Fiberglass Discoloration-Oxidization or Calcium Issue?

[North44]

Hi there,
This will be my 4th summer with my Latham fiberglass pool. For the first two seasons everything went fine but last summer we noticed markings developing in the pool. I called the contractor that installed the pool and he said he'd never seen anything like it before. I am attaching photos and you can see the outlines of hand prints in the pool along with other swirls. Now we are seeing a greying out along the walls and surface areas. I followed the advice of the local pool chemical guy last summer, regarding chemical levels, but he admitted he does not know much about fiberglass pools and I have not seen an improvement. I have read Texas Splash's article and I am wondering if I'm having the same issues.
Has anyone seen anything like this before and do you have any recommendations?
Thanks

Pool- 8,000 gals
SWG
Today's Chemical reading
FC-2.1
pH-7.3
TA-69
CH-250
CYA-60
CSI Value -0.68

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! Those are some very interesting markings. I don't think it's like my situation since mine is more consistent chalkiness throughout the entire surface whereas yours looks like it the gelcoat was smeared in various places. Are you seeing anything come-off when you rub the shell like dust or something?

 

[North44]

Thanks for the welcome and the quick reply. No nothing comes off when I rub the marks. When the pool was delivered, they had installed white fittings instead of the grey ones we ordered. They had to remove the white and install the grey ones onsite. In addition, it looks like the “fish” appliqués are added after the manufacture. I am wondering if the solvent that was used to clean the adhesives for either the fittings and/or the appliqués and that is the source of the issue.
Thanks again.

 

[Texas Splash]

I am wondering if the solvent that was used to clean the adhesives for either the fittings and/or the appliqués and that is the source of the issue.

I could see why that would make sense, but geez, those smear marks are all over the place as if someone let a toddler roll all over the place. Not sure why it would take over 2 seasons for those marks to show, but it does seem like something interfered with the gelcoat process (i.e. grease, oils, chemicals, etc) and for whatever reason is just now showing. I'd be very curious to hear what Latham has to say about it. One thing I know for sure is that they can be very picky about warranty claims, so make sure to have your water testing results handy just in case. Good thing for you is I do not think this scenario falls into the typical chalky, oxidation-type stuff we normally see around here. It really does seem like a manufacture or post-application issue out of your control - in my opinion. Let us know how it goes.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

I'm really impressed with those pictures...the quality of pic shows the "defects" beautifully!

Maddie