Most of these metals removers are just “ascorbic acid – vitamin C”, and are very effective in removing metal stains – as in seconds of application. While they don’t have to replastered or re-lined, they do need a gel coating replacement every 15 years.  |  Fortunately you are not necessarily condemned to a faded pool. Gelcoat is also susceptible to oxidation, which occurs when the gelcoat breaks down from sun exposure and becomes dry and rough. Fiberglass Swimming Pools 101: Manufacturing, Cost, and More. Your installer should take care of this problem should it appear, and of course it should be considered a warranty item by your builder. Henson's Fiberglass is family owned and operated in AZ since 1969. Fiberglass pools should also have a cantilevered concrete edge around the rim of the pool. The solution to spider cracking is to buff out the cracks and sand the gelcoat smooth again, and re-apply new gelcoat. Fiberglass is painted with a polyester resin-based paint called gelcoat, which can become scratched or scuffed fairly easily. Sometimes the “patch” will be very obvious, and while it is not going to impact the integrity of your fiberglass pool in any way, it might be bothersome. The beauty of an inground vinyl pool is that you can easily and cheaply replace the liner if you have waterline fading or just want a change of pattern. Unsupported or loose fill beneath the floor and behind the wall can also cause gelcoat cracking in a fiberglass pool. The fiberglass problems we have discussed here are really small problems, but they tend to be the biggest problems you will ever have with a Fiberglass pool. No longer were homeowners restricted to White, Not-So-White and Blue, but beautiful sparkling iridescent colors have became the new thing. Before we jump into the fading issue….why do you think 3 of the 5 most common problems with fiberglass pools are gelcoat issues? Color Fading: Part of buying a fiberglass swimming pool is enjoying the luxurious finish it has. But if you want to refurbish your entire fiberglass pool surface, to remove fading, scratches, cracking, scaling and staining, you’d need to add another zero to the cost! July 19, 2010. Available in 14 stunning colours, Pool Colourguard® guarantees your swimming pool will retain it’s brilliant, vivid colour even after years of regular use. See Over 90 Different Models To Choose From. Fiberglass Pools have the lowest long term cost of ownership of any type of pool. This is one of my favorites. Installation of our fiberglass pools is done through an independent dealer. Yes, but gradually and evenly. The reality is that some fiberglass pool surfaces fade more than others, but this is understandable. Concrete pools generally cost $50,000–$100,000 and look classic. 9. At Perth Pool Co. we can install, repair or replace various pool equipment including LED pool lights, skimmers, filters, chlorinators, pumps, pipework and water features. With the current gelcoat processes, we anticipate the surfaces lasting 30 or 40 years. Barrier Reef Pools (Pool & Spa Shop): 3.9 out of 5 stars from 76 genuine reviews on Australia's largest opinion site ProductReview.com.au. They are usually seen at the joints of steps and ledges. Installations that have been in place for as long as 30 years, have been inspected and found to have nothing more than superficial cracks in the finish, or in some cases, colour fading. The gelcoat has an impregnated color and is UV stabilized, but over time, the color will lighten above the water line. supersleuth. They’re super durable and low-maintenance—not to mention pretty! Fiberglass Pools are 17 times stronger than concrete. This is almost always an installer issue. 2. The truth is that it was proved many years ago that if the water displaced is greater than the weight of the pool, it will float – fiberglass or concrete…. This means there will be a Fiberglass Pool … Gunite pool finishes cost an average of $10,000 to resurface every few years, but fiberglass doesn’t require that … Fiberglass pool options such as tiles and mosaics are an elegant way to upgrade your design. Gelcoat Fading by: Tim I have a Leisure pool that came with small white spots. Add an ounce or two ever week or so and you will never have a metals problem. Fiberglass pools are by far the best value and the lowest cost of ownership over a 10-year period. Fiberglass swimming pools are very compatible with salt water systems. Concrete, Vinyl, and Fiberglass Pool Fading: Which Fades the Worst? + Never get painful skin abrasion from rough plaster & pebble surfaces. Although, fiberglass pools are required to resist bleaching due to mild water imbalance, they cannot withstand unbalanced water and fading can occur. 1. 