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										| Caring for fiberglass inground pools. |  
						
										| A pool 
										requires proper care, in order to 
										preserve its appearance and extend its 
										life.  Water testing helps avoid 
										conditions that might damage the pool 
										equipment or make sanitizing less 
										effective.  
												
												
										
						
										
										A 
										
										ColorQ 2X is a 2nd generation, 
										Bluetooth, Waterproof, all-digital tester,  
										 
										
										
										
										
										that can 
										measure all the common test factors. There is a model, for every sanitizing 
										need.
										 The 
										
										MegaChlor Salt Chlorine Generators 
										are ideal for many pools and require no 
										installation.  Plug-n-Play ready. 
										
										Salt chlorine generators are a 
										better way to do chlorine, providing 
										more control and helping to avoid algae 
										and sanitation problems. |  
						
										| 
											
												| ColorQ All-Digital Water Testers | Swim-Spa and Pool Salt Chlorinator | Salt Chlorine Generators |  
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												| Product and Ordering Information | Product and Ordering Information | Product and Ordering Information |  
												| If you have a pool or spa water 
												testing need, we should have the 
												product.
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												Question & Answer information.
												
												
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												| Stains can 
												be removed with a 
										MetalTrap Stain 
										Reversal Kit and heavy metals 
										can be eliminated, at the source, with a
										MetalTrap 
										Filter.  Add a drop-in, 
										Premium Pool 
										Graphic Mosaic Mat your pool 
										will take on a great new look. Get 
										better circulation, by replacing 
										standard return jet fittings, with 
										The 
										Circulator.  Better 
												circulation helps everything 
												work better. |  
												| Stain Reversal Kit, for Pools 
												and Spas | Premium Graphic Mosaic Pool Mats | Circulation Boosting Return Jet 
												Fittings |  
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												and Ordering Information | Product and Ordering Information | Product and Ordering Information |  
												| If you have a pool or spa water 
												testing need, we should have the 
												product.
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												| Magnetic Water Conditioners
						
										
						
												
												help solve scaling problems, due 
												to high levels of calcium 
												hardness and are available in 4 
												models. An 
						Automatic Filter Cartridge Cleaner 
												makes cleaning easier.  
												Choose from a variety of pool 
												and spa models.  
												
												MetalTrap Filters are an 
												effective and easy way to deal 
												with source water, that contains 
												heavy metals, and avoid creating 
												a problem, every time new water 
												is added. |  
												
												| Magnetic Water Conditioners | Automatic Filter Cartridge 
												Cleaners | Metals Removing Filters - 3 Sizes |  
												
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										| If you have a pool or spa water testing 
										need, we should have the product.
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										Question & Answer information. 
										
										
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										| How to maintain a Fiberglass Pool and avoid common problems? |  Fiberglass 
								pools are available in a variety of shapes, 
								sizes, depths and configurations and can be 
								accessorized with a full range of convenience 
								features. Different geographic locations and 
								water source qualities can produce varying 
								maintenance requirements. Generally speaking 
								fiberglass pools are more chemically inert and 
								have less interaction with the water chemistry 
								than gunite pools.  For your sanitizing 
					needs, for can consider a
					salt chlorine 
					generator, an
					
					Ultraviolet Sterilizer or a combination of methods, for 
					even better results.  The periodic addition of a 
								metal treatment can help protect the appearance 
								of the fiberglass. If problems arise, refer to 
					the Pool Problems Page, 
					as a source of problem-solving information, broken down into 
					various categories.  Scroll down the page and click on the linked
								keywords,
								catch phrases 
								or images, in the archived answers below, to access additional information, on that topic or product. Do you know what's in your 
					water?  Optimizing the water chemistry helps 
					maintain proper swimming conditions and allows sanitizers, 
					to work more effectively,  If you would like to avoid problems, with stains and 
					discoloration, due to the presence of metals, you should be 
					testing for iron, copper and, possibly, manganese. Understanding, 
					if the potential for a problem exists, allows for 
					appropriate, preventative treatment to be taken.  This helps select 
					the best treatment option, to avoid stains and discoloration.  For 
					information about our full selection of testing options, 
					visit our Test 
					Equipment Store.  For information about 
					discoloration and stain treatment 
					options, visit our Stain Treatments 
					Store.  Understanding the nature 
					of the problem, should be step one.  
										
