas. Try your soft-bristled brush again on stubborn, excessive stains.

Procedure to remove rust stains from fiberglass pools

Step 1 to remove brown stains in fiber pool

• Apply a vitamin C tablet directly to the stain.
• If the stain is due to metal, it will be removed quickly. Scrub the affected area with the soft-bristled brush to remove the stain.

Step 2 to remove brown stains in fiber pool

• Apply ascorbic acid powder to your pool filter, according to the manufacturer's specifications.
• This is helpful if several stains are scattered throughout the pool.

Step 3 to remove brown stains in fiber pool

• Scrape a bleach tablet over the stained area to lighten the stain.
• Scrub the area with a soft-bristled brush to help remove the stain.
• If you can't easily reach the spot to scrub it, tape the tablet to the end of a telescoping pole. Do not rub too hard or you may damage the fiberglass surface.

Step 4 to remove brown stains in fiber pool

• Remove turquoise stains caused by copper by scrubbing them with a tile cleaner.
• After cleaning, treat the water with chelating or sequestering pool chemicals designed to remove copper stains.
• Follow the chemical manufacturer's instructions for specific amounts to add based on the size of your pool.
• Ultimately, these products cause the copper left in the pool to clump up so you can remove it by cleaning or filtering the water.

---

How to remove other stains from fiberglass pools

Generic treatment to eliminate stains in fiberglass pools

• Use a soft sponge/cloth and specific products for fiberglass pools.
• Using harsh chemicals or harsh tools could damage the gelcoat.
• If the stain remains, the next step depends on the source: the type of stain.

Remove light stains from bathroom rings

• Commercial products such as Off the Wall, Jack's Magic Blue Stuff, and pool tile cleaners can remove light swim rings found around the pool.
• You can also apply a non-abrasive vinyl cleaner or tile cleaner that is not originally designed for pool use.
• Be careful with these and be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area first in case they have a damaging effect on your fiberglass.
• Another way to remove light stains is to rub the affected area with a sponge, soap, and warm water.
• You can also use liquid dish detergent as an alternative to soap.
• Whichever you choose, rinse the area well afterwards so you don't end up with foam in your pool water.

Remove Heavy Stains from Bathroom Rings

• Wearing gloves, pour oxalic acid into the water to remove heavy stains from bathroom rings.
• The water may appear cloudy for a few days after treatment, but you can run the pool filter to clean it before adding chlorine.
• Follow the manufacturer's specifications for the proper amount of chlorine for your pool size.
• Also, make sure the pH balance of the water is 7.5 when the pool filter is in use.
• A Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is another effective product for heavy ring stains.
• Rub the affected area until it clears. The solution in the eraser is gentle and will not damage the surface.
• However, do not use brushes or commercial abrasive cleaners to remove these stains, as they can damage your pool.

Remove non-organic stains

• Metal Stains The easiest route is to rub a vitamin C tablet directly on the stain. This works best with small stains.
• Electrolysis causes the metal to be released from the surface of the pool.
• Then, you'll add the appropriate metal sequestering agent to, well, sequester the metal.

To remove large non-organic stains

• For a large stain, you can level up to ascorbic acid: Lower the chlorine to 0.0 ppm and the pH to 7.2.
• Run the filter and add ascorbic acid to the water.
• After 24 hours, rebalance the water chemistry. Add the sequestering agent to the water.

calcium scale

• You can remove calcium carbonate with a stain eraser (for quick results) or a peeling treatment suitable for fiberglass pools (added to water, with slower progress).
• Calcium silicate is a more difficult row to remove. You will need that pool scaling treatment.

---

How to Clean Stains on Fiberglass Waterline

Clean a fiberglass pool along the waterline

Cleaning a fiberglass pool along the waterline essentially means getting rid of the ring around the pool.

The ring forms due to metals that occur naturally in water, combined with body oils and sunscreen products that have been exposed to water.

How to get rid of the ring around the pool

You can get rid of this ring by adjusting your pool filter settings so that it runs faster than normal. Once you have run the filter and the water becomes clear, you can add more chlorine. This cleans dirt from the water and disinfects it. Make sure the filtration setting remains at 7.2 so the water is safe for swimming, even during the cleaning process.

Specific products for cleaning the waterline

Some pool suppliers offer commercial products that can be used for thorough cleaning. Ceramic or vinyl tile cleaner that is not too abrasive can effectively remove stains from fiberglass pools, especially if the pool has light stains and is cleaned regularly, these cleaners can work well.

Oxalic acid also helps remove pool fiberglass stains. However, the substance can cloud pool water for a few days. Pool suppliers also have many industrial products that can be used to clean the pool. Atlantic Pool and Spa has a number of products and methods that will keep your fiberglass pool looking its best.

---

How to avoid fiberglass stains in the pool

Maintain water chemistry

• Water balance is important: Daily testing can help maintain optimal water balance. It is best to have a pH balance between 7,2 and 7,4 and the total alkalinity should be between 80 and 100 parts per million.
• Keep your chlorine at or above 1 ppm and calcium hardness at 200 to 400 ppm.
• If any of these numbers go out of line, spots may appear. Simply restoring balance to your pool's water universe is the easy way to prevent pool stains.

Clean your pool

• Clean the pool regularly, removing and vacuuming dirt, leaves and insect corpses.
• This helps prevent the waterline from becoming stained. Bonus: your water will look prettier.
• Also remove any foreign metal objects.

Products to block water line stains

• To prevent tub rings, try Pool Magic to remove oily pool messes.
• You can also use Comet® cleaner and a kitchen sponge.

Stain and rust prevention

• To prevent future imperfections in your fiberglass pool, remove all foreign metal objects from the water. Always follow your manufacturer's specifications when adding or putting chemicals in the water, and add metal treatment every time you add water to the pool.
• Also periodically check your pool's pH to keep it at ideal levels.

Dirt stains

• If your fiberglass pool has a total dirty opacity, ascorbic acid is a great way to safely acid wash fiberglass surfaces, without draining the pool.
• Follow directions closely when using ascorbic acid as its pH and alkalinity may need adjustment.
• Stain Free is a natural vitamin C (ascorbic acid) product that gently cleans fiberglass pools.

How to avoid organic stains

• Running your filtration system longer and more frequently during the early swimming season while the air is heavy with pollen and tree debris will help prevent stains from forming on the surface of your fiberglass pool.
• In addition to clean water, keep the pool as clean as possible.
• After strong storms, remove large items carefully, so that the pool cleaner does not drag the sticks.
• Again, proper pool chemical balance and sufficient disinfectant are very important.
• Run the filter system during pollen season and while deciduous trees lose their leaves. This prevents organic matter from settling on the pool's fiberglass walls and floors, causing yellowish-green stains. Rub a bleach tablet on any stains that you can't clean with a sponge.