5/05/2020. They are usually only in the gelcoat (the shiny smooth surface of the fiberglass) and do not damage the structure of the fiberglass. Fading and Discoloration – The fiberglass material is subject to fading and staining. Is There A Lot Of Maintenance? No one said this stuff was easy! When pure chlorine was left soaking in a pool for 45 days, it only took a simple sanding of 1/5,000-inch to restore the surface to a usable product. The introduction of new colors to fiberglass pools was a wonderful and exciting thing. A fiberglass pool with a gel coating takes a long time to fade and rarely needs resurfacing or repairs. "River Pools" is a service mark of River Pools and Spas, Inc. and River Pools Fiberglass, LLC. Our radiant gel coat Finishes are resistant to fading and damage caused by the sun, unlike the colored finishes many other competitors offer. fiberglass faded. I was then told by the pool installer that it was a calcium buildup and it could be scrubbed off. The fiberglass swimming pool will with stand the test of time, the fiberglass pools are UV resistant and require less maintenance than a concrete pool. Some problems do remain, however, and here is a list, and the best way to prevent or resolve these issues – and now as I think of this, perhaps we shouldn’t think of these things as problems, but just nuisances that cut back on our poolside chillin’ time – a little – maybe…, * Fiberglass cracking A Fiberglass pool should always have water in it. All three pool types need regular maintenance to keep them looking and working their best, but fiberglass pools need less intense and less frequent work. Ensuring that the pool is completely level, and that appropriate materials are used for installation, will contribute to the long lifetime of a fiberglass pool. They need less lifetime maintenance than a concrete pool, but the liner must be replaced every 5–9 years at $4,000–$4,500 a pop. “Epoxy-based paints that roll on can be applied to the entire surface,” Hughes says. Fiberglass is AWESOME! I installed a fiberglass pool 2 years ago and noticed all the flat rough surfaces appeared to be fading. 5 Things You Must Know About a Contractor Before You Buy His Fiberglass Pool. Take a look at the 10-year comparison chart above. Lab tests were conducted to see how effective fiberglass is as a surface for a swimming pool. Pool Specifications. M-F 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Fiberglass pools can flex up to 12" without structural damage. Problem #4: Fading of Colored Fiberglass Pool Finishes. If you notice glistening colors fading or … The Pool Visualizer App, available for iOS, lets you use augmented reality with your phone’s camera to virtually build a fiberglass pool on any surface, including your own property.It features our most popular models and colors, and now gives you even more, such as: Seven more pool shapes—rectangle, kidney and freeform shapes, as well as enhanced details and specs—for a total of 15 pools This goes for concrete, vinyl liner, and even fiberglass pools. There is actually a perfect white faded looking line that goes around the bottom perimeter of the pool along with lines going the width of the pool here and there. Aquamarine has up to $1,000,000 in inventory and the financial backing to handle any problem that can or could arise. What Will It Cost To Operate A Pool? A dark colored pool may convey or give a feeling of deeper water as in an ocean or a lake. Building Expert Quality Fiberglass Pools For Over 20 Years. The solution is as simple as a little regular maintenance. This fading happens because of chlorine in the water, years of sunlight and unbalanced water which all take their toll on the surface color. Maintaining a great looking fiberglass pool requires keeping the water in balance by saturating it with minerals and keeping it clean to avoid the growth of algae and bacteria. If you're considering an inground pool, you're probably wondering what the pool will look like in 5, 10, or even 20 years. And while they are unsightly, and can also cause stress in the homeowner, they are easy to repair and will have no long lasting effect on your fiberglass pool. Aquamarine Pools installs over 800 pools per year. Warsaw, VA 22572, River pools was a Fiberglass Color Fading or Chipping and Color Mismatch. You may think fiberglass pools may look nice, but over time, they start to show their age. + Never get painful skin abrasion from rough plaster & pebble surfaces. Installations that have been in place for as long as 30 years, have been inspected and found to have nothing more than superficial cracks in the finish, or in some cases, colour fading. The vinyl liner needs to be replaced every 5–9 years already ($4,000–$4,500 each time), so if you replace it on the early end of that spectrum, the fading may be minimal. With regular maintenance, cleaning, and resurfacing, a concrete pool can last for decades. What Is Involved In The Construction Of A Pool? Required fields are marked *. Selecting the proper shape and size inground pool is crucial. Most fiberglass pool shell manufacturers incorporate Gelcoat Color, Vinyl Ester Resin, and structural Polyester Resin in their pool shell construction. At Pool Warehouse our mission is to provide your family with the perfect pool regardless of shap, style or