Are fiberglass swimming pools any good?
NEVER Drain Fiberglass Pools!!! When it comes to in-ground pools, fiberglass swimming pools are hands down the best option whether you live on the Outer Banks, Currituck, Camden, or Elizabeth City as they are easy to maintain and require very little chemicals.
How do you clean a fiberglass pool after draining it?
Turn off the sump pump and remove it from your pool. Complete your cleaning as quickly as possible so you can refill your pool the same day you partially drained it. This allows less time for any water surrounding the outside of the pool to push inward and crack the fiberglass.
Should I drain my pool when it’s full of water?
Whether you have a vinyl, concrete, or fiberglass pool, it is at its best when it’s full of water. Once the water is drained, you open yourself up to all sorts of damage, so drain a pool only when there is no other option.
Is it safe to drain a fiberglass pool without a sump?
Basically, we are very confident that we can safely drain a fiberglass pool with a sump pipe and stone backfill. A pool with a sump pipe and sand backfill: moderately risky. A pool with no sump pipe and sand backfill: a straight-up gamble. But regardless of sump pipe or backfill type, just don't drain the pool unless it's mandatory.
How often should you drain a fiberglass pool?
While there are many myths about fiberglass pools, the one thing you should NEVER EVER do is DRAIN your fiberglass pool without professional help. Let me say that again, NEVER drain your fiberglass pool for any reason. In fact, we recommend NEVER letting the water level drop more than 2-3 inches below the skimmer!
What happens if you drain a fiberglass pool?
The thin walls of a fiberglass pool make completely draining the pool a bad idea; pressure from water below the pool or along the outside can cause the fiberglass to buckle and crack. However, you can partially drain the pool briefly while you clean algae and calcium deposits along the water line when necessary.
How much does it cost to drain a fiberglass pool for the winter?
As a general rule, you want to lower the water level to approximately 1” beneath the skimmer. You never want to drain your pool completely.
Do you have to winterize a fiberglass pool?
Well, sadly the summer has again come to a close for most folks around the US, which means it's time to winterize your inground swimming pool. But for those persons that own a fiberglass swimming pool, it's very important to remember one key to a proper winterization: Water Level.
How long do fiberglass pool last?
25-30 yearsMost 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! Plus, these pools are notoriously easy to maintain.
Why do fiberglass pools crack?
Water Pressure The cracks happen because fiberglass pools rely on the pressure of the water in the pool to exert force against the pressure of the soil around them to maintain their structure.
Is it better to drain a pool for the winter?
Close the pool for winter – but don't drain it. In winter, the water in your pool is still your friend. Especially when properly winterized, it helps to protect the pool liner, keep it clean and prevent unnecessary damage from debris, harsh weather and other factors.
Can I leave my inground pool empty over winter?
How long can you leave a pool empty? Well, the minimum amount of time possible in order to minimize the risk of serious damage. Most issues that require a pool drain will take at least a day or two to resolve, but it's recommended to not let it sit empty for any extended period of time.
Does an above ground pool have to be drained for winter?
You'll need to keep draining water off the cover with a pump or siphon to protect it from damage. Important: Never drain an above ground pool completely when winterizing. Your vinyl liner can dry out, shortening its life considerably.
How do you winterize a Fibreglass pool?
0:049:56How to Winterize/Close a Fiberglass Pool (Video) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first thing we have to do is we've got to blow out our filter system and that's the first thingMoreThe first thing we have to do is we've got to blow out our filter system and that's the first thing that we're going to show you is how to blow out the filter.
How much water should you drain for an inground pool to winterize it?
In-Ground Pools Drain the water down to no more than 6 inches from the bottom of the skimmer if you plan to use a standard floating winter cover. Use your pool filter, switched to the "Drain" setting, to empty the pool water.
How do I prepare my inground pool for winter?
Steps for Winterizing an In-Ground PoolStep 1: Remove pool accessories. ... Step 2: Deep clean the pool. ... Step 3: Adjust the water chemistry. ... Step 4: Lower the water level. ... Step 5: Drain and store the equipment. ... Step 6: Add shock and algaecide. ... Step 7: Cover the pool.
How long does it take for a fiberglass pool to clear?
But for the most part, a fiberglass pool will be crystal clear within a matter of 1–3 days of adding chemicals and vacuuming. 2. Someone moves into a home with a fiberglass pool. We take time to educate our customers of the importance of not draining the pool. However, we have had an instance or two when someone else purchased a home with one ...
What is the best material for a river pool?
Clean, crushed stone is the ideal material (again, a key component of The River Pools Way)—it drains well, and the point-on-point friction helps it stay in place. This helps keep bulges from developing in the side walls of the pool.
What type of soil is best for a pool?
Your type of soil will determine how long water remains in the cavity outside your pool. Sandy soil is most permeable; clay is least. If there is water around the outside of the pool, the water either needs to be removed, ...
Do you need to drain a fiberglass pool?
You do not need to drain your fiberglass pool for dirty water, a new home, or a foreclosed or abandoned home. If you do need to drain it, hire a professional. Make sure to check the groundwater, brace the pool, and have a sump pipe and gravel backfill.
Do concrete pools float?
Concrete pools will actually float. Vinyl liners bubble and float as well. It’s necessary to take these precautions with any inground pool. (For an in-depth comparison of the three pool types, check out our free ebook "Comparing Fiberglass, Concrete, and Vinyl Liner Pools in the Modern Age.")
Can you go wrong with a fiberglass pool?