											
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								 Helpful, 
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						► 
						Something More Than Algae Stains?
 I just 
						found your website yesterday and was quite impressed.  
						Here is my problem. I have a fiberglass in ground pool, 
						which I love. This year the walls and side feel slimy 
						and have a yellow/brown film on them. I took my water to 
						be tested at 2 local pool supply stores and they both 
						said everything looked good. They suggested an algae 
						treatment and 3 bags of shock. I have done this twice 
						now and brush daily and cleaned the filter.  Help 
						it won’t go away. I used a bath towel where I could 
						reach and rubbed and it seemed to help a little.  
						Please any suggestions would be helpful.  Thanks.
 
						
							
								
									
										
											
											You may 
											have had algae or a bacterial slime, 
											which made the walls slippery, but 
											the algae treatment probably took 
											care of that.  Now you may 
											have a metal stain.  Place a 
											dozen 500-mg Vitamin C (ascorbic 
											acid) tablets on a stained area.  If 
											it removes or changes the film 
											(stain), the directions below will 
											treat the 
											whole pool.  Heavy metal 
											stains, such as iron, copper and 
											manganese can come from natural 
											sources or corrosion of pool heaters 
											and equipment.  In the vast majority 
											of cases, merely adding a metal 
											treatment will not remove the 
											stains., especially when covering 
											large areas.  A reducing agent, such 
											as METALTRAP 
											Stain Remover must first be 
											applied, at the dosage rate of 1 
											pound per 10,000 gallons.  Before 
											applying, the free chlorine, must be 
											allowed to drop to 0 PPM. otherwise, 
											the chlorine will destroy the stain 
											remover.  Chlorine neutralizer can 
											be used to quickly drop the level 
												
													
														
															
																
																	
																		
																			
																				Allow the water, containing the METALTRAP Stain Remover to circulate 24/7.  Brush the surface to help speed the process.   Af ter the stains are gone., do one of the following.  Either add 1 quart of Liquid METALTRAP, per 10,000 gallons of water, for each 1 PPM of metals present or use POOL REFRESH, to help you permanently remove the metals, by vacuuming and filtering them out.  A MetalTrap Stain Reversal Kit contains everything needed.   Wait 24 hours before adding chlorine or raising the pH.  A lot of chlorine will have to be added, because it will react with the stain remover.  Test your source water for iron, copper and manganese.   A METALTRAP Filter uses garden hose connections and can remove up to 1 PPM of metals, based on its rated capacity.  If you use the METALTRAP Filter, when adding all new water, you can keep more metals out of the pool. Because the process can get lengthy, it is a good idea to add a dose of a polymer algaecide, to help maintain water quality, in the interim period.  If this website was helpful, 
					in solving your problem, please consider joining our
					E-Letter Mailing List.  You'll receive E-Letters, with helpful 
					information, new product updates, suggestions and sale 
					announcements. I hope that I have 
					provided the solution. Sincerely.   Alan Schuster, 9/10/2018
 
					► 
					Fiberglass Or 
					Gunite Pool?
 Hi Alan, my wife and I bought a home 
					outside of Tampa, Florida this summer and we've been trying 
					to research which type of pool would be best. According to 
					the fiberglass Salesman, his pool will require less 
					chemicals and electricity (because the pump wouldn't run as 
					much). In addition he said that the shell would not break 
					down over time. He also stressed that a gunite pool would 
					require periodic acid washing (5-7 years) and other costly 
					but routine repairs. When we asked the gunite Salesman about 
					fiberglass pools all he did was laugh. Note: Even if we end 
					up buying a gunite pool, it will not be from THAT 
					salesman/company. Thank you for your assistance.
 