size! Why the Cheapest Pool Might Not be the Least Expensive, Cantilevered Concrete Coping vs Stone Coping on Fiberglass Pools, Fiberglass Pools, Vinyl Liner Pools and Concrete Pools – A Comparison? […], There is not doubt about this – Fiberglass is King. At River Pools we manufacture and install fiberglass pools in Virginia and Maryland (and in other areas of the country through our network of authorized dealers). Jay Tucker, with Swim World Pools, shows what can be done to refinish fiberglass pool steps with Ecofinish before and after. With that in mind we offer a great selection of quality, made in the USA, fiberglass swimming pool kits. I would not consider this an issue if I wanted a colored pool, and sometimes the repairs are so good you cannot see the difference, but it is never certain with color repairs. The incredible strength of fiberglass, and the smoothness of the surfaces mean your new fiberglass pool will be there year after year, providing you with backyard enjoyment just like it was new.  |  If we sat outside, submerged in water and exposed to the elements 24/7 all year long, we'd show a little sign of wear too! Pools that are too dark can distort depth perception making the pool seem much deeper than it actually is. But if you want to refurbish your entire fiberglass pool surface, to remove fading, scratches, cracking, scaling and staining, you’d need to add another zero to the cost! Issues with pool setback from building line Issues with pool setback from building line. The addition of a metals removing product like “Metal Magic”, (we add it when we first fill your pool) will prevent metals from building up on the fiberglass. The solution to color matching issues is to get a solid color fiberglass pool. Fiberglass pool options such as tiles and mosaics are an elegant way to upgrade your design. However, over the last 20 years, the most important innovation is corrosive-resistant Vinyl Ester Resin added to the fiberglass layer. By comparison, fiberglass pools cost $45,000–$85,000 upfront but have the lowest lifetime expenses of all three, which saves you money in the long run. A standard size pool resurfacing project would require 45kgs … Sundance Pools manufactures Fibreglass Pools from their factory based in Somerset West, Cape Town. Yes, another gelcoat problem! Or the metals will cause your nice brilliantly glistening colors to fade and look dull. Repairs on Colored Fiberglass Pools. The powerful image of a large sparkling fiberglass pool glistening in the sun is a sight to see. What Is A Salt Water Pool I Hear So Much About? How Long Does It Take To Build A Fiberglass Pool? | Website Design by IMPACT. A light colored pool can create more of a tropical or beach feeling with lighter colored pool water. Ultimately, your choice of builder will be essential in prevention of this kind of problem. Fiberglass pools are clearly the best way to bring swimming fun and entertainment into your back yard, and using a high quality fiberglass pool like those from San Juan Pools, and choosing an expert builder like ABLE, your fiberglass pool will give you a lifetime of carefree enjoyment. Fibreglass pool resurfacing is key to bringing your pool back to a vibrant life, but there are many other solutions we offer to ensure your pool performs and looks its best. Two Aquaguard top coats are applied. A fiberglass pool will last between 20–25 years, although the interior gel … * Fiberglass metal staining The world’s first non-fade surface protection system for fibreglass pools with a Lifetime Interior Surface Guarantee*. Damage, fading, discoloration, and other defects may begin to show on your pool’s surface. Contact Sometimes the best solution to color issues is to install a white pool, and let the water color your pool. Premature or uneven fading of the gelcoat surface of fiberglass pools is almost always due to improper care of the pool's water chemistry. The Diamond Series™ finishes added in the last 7 … They are also the easiest to maintain and are installed the fastest. Vinyl liners for inground pools are made with UV-resistant chemicals to help prevent or delay fading. * Fiberglass Pools Floating (my personal favorite). Even 20 years after installation, it should still look excellent. Will the gelcoat surface fade over time? The metal stains appear like circular shapes. Concrete, Vinyl, and Fiberglass Pool Fading: Which Fades the Worst? Think about it. If you were to compare a new color sample to a 10-year-old pool, you might notice some difference, but otherwise you'd likely not be able to tell. If the installer does his work properly, and if you do not drain your fiberglass pool, you will never have a problem – and that is a fact. Fiberglass Pool Finishes that Discolor or Fade. Each time the blue gelcoat is applied to cover them, the turn white. Fiberglass Pools are built in a fraction of the time of other types of pools However, such high maintenance is nearly impossible and white calcium deposits, also called scale, are probable. Gunite