It’s hard to go wrong with fiberglass pools. They’re easy to maintain, they use very few chemicals, and they have the lowest lifetime cost of any type of pool. However, there is one way fiberglass pool owners can screw all that up: by draining the pool without professional help. Every year we hear accounts (not from our customers) ...
Can you drain a fiberglass pool by yourself?
And you should never do it by yourself. So, whether you have a pool with nasty water, have just moved into a home with a fiberglass pool, or find yourself in a major renovation project with a fiberglass pool, just know that draining the pool without professional assistance is not an option .
Do you have to drain a fiberglass pool?
Here’s the deal folks – you have to clean the pool manually! It’s extremely, extremely rare that one might have to drain their fiberglass pool. Sometimes when there is a natural disaster or if the pool has been neglected for several years, draining the pool might be the best option – but again that is RARE! If you have stinky, nasty water you can typically make it crystal clear within a few days by simply adding chemicals, vacuuming and backwashing. If you aren’t sure – hire a professional to clean it for you!
Can a fiberglass pool be drained?
They can direct you to a local fiberglass pool professional to assist you. Very few pools can be drained without any precautions – and most will incur some damage if the pool is drained OR if water is dropped too low without taking the appropriate measures.
How to clean a pool with lime and calcium?
4. Turn on the sump pump and monitor the water level carefully. To clean algae or lime and calcium deposits off the pool, you only need to remove about 6 inches of water. When almost 6 inches are drained, turn off the sump pump. The hose may still pull water from the pool for a few seconds.
Can you drain a pool with a hose?
Although you aren't draining the entire pool, you'll be removing many gallons quickly. If the hose reaches to a street sewer entry built to collect rainwater runoff, lay the hose inside the drain. If not, point it so that the water won't run into your neighbors' yards or directly onto the road.
Can you drain a fiberglass pool?
However, you can partially drain the pool briefly while you clean algae and calcium deposits along the water line when necessary.
Why do pools need to be drained?
Most pools rarely need to be drained. Because the process of draining a swimming pool without damaging it can be difficult, experts have figured out ways to do most necessary work without removing all of the water. However, there are a few reasons why you might have to drain your pool: Total dissolved solids levels.
How long does it take to drain a pool?
Completely draining a pool with a garden hose can take a day or more. In most cases, it will then need to be at least partially refilled, so you can plan on the process taking a couple of days to complete, at the minimum. There are several reasons that you might need to fully or partially drain your pool.
Why does my pool pop out of the ground?
Before draining your pool, the groundwater levels should be considered. If water levels in the area are high enough, they can actually cause your empty pool to pop out of the ground. In addition, fiberglass and vinyl liner pools require special treatment because they are typically not built to be drained entirely.
What happens if you don't adjust your pool filter?
If you do not adjust your filter, pool pipes, and waste lines properly, you run the risk of damaging or burning out your pool’s motor. This can happen if the gallons per minute (GPM) of your pump exceeds the ability of your waste line to handle. It can also happen if the filter sucks in air and ends up running dry .
When is the best time to drain a pool?
Because of this, the best time to drain your pool is when the weather is mild. If the temperature will be over 85 degrees at any point in the process, it is best to postpone. The same is true of temperatures near or below freezing. Because of these temperature parameters, the best time to year to drain a pool is usually in the spring or fall.
Can you drain a pool with a submersible pump?
Completely removing the water from these pools can cause bowing or cracking of the surface. Once you have assessed the groundwater situation and the needs of the type of pool you have, the safest way to drain your pool is to use a submersible pump. These can often be rented from pool supply companies or hardware stores.
Can draining a pool damage it?
This is often the best idea, because draining a pool improperly can damage it . If you will be repairing or refinishing the pool yourself, be sure to educate yourself on the process for your specific type of pool.
What is the greatest danger when draining a pool?
The greatest danger you face when draining a pool is hydrostatic pressure. That’s just a fancy term for the pressure of all of the groundwater around and under your pool pushing against your pool’s walls and floors. Water is heavy, and hydrostatic pressure can be significant.
What happens when a pool is full of water?
When your pool is full of water, the pressure of the pool water balances the groundwater. But once the pool is drained, there is nothing pushing back against the pressure from the groundwater. If you do need to drain your pool, you will need to remove the groundwater around it. This can be done with a sump pump.
Why do you need to open a pool valve?
Opening up the valve allows water to come up from under the pool and pour into the pool, relieving the pressure. If you have hydrostats in your pool, never drain the pool without opening them. The other danger from hydrostatic pressure is the weight of water around your pool.
What is hydrostatic pressure in a pool?
In a vinyl or fiberglass pool, the hydrostatic pressure below can actually lift the floor of the pool, causing severe damage to the floor and the walls. One way of dealing with this pressure is with “hydrostats”, short for hydrostatic pressure valve. A hydrostat is a valve installed in the deep end of your pool.
What is the process of filling a pool with dirt?
The area around the pool is then filled in with dirt, usually from the excavation. That replaced dirt is called backfill and is generally not as dense as the virgin earth around it. The excavation and backfilling create a bowl effect, where the virgin earth forms a bowl that collects water in the looser backfill.
Can a pool be drained?
The other possible danger to a drained pool comes from the exposure of the pool floor and walls to the elements. The material of your pool walls and floor is meant to be submerged. A pool with a vinyl liner can become dried out and even crack. Vinyl and cement is less fragile, but can also be damaged by the elements if the pool is not refilled quickly .
Can you drain a pool with a cartridge filter?
Smaller filters, especially cartridge filters, may have a hard time with thick, super dirty water. In that case, you may have no option but to drain the pool. However, if you have a large, effective filter, especially a DE filter, there is a strong chance that your filter can help with your situation.
