Fiberglass Pool Staining

[mke11]

Hello,

I recently had this pool installed in August, and since then I’ve noticed this staining all over the pool along with peeling paint in a few places. I’ve tried stain remover and all the other remedies for metal stains which hasn’t worked. The water is in great condition never high chlorine and always in balance with no metals. I called the manufacturer and they told me it’s normal and that it’s just the chlorine reacting with the gel coat, but I find that hard to believe. Has anyone else had any experiences with fiberglass pool staining from normal chlorine levels?

 

[Texas Splash]

It's not totally unusual for shells to develop a faded, chalky type look over time, but by the same token it's not automatic for all shells either. Mine did change while some others not a sign of change. Various factors, some outside of our control, influence the potential for change. So if it's just a white chalky look, there's not much you can do. The peeling however is different. That would indicate a problem with the surface layers of application and could over time, impact the sub-layers of fiberglass - at least in my opinion.

Some of your discoloration appears to be tan/brown and not just white chalkiness. Have you tried rubbing a Vitamin C tablet on any of those darker areas? I would try that just to be safe.

Also, how are you testing your water? Your signature is blank, but I doubt you have a TF-100/Pro Series test kit. Maybe a Taylor K-2006C? Can you share a full set of test results?

 

[mke11]

It's not totally unusual for shells to develop a faded, chalky type look over time, but by the same token it's not automatic for all shells either. Mine did change while some others not a sign of change. Various factors, some outside of our control, influence the potential for change. So if it's just a white chalky look, there's not much you can do. The peeling however is different. That would indicate a problem with the surface layers of application and could over time, impact the sub-layers of fiberglass - at least in my opinion.

Some of your discoloration appears to be tan/brown and not just white chalkiness. Have you tried rubbing a Vitamin C tablet on any of those darker areas? I would try that just to be safe.

Also, how are you testing your water? Your signature is blank, but I doubt you have a TF-100/Pro Series test kit. Maybe a Taylor K-2006C? Can you share a full set of test results?

Yes I’ve tried that remedy too but the stain doesn’t stick. The water was tested at the local pool store regularly (every three weeks) and the levels were always in the proper ranges. I understand some colour fading like liners, but the discolouration is brown

 

[Texas Splash]

but the discolouration is brown

That sounds as if something may be in the water. Perhaps metals. Are you on a well? Pool store testing is often really bad which is why we encourage homeowner testing with a proper kit. But let's come back to that later.

I’ve tried that remedy too but the stain doesn’t stick.

What do you mean by that? What doesn't stick?