pool finishes cost an average of $10,000 to resurface every few years, but fiberglass doesn’t require that amount of maintenance – make your wallet happy! Best pool type to avoid fading. Some of the pools were standard colored plaster, while others were exposed aggregate pools with integrally tinted cement combined with various aggregate combinations. Concrete, Vinyl, and Fiberglass Pool Fading: Which Fades the Worst? If your pool should become dull from metals or you see metal staining, addition of a metals remover will wash metals away like mud from a glass door. function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} After 400 and more fiberglass pools built over the years, we have become very good at installing fiberglass pools. I was able to drain the pool to below the first step. FIBERGLASS SWIMMING POOL RESTORATIONwith 20 mils = 10 year warranty and 10 year plus longevity. Usually I hear this when a fiberglass pool buyer has run into someone selling negatively. To be sure you’re getting the best pool for your needs, be sure to compare all three pool types. These cracks are usually the result of rough handling while loading or unloading, or a twist in the fiberglass shell by a poor installation. The pool should be maintained as per the warranty specifications set by Barrier Reef Fiberglass Pools LLC. Raised or flush construction application. The procedure is quick, as in minutes, and when complete you will never know there were cracks at all. Specialize in Fiberglass resurfacing, remodeling, new builds, water features, and much more. In a continued effort to point out the pros and cons of all types of swimming pools on this blog, this article will discuss a common issue that can arise with a swimming pool over time—fading. 196 Selftown Rd Fiberglass pools can also fade all over, if poor chemical management goes on for too long. Colored fiberglass pools have become the norm. You can replace your own inground pool liner during a weekend, at a cost of under $1000, including supplies. 2 coats @ 40 mils thick = 20 year warranty with 20 years longevity plus. Virtually all … These problems can also be known as … Fiberglass pools have the best warranty’s in the industry today. However, they require extensive, expensive upkeep, including acid washing and refinishing. How fast a specific liner fades will depend on the following factors: Whether white or colorful, a concrete pool with a plaster surface will noticeably lose vibrancy over a 10-year span. The problems arrive when the colors begin to fade because they were not maintained properly, or when the gelcoat is chipped by accident or abuse. The powerful image of a large sparkling fiberglass pool glistening in the sun is a sight to see. For example, our G36 pool out in our pool park was installed 3 years ago, and it still looks as good as it did the day it was installed. At River Pools, we've been around a while and understand how the different types of inground pools weather over time…specifically, when and how the surfaces of inground pools fade. Water contains minerals such as copper and iron.  |  The top coat specifications require the top coat to be apllied at 600 microns thick.

gtag('config', 'UA-30192868-1'); Call Us! Although they are minute quantities, they can stain your fiberglass pool. or steel. The Pool Visualizer App, available for iOS, lets you use augmented reality with your phone’s camera to virtually build a fiberglass pool on any surface, including your own property.It features our most popular models and colors, and now gives you even more, such as: Seven more pool shapes—rectangle, kidney and freeform shapes, as well as enhanced details and specs—for a total of 15 pools hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(42700, 'b19a3d0a-1487-4004-87a0-a07c51d247af', {}); What Can You Expect From a Fiberglass Pool Kit? Of the three types, the gelcoat of a fiberglass pool is the most durable and fade-resistant surface. Become a Dealer or Franchise When it comes time to repair that color, it … fantastic experience from start to end! The pool interior is ageing. I mean, I get it, I definitely would not want to see my pool finish fade away either. It’s no wonder fiberglass pools are quickly becoming the worlds most popular form of residential swimming pool. Choose between glass and ceramic tile in a multitude of patterns that will add a charming embellishment to admire as you dine al fresco or bask in the sun lounging poolside. The concrete edge acts as a collar to hold the fiberglass pool in place, if you ever need to drain and service the pool. Filed under: pools — Leave a comment. Common Problems. Fiberglass is painted with a polyester resin-based paint called gelcoat, which can become scratched or scuffed fairly easily. Search 3934 Market Street 910-251-0038 We use our unique manufacturing methodology as part of The River Pools Way to ensure your pool surface stands the test of time. Sat 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, © 2021 Able Pools & Spas – All rights reserved. As long as you maintain the pool and it’s manufactured well, a gelcoat looks great for decades—no refinishing or liner replacement necessary. The pool may need to be refinished for repairs to be inconspicuous. Fiberglass loves metals, and because most of our water contains metals in small concentrations, the fiberglass will do a very nice job of removing those metals and holding on to them for you. Consumers should verify specifications with the installing dealer Do You Take Care Of The Permits And Paperwork? Once again, this relates to the gelcoat finish. gtag('js', new Date());

