Calcium on your Fiberglass pool?
In most cases, our calcium remover kit completely clears the white calcium buildup on fiberglass pool surfaces. And, it also restores the smooth blue finish and has prevention products to help keep it looking good. However, if left untreated, this white build-up will spread across the pool surface and become thicker and more noticeable over time. For this reason, we strongly suggest doing something about it as soon as possible. Our fiberglass pool stain remover compound removes calcium from fiberglass pools without draining the pool. It works by softening and dissolving the white calcium build-up without draining your pool or acid washing.
These pictures show heavy calcium scale formation in need of our fiberglass calcium remover.
Our fiberglass pool stain remover treatment without draining or acid washing. Our customer was thrilled with the result.
A thin layer of calcium scale has formed on the waterline of this renovated fiberglass pool.
Our fiberglass pool calcium remover fixed this issue without draining or acid washing. Our customer was thrilled with the result.
Causes of calcium buildup on fiberglass pool surfaces
Whitening or discoloration on fiberglass pool surfaces is normally a result of one of the following factors. We have ranked them in order from most common (1) to least common (5):
- Calcium buildup on the fiberglass surface.
- Pool interior is in the final stages of ageing (25+ years).
- Bleaching of color from gelcoat interior.
- Undissolved sodium bicarbonate has bonded to the pool surface.
- The gelcoat layer has not been cured properly in the factory.
1. Calcium build-up on the pool surface
High pH levels in pool water may cause soluble calcium on fiberglass pools to precipitate onto the pool surfaces. When this happens, it usually leaves a thin white gritty layer on the surface. As the picture shows, this white layer becomes very noticeable if the pool water drops below its normal level.
To help prevent calcium, regularly test the pH and calcium hardness levels in your pool water. Remember, High calcium (above 4000ppm) often occurs for two reasons. First, too much calcium chloride (calcium hardness) is present in the water. When this happens, it leads to calcium formation. Second, calcium-based granular chlorine will increase the calcium hardness levels in your pool. If your calcium levels are rising for no reason, then it is likely that granular chlorine (calcium hypochlorite) is the cause.
Ask your pool manufacturer before adding calcium
Before adding any calcium chloride to your pool water, contact your pool manufacturer (not your pool store) and get the suggested calcium levels for your pool. Remember, each fiberglass pool manufacturer recommends different calcium levels. Also, check that your pool store water test computer knows that your pool surface is fiberglass and not plaster. This is because plaster pools use different water chemistry settings.
As the pictures show, our treatments remove calcium from fiberglass pools without draining the pool water or acid washing.
2. The pool interior is ageing
Salt Water pools in Winter
Remember, saltwater chlorine generators continue to add free chlorine to the pool when they are running. So, if a pool cover is protecting the free chlorine from sunlight then the chlorine levels will continue to rise, especially when you cover the pool. This means that the free chlorine levels can rise to dangerous levels quite quickly. We have seen many cases where the free chlorine has exceeded 40ppm in these situations. Remember, if you are covering your pool, ensure that you reduce chlorine production. You will not need to add much chlorine at all when the cover is on.
3. Bleaching of fiberglass or gelcoat
Bleaching in a fiberglass pool happens when the pH and the chlorine levels are both very high at the same time. Remember, if the pool water remains unbalanced, with very high chlorine, it may start bleaching the surface. Although fiberglass pools will resist bleaching due to water imbalance, they cannot withstand unbalanced water for very long so fading can occur. When winterizing your pool, make sure that your pool guy does not over chlorinate the pool. If they do then it could discolor over the winter due to the high chlorine levels in the water.
Gelcoat bleaching from unbalanced water is often smooth and is non-responsive to cleaners and acids. In some cases, rubbing the surface with fine sandpaper can appear to remove this discoloration. However, doing this incorrectly will only remove the bleached gelcoat layer in your pool. Remember, rough sanding the gelcoat will leave your pool susceptible to future staining and reduce the life of your pool. Only rub the pool surface with approved products.
WARNING: Careful with pool covers
Some pool owners feel that testing the water during winter (or when a pool cover is on) is not needed. Often, these same pool owners are horrified when they remove their pool cover and discover extensive surface bleaching. Remember, it is a good idea to check your water during winter, even if you have your pool covered.