 Lewis G., Tampa, FL, 1/2/2021
 
 Great salesman! It is true that gunite pools will require 
					periodic refinishing or acid washing. In addition, there is 
					more interaction between 
					the water and the gunite pool surface, especially initially until an chemical 
					equilibrium is reached. Maintaining the chemistry in a 
					fiberglass pool should be 
					easier. The smooth surface should make algae control and 
					pool vacuuming easier. Gunite pools can stain or crack, but 
					these can be corrected or repaired. Refinishing can give the 
					gunite pool a whole new look, but it costs. A gunite pool 
					allows the benefit of infinite variation of size shape and 
					color. I wouldn't give much weight to the filtration 
					savings. Some of the newer alternative sanitizing systems 
					will require that the filter be operated for adequate or 
					minimum periods of time. This is a big decision. Over the 
					life of the pool, the cost of maintenance should be factored 
					in, as well. I suggest that you consider cost and 
					aesthetics, but go with the product that strikes your fancy. Good luck and I hope that I 
					have been helpful.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 1/2/2021
 
 
					► 
					How To Calculate Pool Gallons? 
					We just closed 
					on a house with an inground fiberglass pool.  What do I 
					need to measure and how do I calculate the number of gallons 
					of pool water?  I want to do the pool maintenance 
					myself and need to be sure of its size.  Thanks for any 
					help, you can offer. 
					Hank G., 
					Alpharetta, GA, 5/23/2017 Basically, 
					you need to know the length, with and average depth.  A 
					cubic foot of water equals 7.5 gallons.  Go this this 
					website page:  Calculating Pool Volume.  It will provide all the 
					information, for pools of all sizes and shapes.   
					A ColorQ, all-digital pool water analyzer will help you et 
					off on the right track.  Good luck with the house and 
					the pool. Sincerely.  
					Alan Schuster, 5/23/2017
 
 ► Vinyl Or 
					Fiberglass Pool?
 
 We are trying to decide on a vinyl or 
					a fiberglass pool. Size is no issue, as we are looking for 
					something relatively simple: about 14' X 28'. What concerns 
					us most is the appearance and the maintenance. We have ruled 
					out gunite - been there and done that! Thanks for the 
					opportunity to ask a question.
 
 Bethany K., NJ, 3/20/2007
 
 Both fiberglass pools and vinyl inground pools can look great and 
					provide many years of service. Both are relatively inert to
  chemicals and have no effect upon the pH, total alkalinity 
					or calcium hardness level. Care must be taken avoid having 
					chlorine products contact vinyl liners. Fiberglass is less 
					prone to fading over time. To help preserve the appearance 
					of fiberglass, it is suggested that a metal treatment, such 
					as phosphate-free Liquid METALTRAP, be periodically added to 
					complex any metals present in the water. In areas where 
					minerals are a potential problem, this is good advice for 
					pools of all types. In the final analysis, the choice is 
					yours to make. You should go with the product that suits 
					your tastes and is within your budget.  Expect to pay more 
					for a fiberglass pool. It is always a good idea to check the 
					dealer's track record and to see some completed pools. Good 
					luck with the pool. 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/21/2007
 
 
 ► Exposed 
					Aggregate or Fiberglass?
 
 Dear Alan, could you give a little 
					insight and comparison between a fiberglass pool surface and 
					an exposed aggregate.  So far, it seems like the most 
					reliable and smooth finish is the fiberglass. However I am 
					concerned about the fiberglass dust that will be generated 
					during the installation.  How much of a problem is it and 
					can it be effectively eliminated after installation? Once 
					the fiberglass surface is installed, can erosion and 
					cracking occur causing particulates to be released?  Also, 
					do you know what the best quality resins would be for the 
					fiberglass?  The quartz/plaster composite seems also to be 
					durable but will porosity be a problem so that algae build 
					up will occur?  Thank you for your time. I would greatly 
					appreciate any information you can provide. Sincerely.
 