The water inside the pool weighs it down, and keeps everything locked in place. Gelcoat is also susceptible to oxidation, which occurs when the gelcoat breaks down from sun exposure and becomes dry and rough. Fiberglass shells have to be transported by a truck, so the maximum size is 16 feet wide and about 40 feet long. As a result, the chlorine in the majority of salt pools is 200% to 500% higher than recommended levels. Salt water is abrasive on the interior surfaces of concrete/ gunite pools, especially those that have plaster within them. Fiberglass pools typically pass through two phases as the surface begins to age. Talk about durability. The durability of a fiberglass pool is beyond compare. I have white random splotches and spots (resemble water splash markings), and lines in my 3 year old fiberglass pool. you get the picture. The mfg. I installed a fiberglass pool 2 years ago and noticed all the flat rough surfaces appeared to be fading. You can replace your own inground pool liner during a weekend, at a cost of under $1000, including supplies. - Shannon Hill, Copyright © 2021 Thursday Pools | All rights reserved. How gradually? (As if fading isn’t bad enough, UV light can also shrink liners and make them brittle.). A cheaper s… Editor's note: This blog article was updated on April 17, 2019. The durability of a fiberglass pool is beyond compare. Keep your fiberglass pool safe and clean. When homeowners see their color fade or even disappear, they understandably demand answers and solutions. I was able to drain the pool to below the first step. This is especially true with salt water pools, as the chlorine generator often produces far more chlorine than needed. our unique manufacturing methodology as part of The River Pools Way, UV light can also shrink liners and make them brittle, All three pool types need regular maintenance. Resurfacing a Trilogy Lynx Fiberglass Pool in my backyard from start to finish. https://www.riverpoolsandspas.com/blog/will-inground-pools-fade Pt. In fact, one of the great attractions of fiberglass pools, is the relative lack of maintenance. This fading typically occurs because of chlorine in the water, years of sunlight, water chemistry imbalances all … If you like the nice “Teal” look of the Caribbean waters, purchase a white fiberglass pool and it will look just the same color as a shoal beach in the tropics. Swimming pools, fiberglass pools. Fibreglass pools typically pass through two phases as the surface begins to age. My favorite example of this, is just down the street in the harbor in Wilmington, where about 35,000 tons of steel is floating – and here it is : The truth is that fiberglass pools, concrete pools and battleships will all float – but fill them full of water and……. Depending on the region you reside in, the initial cost of an average fiberglass pool is approximately $30,000 – $45,000. Become a Dealer or Franchise I have tried numerous scale removing solutions including Jacks Magic but it hasn't budged. This makes Aquamarine Pools the largest Fiberglass Pool builder in the United States. This is common because pools constructed of fiberglass lack the durability offered by a gunite pool. Viking Fiberglass Pool Finishes. A common problem we come across is seeing fading around the inner gel coat that produces dark lines showing on the most visible part of the pool surface. I was then told by the pool installer that it was a calcium buildup and it could be scrubbed off. So – there it is – the most common fiberglass pool problems and their solutions – such as they are. Each time the blue gelcoat is applied to cover them, the turn white. Firstly, the gelcoat blue colour will slowly fade to white over time. After a while you will begin to see metal stains appearing as round saucer like things that are darker than the rest of the pool. If you made me stand in the sun eight months of the year and in full contact with chlorinated water I’d probably change color a little bit too. Structural cracks occur when you back the loader into the pool while preparing to install the pool in the ground – and yes we did that once – and two days later you couldn’t find the damage with a magnifying glass. Able Pools and Spas, Inc. Structural cracks in fiberglass happen because something damaged the pool, and they can always be repaired. When it comes time to repair that color, it may not always be a perfect match. That means they resist fading and oxidising. Still, liners fade faster than the permanent surfaces of concrete or fiberglass pools. 