Is this a Chemical balance issue?

[Sophisto]

Good Day TFP fam.
First post here, looking for some advice on an issue I'm having with my new pool. We started noticing at the waterline that the gelcoat was looking hazy. This past weekend, I braced and drained the pool for some manufacturer repair work (the spots that look like sanding marks) and I can see its pretty much everywhere water touches, and quite bad in some places. I'm concerned my pool cleaner hasn't been doing their job keeping the water balanced properly and that the gelcoat is starting to chalk. When you splash a dry surface with water, you can see it darken up like water soaking right into the surface.
Anyone know what to make of this? The haze can be scratched off, Pics attached.

One thing to mention: Pool cleaner records show the chemicals and water contents always within range. Could this be manufacturer defect? (USA Made company).

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

That type of gelcoat haziness seems to be common in fiberglass pools.

@Texas Splash @mknauss can tell you more.

 

[Texas Splash]

Those are some unusual patterns and not what we would normally see as something considered to be "relatively normal fading" over a lengthy period of time. I would reach out to the pool shell manufacture. Be prepared. They will ask for a record of water testing and may have you perform some tests of their own. But with a new shell, those patterns are very suspicious to me.

 

[Sophisto]

@Texas Splash, I did contact the manufacturer. They're are taking responsibility for the patterns and are having a repair tech out this week to sand down and redo the agate and gelcoat. My main concern is the hazing, and I was concerned that it might be oxidation of the gelcoat?

 

[Texas Splash]

My main concern is the hazing, and I was concerned that it might be oxidation of the gelcoat?

If the gelcoat is oxidizing, it may also be related to the quality of the first gelcoat application. That's just too soon unless your chemical levels were WAY out of whack. Speaking of levels though, as a new member, keep in mind we recognize two types of test kits as reliable, accurate, and user-friendly. Either the TF-100/Pro Series kits or the Taylor K-2006C. I would encourage you to get one ASAP to be sure your levels are indeed in a good place. You can never be too safe with that investment.

 

[Sophisto]

Good to know, and will do. The pool however is at a vacation home and I don't have the luxury of being able to test regularly. I do have a pool cleaning company who cleans checks and balances weekly and I get weekly reports including breakdowns and recommendations. It's always in spec, but I suppose they could be lying to cover their own.

Their tests always indicate hardness between 300-350, though I had a test of my own done before the pool was fully empty and it was at 90... too low. I was concern3d that the water could be leeching calcium from the gelcoat.

 

[Texas Splash]

I was concern3d that the water could be leeching calcium from the gelcoat.

You are 100% correct in being apprehensive about their testing. I would be as well. But today's gelcoats should have no calcium byproducts, so a low CH should not be an issue unless you have a waterline tile.

 

[Sophisto]

Which i don't, so we're good there. Repair crew paid for by the manufacturer comes tomorrow morning. I'll post back with their feedback.

Thanks for the help!