 Billie A., 4/22/2009
 
 Fiberglass pools are very attractive and the surface is 
					smooth. That can make control of algae easier and vacuuming 
					less of a chore. On the other hand, exposed aggregate is 
					somewhat rough and can harbor algae. However, I am not sure 
					that the algae consideration is important, if the pool is 
					properly maintained. Do you want a smooth finish or a 
					textured look? There are pros and cons on both sides. Your 
					concern about fiberglass fibers is understandable, but the 
					fiberglass products, used today, have coatings that are 
					quite long lasting. There are some types of aggregate finish 
					that are smoother, less prone to chemical problems and 
					capable of being used to produce unique looking finishes. I 
					suggest that you discuss this with local contractors, as 
					they have the practical experience. Ask for the names of 
					people with recent installations. Do the same with exposed 
					aggregate.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/23/2009
 
 
 ► Never 
					Should Be Acid Washed?
 
 I have a 12x24 fiberglass pool that I 
					just had acid washed and now it has spots. It looks kind of 
					like the finish is pitted. Could the acid wash have done 
					anything to the finish of the pool? if so is there any thing 
					I can do? the spots are a grey/green color and have moved 
					with the force of the jet and seem to be getting worse. any 
					help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
 
 Denise, 8/6/2009
 
 One of the benefits of owning a 
					fiberglass pool is that it 
					does not required acid washing. In fact, acid washing should 
					not be done, as it can damage the finish. This question 
					never was raised before, in my website, so I did verify the 
					facts. Your pool probably will have to be refinished or 
					painted.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 8/6/2009
 
					► How Much 
					Calcium Hardness?
 It seems like your are only one who 
					can answer my questions. I need to add calcium chloride to 
					my pool. My pool place says to mix it with water but on the 
					package it says not to mix with water just to broadcast it 
					over the pool, what do you recommend? Everyone says 
					something different. The man from the fiberglass pool 
					company said my hardness should be 350. I think this is 
					high. don't you?
 
 Edith B., 4/24/2008
 
 I have never heard of anyone recommending that it be 
					dissolved. Usually there are large amounts involved. It is 
					quite soluble and will not cause damage, if it should 
					contact the bottom. A gunite pool needs a hardness of 
					150-200 PPM and vinyl or fiberglass 
					pools only need 80 PPM as a 
					minimum and 150 PPM max. I suggest that you not add more 
					that this. At 350 PPM, you are close to scale forming 
					conditions. If your pH should rise above 7.8 or the TA above 
					150, scale formation could occur. I checked with a leading 
					manufacturer of fiberglass pools and their suggested range 
					is 120-150 PPM. I always felt the range for a vinyl lined 
					pool should be 80-200 PPM and there is no need to raise 
					something from the 80's anything higher.  A fiberglass pool, 
					like a vinyl-lined pool, does not contain masonry materials 
					in the walls. Up to 400 PPM, usually does not cause clarity 
					or scaling, so long as the pH and TA are optimum. Metals 
					such as copper, which is used as an algaecide, added by some 
					mineral sanitizers and ionizers or results from heater 
					corrosion or natural sources, can form dark stains in any 
					type of pool, with high calcium hardness. That's another 
					reason to avoid calcium hardness levels, as high as 350 PPM. 
					You might want to check, with the pool manufacturer, as 
					their recommendations might be specific to their brand of 
					pools.  I hope that this clears things up and keeps it that way.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/24/2008
 
 
 ► New Coping?
 
 We have a fiberglass pool which is in 
					great shape, but what is outside is falling apart. We have a 
					wooden deck right up top the pool. There is only a frame of 
					wood around the pool. No coping!!! All the decking is coming 
					out and a new surface put down. Do you think it will be a 
					problem, if stone coping is used, in place of the wood?
 
