I opened an older 1970's inground pool that had been abandoned for about 10 years. Concrete bottom, fiberglass sides. It had no chemicals added or anything done for 10 years, just natural rainwater (and we get quite a bit here in Ohio). Fast forward, rented a trash pump to get rid of large amounts of debris. Pool is in a rural area with fields and trees around it, so there was quite a bit of muck. Added the CYA, etc, and used large doses of chlorine.
Water is now sparkling, and the concrete bottom is clean and unstained. However, the fiberglass sides are stained brown, and very stubborn. Brushing didn't even phase it, and test areas with a scotch-brite pad had minimal effect.
I know about Jack's stain ID kit, but the water has to be at least 65-70 for accurate ID tests. This pool won't be there for months, if at all. It is poorly located between two buildings which block sun too much of the day, and no heater.
So, how to get rid of the stains on the fiberglass? Do I super-duper mega turbo chlorinate it?
Water is now sparkling, and the concrete bottom is clean and unstained. However, the fiberglass sides are stained brown, and very stubborn. Brushing didn't even phase it, and test areas with a scotch-brite pad had minimal effect.
I know about Jack's stain ID kit, but the water has to be at least 65-70 for accurate ID tests. This pool won't be there for months, if at all. It is poorly located between two buildings which block sun too much of the day, and no heater.
So, how to get rid of the stains on the fiberglass? Do I super-duper mega turbo chlorinate it?
It sounds as though you've stumbled across quite the project. Well, you might try gently rubbing a chlorine tablets in an area, being careful to not hold it in one place too long, but long enough to see if the area fades indicating it's organic in nature. You can also try some crushed vitamin C tablets in a sock and rub those on the area to see if the stains are from metal content in the water. This might help give you a good way forward for treatment. Let us know how things work-out. Nice to have you with us.