Our treatments can sometimes help reduce the visual impact of surface bleaching. However, there are cases where nothing can remove fiberglass pool surface bleaching. This is because chlorine has oxidized (or faded) the pigment (color) within the gelcoat resin.
Aside from bleaching, sometimes calcium buildup on fiberglass pool surfaces can happen if the water is out of balance during the winter. Our calcium treatment kit will remove this calcium buildup on the surface.
Please contact us for further information if you feel your pool may have this issue.
The layers of a fiberglass pool
The diagram below shows how the layers of material are bonded together. Notice that most of the thickness of a fiberglass pool comes from the structure and not the blue decorative layer on the surface.
4. Adding undissolved sodium bicarbonate to the pool
If you sprinkle an undissolved alkalinity increaser (sodium bicarbonate or baking soda) directly into the pool, it can form a stubborn white film to appear on the pool surface. To avoid this, ensure that you dissolve it first in a bucket of water before you add it to the pool. Remember, when an alkalinity increaser is first added to water, it will be milky white and then as it dissolves, the water will become completely clear. So, dissolve it in a bucket first, and then when the water is clear, then add it to the pool. Remember, it is best practice to balance the pH before adding sodium bicarbonate.
5. Gelcoat not cured correctly during manufacture
In very rare cases, the gel coat can discolor and remain white if it has not been cured properly during manufacturing. If your pool has this issue, it will become obvious within the first few hours after the pool is filled with water. This discoloration occurs because the uncured resin on the surface is very porous. This allows the water to penetrate into the surface resin and bleach the pool surface. Remember, this bleaching is permanent and cannot be fixed. Consequently, complete resurfacing of the fiberglass is required. So if your pool remained the same blue for the first day of its life then it is not a manufacturing issue. Keep in mind that this issue is very unlikely. Usually, a calcium buildup on fiberglass pool surface is the reason for the white appearance.
Don’t Drain or Acid Wash a Fiberglass Pool
DO NOT drain or acid wash to remove a calcium buildup on a fiberglass pool – ever! This is because very often any calcium buildup on the fiberglass pool surface is not removed using this method. However, if you insist on draining, we suggest using a licensed and insured professional. Remember, to do this properly, your pool walls must be professionally cross-braced and secured to prevent buckling, cracking, or warping when you release the water. Finally, when the pool is empty, hydrostatic ground pressure can force the pool upward, out of the ground. If this happens, you’ll need the contractor’s insurance to pay for a new pool. Remember, you cannot simply push the pool back down if an uplift occurs.
OPTION 1 – Calcium Removal DIY kit
FREE DELIVERY
7.7 lbs OF POWDER COMPOUND
CALCIUM DISSOLVING LIQUID
INSTRUCTIONS
- 1 bottle (64oz) of our calcium prevention formula
- 7.7 lbs of our granular calcium stain dissolving compounds
- Phone support from our technicians
- Simple step-by-step instruction video included
- Pool does NOT need to be drained
- Kit is shipped and tracked by FedEx
- Kids are back in the pool in just 7 days
- Kit is $295 for pools over 12,000 gallons
$245.00 (inc. Tax & Shipping)
OPTION 2 – Calcium Removal – On Site Technician
TECHNICIAN VISIT
7.7 lbs OF POWDER COMPOUND
CALCIUM DISSOLVING LIQUID
TEST WATER
- 64oz of our powerful calcium prevention formula
- 7.7 lbs of our granular calcium dissolving compound
- Complete 7 point on site water testing
- Your pool does NOT need to be drained
- Kids are back in the pool in 7 days
- Visit is $405 for pools 12,000+ gallons
$405
How fiberglass pools are made
This short video shows the manufacturing process followed to make a fiberglass pool shell. Notice how thin the topcoat is that is the first product sprayed onto the mold. This sprayed surface becomes the inside (or wet side) of your pool when completed. This is why it is so important to maintain your pool water chemistry. Remember, this exposed thin outer layer is delicate. Also, it’s exposed to water, heat, and elements all year round so take good care of your pool. Remember, you can damage this thin surface by not taking care of the water. Finally, the outer layers of rough fiberglass provide structural stability for the entire pool.