 Walter H., Toms River, NJ, 3/23/2009
 
 This should not be a problem, as fiberglass pools are 
					commonly finished with a 
					stone coping, that can provide a higher degree of safety. I hope 
					that this information will prove helpful.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/23/2009
 
											
												
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													A Great Decorative Option |  
													| 
													
													 |  
													| 
													
													Use a Premium Pool Art Graphics Mat 
													to decorate your pool floor. 
													The image appears to be 
													tiled on your pool floor, 
													but that's just an illusion. 
													Actually, you simply set one 
													of these colorful graphics 
													on the water and push it to 
													the bottom, with a pool 
													brush. Its weight keeps it 
													there. Choose from 9 
													attractive designs, plus a 
													custom monogram model.  
													Most are available in 3 
													sizes:  47" diameter, 
													23" diameter or 10.5" 
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													it off. |  
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					► Painting Or 
					Refinishing The Pool?
 Our fiberglass pool is showing its 
					age. The surface has become stained and is very dull. We are 
					either going to have it refinished or painted. Will painting 
					hold up? Will I still have stains to deal with, as we do 
					have well water? I want to make it easier for myself. Thanks 
					for the help.
 
  George, Sanford, NC, 1/30/2006
 
 Painting the fiberglass pool, with the right product and in 
					the proper manner, can make things easier down the road. 
					There should be less staining and the water chemistry should 
					be easier to maintain. Ultra Poly One Coat is a long lasting, durable epoxy 
					hybrid coating that is available in several colors. It is 
					something worth considering.  I hope that 
					information will help your with the decision making.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 1/31/2006
 
 
 ► Cleaned Up 
					Nicely?
 
 We just bought a house with a 
					fiberglass in ground pool and are having a few problems that 
					I can't seem to get a straight answer for. When we bought 
					the house the previous owner told us it was easy 
					maintenance, just one chlorine tablet a week. We did that 
					for about 3 months, the pool looked beautiful we didn't 
					worry about it. My husband had some questions about the 
					filter system so we called out a pool service guy, and he 
					tested the water also. He said our chlorine was zero, as was 
					the pH. But, the pool still looked beautiful. He suggested 
					sodium bicarbonate to raise the pH and a shock treatment for 
					the chlorine. It is a small pool, about 10000 gallons or 
					less, so he said to add 10 lbs of the sodium bicarbonate, 
					which I did. It turned the pool water green, so I did the 
					shock treatment, which seemed to bring the color better, but 
					then I got a brown stain around the water line and the whole 
					rest of the pool. I tested the alkalinity which was very 
					high so I used muriatic acid to bring that down. Now all the 
					chemicals are stabilized, the chlorine is still a little 
					high from the shock treatment over a week ago. The pH and 
					alkalinity are fine and the stains seem to be gone. Does 
					this make sense? No pool store here in Hawaii sells the 
					ascorbic acid. What do you suggest? Thanks for your help.
 
 Shelley F., Hawaii, 2/23/2014
 
 If the stains are gone, you don't need any 
					stain treatment. What 
					you should add is a double dose of phosphate-free, 
					Liquid 
					METALTRAP, in order to complex any remaining dissolved metals. You 
					probably had a low level of iron. Add a maintenance dose 
					monthly
  and prior to adding new water and it will help keep 
					the fiberglass free of stains. The use of the
					METALTRAP 
					Filter can remove metals from the pool water and lessen the 
					likelihood of metal stains. If you have a heater, you may 
					have exposed the copper components to corrosion and that 
					could have caused the staining and discoloration. The 
					previous pool owner probably over simplified the pool 
					maintenance. He neglected to tell you that the chlorine 
					tablets are acidic and will require the occasional addition 
					of chemicals to maintain the pH and total alkalinity. He 
					also failed to tell you that shock treatment may be 
					required, in order to maintain a free chlorine level of 1-3 
					PPM. The fact that the water was clear was due to the low 
					pH: it makes dissolved minerals more soluble, but creates 
					corrosive and irritating conditions. The fact that you have 
					a fiberglass pool helped avoid corrosion and surface 
					etching, that might have added to the problem. Now that you 
					are on the right track, keep the free chlorine at 1-3 PPM, 
					the pH at 7.2-7.6 and the TA at about 100 PPM. Want to make 
					chlorine maintenance easier? Check out salt chlorinating 
					systems. I hope that you have found this information 
					helpful. 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 2/24/2014
 
 
 ► Pool 
					Sanitizer Choice?
 
