Is salt or chlorine better for fiberglass pools?

Author: Elvis Larkin  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Saltwater systems have been a top choice for fiberglass pool owners for years. They are easy and inexpensive to maintain, so they are naturally an ideal option for those looking for an alternative to traditional chlorine.

Does salt water break down fiberglass?

Saltwater and Fibreglass Pools

The good news is salt has no adverse effects on fibreglass pools and they are highly compatible!

What is the best thing to clean fiberglass pool?

Run the filter until the water gets clearer, and then add chlorine. Chlorine will clean the debris from the water and sanitise it. If there are visible ring stains on the rim of your fibreglass pool, you can use a sponge and some dishwashing soap to scrub the stains away.

Does chlorine damage fibreglass?

Too much chlorine in your fibreglass pool can cause numerous issues. It causes corrosion of pool equipment, metal piping, and other nearby structures. It can cause damage to the fibreglass liners. Exposure to too much chlorine can cause health issues like skin, eye, and lung irritation and asthma.

What is the healthiest pool system?

Ultraviolet systems provide the healthiest water available for pools & spas by dramatically reducing chlorine and other chemicals we have traditionally used. Chlorine used to disinfect swimming pools is widely recognized as a health hazard.

SALT WATER vs. CHLORINE POOL: Which One Is Better? | Swim University

What is the easiest pool system to maintain?

The easiest pool to maintain is a fiberglass pool, with very few factors to consider: One filter circulation per day. Checking the water chemistry.

What pool system is best for skin?

Salt chlorination pool sanitiser

Salt chlorination is popular amongst those with sensitive skin as it's gentler in comparison to traditional chlorine swimming pools. People with skin problems, or those that get irritated eyes, will be a lot more comfortable with saltwater chlorinated pools.

Is saltwater bad for fiberglass pools?

The good news is that saltwater systems are perfect for fiberglass pools. What's more, since salt is a gentler type of water cleanser, there is less risk of skin irritation. Saltwater systems have been a top choice for fiberglass pool owners for years.

Does algae grow in fiberglass pools?

Fiberglass is the best material you can find for preventing algae and other growths. It's a gelcoat surface that's smooth and nonporous, meaning there's no where for algae or other contaminants to build up and collect.

How often should I shock my fiberglass pool?

During peak season, it is recommended that you shock your pool once per week. Remember though, how often will also depend on how many people use the poos, whether they shower before entering or not, and the weather (rain dilutes the water and makes shock necessary).

What can damage a fiberglass pool?

Due to ground pressure, most fiberglass pools can experience damage when drained without taking proper measures. This could include buckling, bulging or cracking in the walls or floor.

How long should a fiberglass pool last?

Most fiberglass pools are known to last 25-30 years, but we take that to the next level. Our manufacturer, Narellan Pools, makes the best fiberglass pools around. Their unique fiberglass formula results in a pool that can last as long as 50 years!

Do you leave water in a fiberglass pool over winter?

The water level should be below the skimmer basket to prevent the skimmer basket from freezing and breaking. Drain all equipment to prevent any water within from freezing, expanding, and causing damage. Clear the water from the pool lines using a blower.

What weakens fiberglass?

Continual exposure to elevated temperatures reduces the strength of plastics and glass reinforced fiberglass.

What degrades fiberglass?

There is a more complex form of UV degradation that is exclusive to fiberglass products, however. Constant exposure to subvisible rays of light can cause a weakening of the glass fibers in fiberglass products, causing them to become exposed in a process known as “fiber blooming”.

What is the downside of fiberglass pools?

Durability and Potential Damage

—and fiberglass pools, unfortunately, aren't immune to these issues. For example, fiberglass pool gel coat problems can arise in the form of discoloration due to improper water chemistry and balance. That's why we step up on our soapbox to stress the importance of pool maintenance.

What are the black spots on the bottom of my fiberglass pool?

In fact, they are caused by osmosis, a reaction that occurs when the gel within your fiberglass weakens and combines with water that seeps through its now exposed pores. Over time, this water will attempt to break through your pool's surface and form these irregularities in your swimming pool.

Why do people not like fiberglass pools?

Some of the most common include that this pool type floats or pops up, that they look cheap, that they only work in warm climates, that they are are lot more expensive than vinyl liner pools, and that they cannot be customized. Unfortunately, many people shy away from fiberglass pools because they believe these myths.

What is the ideal salt level for a fiberglass pool?

The ideal salt level is between 2700-3400 ppm (parts per million) with 3200 ppm being optimal. Before adding salt to your pool, test the water to check your salt level. If the level is low, determine the number of gallons in the pool and add salt according to the chart below.

How do I keep algae out of my fiberglass pool?

Pool Algae Prevention

Maintain good water balance, run your filtration system every day, and add an algaecide into the water once every week. Your alkalinity rating should be 100 ppm, your pH should be 7.2, and the cyanuric acid level should fall between 30 and 50.

What is better than salt water pool?

Unlike saltwater systems, which cause corrosion to metal over time, chlorine does not cause any major damage to pool parts. This means you won't need to worry about replacing components due to corrosion down the line.

What is the smoothest pool finish?

AGGREGATE POOL FINISHES

The polished aggregate is polished flat, which makes the texture smooth and easier to walk on. Pool owners who go the aggregate pool finish route do so because they desire an interior pool surface that's durable and also has visual appeal.

What type of pool is most cost effective?

Overall, vinyl liner pools are the cheapest inground swimming pools that money can buy. It's rare to find a pool builder who can build a concrete or fiberglass pool at a vinyl liner pool price.

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