853. dons80. Of the three types, the gelcoat of a fiberglass pool is the most durable and fade-resistant surface. Fiberglass Pool Warranty. That … But it is something that happens to all styles of pool. * Fiberglass color fading or chipping and color mismatch Fiberglass Swimming Pool Kits. However, there will be definite color differences after 9 years. Vinyl liners can fade also, although new liners are more UV resistant than ever. I have to say that pool maintenance is […], When I decided to establish and write this blog on our website, my intention was to provide as much information as I […], When your fiberglass swimming pool is being constructed, you will have three options for the final finish or look of the pool. The mfg. View our fiberglass pool shell colors which have been strategically designed to complement your home and outdoor living space. Fiberglass Pool Options Tiles & Mosaics for Fiberglass Pools. At River Pools, we specialize in manufacturing and installing fiberglass pools. Stress cracks, are often called spider cracks because they will radiate out on numerous directions and look like a spider’s web. An old vinyl pool can be refreshed with an economical liner replacement, while an old concrete pool can be completely resurfaced for a new look, at a fraction of the cost of replacement. Luckily, this is incredibly cheap compared to the maintenance required by concrete and vinyl pools. Another option is a spray-on polymer that will refinish a fiberglass pool. Our beloved USS North Carolina floats because it was designed to, and our fiberglass pools don’t float because they are designed to be full of water. rather than relying on information on this website, which is not intended to be a final Choose between glass and ceramic tile in a multitude of patterns that will add a charming embellishment to admire as you dine al fresco or bask in the sun lounging poolside. The manufacturing process can also impact how durable the gelcoat surface is. I have tried numerous scale removing solutions including Jacks Magic but it hasn't budged. While some fiberglass pool manufacturers may promote white pools, either because they don’t offer color, or to prevent fading, we LOVE making colored pools. Achieve the look you want with versatile installation options. Unlike concrete pools, where a crack can mean the ruination of the whole project, or vinyl liner pools where liner damage and bottom damage can get very costly very quickly, fiberglass pools are pretty much indestructible. Firstly, the gelcoat blue color will slowly fade to white over time. Fiberglass Pool Finishes. Product specifications are believed to be accurate at the time of original publication. The surface shine of a gel-coat fiberglass swimming pool will lose its shine and become dull over time. How Much Maintenance Will I Do On a Fiberglass Pool? Our recommendation is to select a pool shell that won’t fade, buckle or crack from years of use or from harsh chemicals or salt, as well as the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. has been out 4 times to repair. The dimensions below are listed starting from smallest to largest showing the Outside Dimensions (O.D), Inside Dimensions (I.D. The biggest drawback of a fiberglass pool is the limitations created by delivering the pool in one piece. One of the joys of fiberglass pools, is the very limited number of things that can go wrong. They are darker than other parts of the fiberglass pool. In a continued effort to point out the pros and cons of all types of swimming pools on this blog, this article will discuss a common issue that can arise with a swimming pool over time—fading. Everyone knows how much I love building fiberglass pools, so in the interest of fairness I decided to discuss some potential issues with fiberglass pools. Ralph – ABLE’s Pool Maintenance Guy, dilligently cleaning one of our inground Fiberglass Pools. Ensuring that the pool is completely level, and that appropriate materials are used for installation, will contribute to the long lifetime of a fiberglass pool. This is because the gelcoat surface has microscopic pits and crevices in it from the oxidation, even after you have rubbed off the oxidized layer. UV stabilised pigments are used in this resin. Fading. Great Designs FIberglass Pools shapes are new designs and reflect today’s thinking and architectural trends. Many fiberglass pool have multiple layers. Some fiberglass pool manufacturers offer a … This is not normal and should be checked by a pool installer like Perth Fibreglass Pools. Vinyl liner pools cost only $20,000–$55,000 upfront. If you are using a vinyl liner pool, you must be careful as those pools tend to have metal parts or connections which salt will eat through and corrode. I have created a thread for this issue already you can find allot of helpful info here "Fiberglass Pool Bleaching under water line" Tracey123.