 We are planning to have a fiberglass 
					pool installed in late spring. There seems to be many ways 
					to sanitize the pool. Is there a "best" way for a fiberglass 
					pool or some that are not as good? Thanks for the 
					opportunity to ask a question.
 
 Greg M. Mobile, AL, 4/2/2010
 
 You're right there are a lot of choices! Because fiberglass 
					pools are so non-porous metal stains can show up, especially 
					if well water or water
  containing heavy metal is used. To 
					help avoid this possibility, it is always a good idea to add 
					a metal treatment, such as phosphate-free
					Liquid MetalTrap, as the pool is being filled. This advice 
					applies to all types of pools, if metals are known to be 
					present. A maintenance dose of metal treatment should be 
					added monthly and prior to the addition of new water. The 
					addition of the metal treatment can interfere with the 
					performance of certain types of sanitizers such as, 
					ionizers, copper-oxidation, 
					and copper algaecide. Fortunately, there are lots of other 
					good choices. You can use chlorine, bromine, a 
					salt chlorine 
					generator, an ozonator or an
					ultraviolet 
					sterilizer. Sometimes 
					using a combination produces even better results with less 
					effort. I hope that this information will help get you off 
					to a good start. Enjoy the pool! 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/2/2010
 
 
 ► Stubborn 
					Stains?
 
 I have a fiberglass pool, that is 
					about 10 years old. It still looks great, except for a few 
					spots in the shallow end. It have tried to use metal 
					removers, vitamin C and chorine shocking, but nothing helps 
					much, if at all. The dealer says it is "cobalt". whatever 
					that is. Do you have a solution?
 
 John. L, Boca Grande, FL, 1/23/2010
 
  Cobalt is something that usually only affects some older 
					fiberglass pool. A tiny hairline crack, in the gel coat, was 
					allowed water to reach 
					the underlying 
					fiberglass.  While you might not be able to chemically 
					remove the problem, you might be able to cover it over with a 
					Premium Graphic Design Pool Mat. 
					They are available in various sizes and designs.  Draining the pool is not necessary, because the Graphic Mats are simply dropped into place and 
					positioned.  I 
					hope that this information will be helpful.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/27/2010
 
 
 ► Hiding The 
					Damage?
 
 Alan, I have a bleached out spot, 
					right in the middle of the deep end. It is a fiberglass pool 
					and a 3" chlorine tablet must have been accidentally dropped 
					into the pool. Is there a simple solution? Do I have to 
					drain the pool? Thanks.
 
 Harry L., Stuart, Florida, 1/16/2011
  
 Actually, this is a simple no-drain solution. All you have 
					to do is add a Premium Pool Graphic 
					Mosaic Mat. It creates the illusion 
					of a mosaic tile decoration, but is really only a mat. Its 
					weight keeps it in place. All you have to do is position it 
					in place, using a pool brush and pole. It comes in a variety 
					of sizes and styles. No adhesive or installation is 
					required.  It will give the pool a new look and hide the 
					damage. Even it there was no damage, it would be a welcome 
					addition, to the pool.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 1/12/2011
 
 
 ► What To 
					Anticipate?
 
 Alan, I am relocating to Florida and I 
					am planning on having a house built with a pool. I have 
					never owned a pool before and don't know what to look for to 
					avoid future problems. Any suggestions? I would also like to 
					know what to expect as far as time and cost to maintain a 
					pool. Thanks.
 
