Fiberglass pool looks faded in places ??

[Joe&Michele]

Hi everyone, here's hoping someone knows whats going on.

I have an in-ground fiberglass pool that was installed late 2015. The fiberglass has, over most of its surface, taken on a faded almost chalky appearance.

Until recently my Calcium Hardness levels were very low (around 40 ppm). It does not wipe off or come off when brushed. I am concerned that the low calcium hardness and low saturation index has damaged the gel coat.

Right now chems seem good, except CYA is too high. Im still a newbie and didn't realize using the Trichlor 3" tabs the installer recommended and installed a feeder for was gonna bite me in the butt.

FC - 12 ( because of the high cya )
PH - 7.6
TA - 70
CH - 350 ( but Ive only raised it up to this level withing the last three weeks)

Thoughts ??

 

[Swampwoman]

Greetings and welcome. Have you contacted the manufacturer at all and sent them some pictures? Or reached out to the installer? They may cite their warranty chemistry and not offer to do anything about it, but I think they might be the best resource for determining what would cause it, and ways to remediate it.

Hopefully someone with fiberglass experience will come along, but it will also help them to know what the mfg says about it.

A picture would also be helpful.

 

[pabeader]

I have a white fiberglass pool so my experience might not apply but I offer it just the same. I recently discovered that my pool has a rougher than expected surface, I have used some 1500 grit wet/dry wrapped around a stiff sponge to lightly rub the surface and now those areas are squeaky clean. Be gentle and take care to not mar the coating.

 

[JoeGolan]

You can also try 3M rubbing compound to help restore the luster like this

3M Perfect-It ll Rubbing Compound Fine Cut, 3m 39002, removes fine scratches, oxidation, coarse swirl marks and water spots!

Edited to add

Unfortunately if your issue is underwater, it would mean draining your pool to do the work with a polishing machine.

I also have found that keeping the CH up is better for fiberglass shells

 

[Mslc10]

Any update to this thread? I have a blue trilogy that is only 4 years old and shows fading big time! I have a complaint email in to the installing company and see if they have a reply.

 

[seribus]

How did you fair on this issue? I'm up against same problem. Bounced back and forth whether it's calcium scale vs oxidation. Today I took a piece of 600 grit sandpaper and swiped across the wall and got a very light blue residue. I scrapped it off and dropped acid on it and no bubbling. Maybe I have very little scale in places but looks like issue is oxidation after all. I think...

 

[seribus]

Any updates? Still battling here too. Manufacturer tossed blame on chemistry and dismissed any chance of oxidation but he really didn't know what to say about correction. He mentioned winterizing kits a few times and maybe something was in those that is causing the scale/chalk residue.

 

[Texas Splash]

FYI: Fiberglass Discoloration (Faded Chalky) - My Story