 Ben G., 12/9/2008
 
 A lot will depend upon the pool and your budget. Your first 
					decision should be what kind of pool: gunite or fiberglass. 
					A pool is
  a long term investment, so choose carefully and 
					check out the builder. Assuming that it is an inground pool, 
					it may require a few hours a week to maintain the water 
					chemistry and make the proper adjustments. If it is within 
					your budget you could use a 
					salt chlorinator 
					and an 
					Ultraviolet Sterilizer, 
					as a means of eliminating most of the chemicals. Cleaning 
					the pool, depending upon location can involve work. This too 
					can be simplified with the addition of an automatic pool 
					vacuum. Reading up on water chemistry and proper filter 
					operation will help get you off on the right track. Browsing 
					through the archives will help educate you about pool 
					maintenance. Cost will depend upon pool size, location and 
					usage. A ballpark figure might be $1000-2000 per year, but 
					it is not etched in stone, as it can depend on size, 
					construction, Sun exposure, usage, sanitizer choice, etc. 
					This does not include electrical costs. I hope that I have 
					been helpful. 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 12/9/2008
 ► Tan And 
					Brown Stains?
 
 We have a 5000 gal fiberglass pool 
					with heater, that slowly develops stains (brown or tan) on 
					walls, pH 7.4, TA 120. These stains can easily be removed by 
					a stain remover (concentrated ascorbic acid, together with a 
					metal treatment. After treatment, pump is run for 12 hours 
					then filter is backwashed and new DE added. We treat this 
					problem when it becomes unsightly, approx every 6 weeks. Are 
					you aware of any chemical/product that could be added on a 
					continuing basis that would prevent this staining. It would 
					be nice to have pool walls clean all the time. Could 
					corrosion from heater be causing problem? Any other possible 
					cause of problem? Thank you.
 
 Tom K, 3/22/2009
 
 The color, of the pool stains, are not consistent with 
					copper, so I would rule out the heater. However, it is 
					consistent with iron and so is the treatment that you have 
					used. I suggest that you have the pool and source water 
					tested for iron. Any level can be a problem. Iron can be 
					present, even if the test results are negative, due to 
					interference from other chemicals that might have been added 
					or from the fact that it is on the walls and no longer 
					present in the water. It sounds like iron, so I suggest that 
					it be treated like iron. The recurrence could be due to not 
					having added enough of the metal treatment or having added 
					makeup water. Add a dose of the metal treatment now and add 
					an additional dose monthly or whenever new water is added. 
					Fiberglass has a negative electrical charge and can attract 
					positively charged metallic ions, causing the development of 
					a stain. The periodic addition of a phosphate-free metal 
					treatment, such as Liquid METALTRAP, should help negate this 
					effect and help keep pool stain free.  A 
					METALTRAP FILTER 
					can be used to help remove metals, from the pool water, and 
					prevent a recurrence of this type of problem. I hope that 
					the information will prove useful.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/22/2009
 
 
 ► Use Of 
					Muriatic Acid?
 
 I'm new to owning a pool. I've just 
					purchased (two years ago) a house equipped with an in-ground 
					pool, lined with fiberglass. The previous owner advised me 
					that muriatic acid should never be used in the pool. He used 
					granulated chlorine only. During the summer months I was 
					going through chlorine like crazy and having problems with 
					cloudy water and algae. One year ago I had a salt system 
					installed. Since then the water has been crystal clear, but 
					there is now a slightly grayish /tan film accumulating on 
					the pool surface. Particularly in the areas of the returns 
					and the spa. The film is impossible to brush off, but will 
					leave a clean streak if you wipe your finger over it. The pH 
					level has been historically high (off the chart on my 
					tester/ dark pink). Is this the cause? Can I add muriatic 
					acid to the pool? If not, what can I do to correct/ bring 
					down the pH level? Sincerely.
 
 Jerry W., 1/21/2007
 
 There is a huge difference between adding muriatic acid to 
					lower the pH and pouring the full-strength acid on the 
					walls. The latter should not be done. But, you must get the 
					pH to 7.2-7.8 and you will need to acid to do that. 
					Salt 
					chlorine generators, do tend to cause
  the pH to rise. High 
					pH can cause scaling to occur and lead to metal stains. See 
					below. I suggest that you add a few doses of metal 
					treatment, as the pH is being lowered. Give it some time and 
					see if that helps. High pH will make the chlorine less 
					effective and that can lead to other problem, as well. 
					 Three factors contribute to scaling conditions: high 
					calcium hardness (usually over 400 PPM), high pH (usually 
					over 7.8) and total alkalinity (usually over 200 PPM.  All 
					three together make it even worse. You can lower the pH and 
					TA with acid. The calcium hardness might be controlled, but 
					not necessarily lowered, by adding a calcium sequestering 
					agent. I suggest that you test the water for pH, TA and 
					calcium hardness. The Langelier Index will tell you if the 
					water is scale forming and provide insight to help improve 
					the situation. If the stains persist, you might want to 
					treat with a METALTRAP Stain Reversal Kit. I hope that this information will 
					prove helpful. 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 1/22/2007
 
 
 ► Indoor 
					Fiberglass Pool Sanitation?
 
 Alan, I've almost gone through every 
					aspect of your website & have learned a great deal on what I 
					hope to be a fun filled future as a pool owner. I'm in the 
					process of building a new home with an inground, indoor 
					fiberglass pool. The pool will be in its own walled in 
					environment with a dehumidifying heating system.  I've read 
					somewhere that chlorine shouldn't be used as a sanitizer for 
					an indoor pool because the byproducts can be carcinogenic. 
					Can you verify this for me? My hope was to use a salt 
					chlorine generator but now I'm having second thoughts. Are 
					there any other concerns I should have with an indoor pool 
					(i.e.. is a chlorine stabilizer needed). Thanking you in 
					advance.
 
 Chev H., Ottawa, Canada, 11/15/2004
 
 Read enough and everything seems to cause cancer. That odor 
					of chlorine, that you smell indoors, is not chlorine. It is 
					chloramines and
  it is known as a bad actor. It is odorous, 
					irritating and ineffective. High cyanuric acid levels are 
					another potential problem. The good news is that chloramines 
					are completely destroyed, as the water passes through the 
					salt cell and there is no build up of cyanuric acid 
					(chlorine stabilizer).  Your pool is indoors, so you do 
					not need any stabilizer! The fact that the pool is fiberglass 
					will simplify the maintenance of the pool water chemistry 
					because of the inert nature of the fiberglass. Basically all 
					you will have is salt, chlorine and some innocuous pH 
					adjustment chemicals. There is a long safe history of 
					chlorine being used in pools and drinking water. Bad press 
					about chlorine, usually refers to its manufacture and the 
					release of mercury. This has nothing to do with swimming 
					pools. A salt chlorinator will go a long way towards helping 
					to maintain the best appearance of the pool finish, because 
					it helps avoid ultra high chlorine levels and corrosive low 
					pH conditions. I hope that I have been of assistance. 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 11/15/2004
 
 
 ► Initial 
					Fill Up?
 
 Can a fiberglass pool be installed without filling it with 
					water during the installation? In other words, how is the 
					pool supposed to be filled up?
 
 Nelson S., 4/15/2005
 
 A 
					fiberglass pool is designed to have internal and external 
					pressure. Unless a pool is structurally enhanced, at any 
					given time the pressure outside the pool and the pressure 
					inside the pool should be equal. A leading fiberglass pool 
					manufacturer 
					recommends that there be no more than a 6” difference 
					between the water and the backfill when the pool is being 
					filled.  However, you should check your situation with 
					the pool manufacturer.  A properly trained installer should be proceeding 
					on this basis. I hope that I have been helpful.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/15/2005
 
 
 ► Pool That 
					Has Settled?
 
 My fiberglass pool, 3 years old, seems 
					to have settled slightly on one end near the steps. How can 
					this be fixed? I appreciate your help.
 
 Kelly, H., 11/2/2007
 
 In most situations, the only true way to fix a pool that has 
					settled is to pull it up out of the ground. On some 
					occasions the steps can be adjusted without removing the 
					entire pool. I suggest that you discuss this with the 
					builder, as to possible causes and remedies. Possible causes 
					include: erosion by ground water or springs, changes in the 
					water table, heavy rainfall or flooding, unstable ground and 
					installation techniques.  I suggest that you discuss both 
					the cause and solution with the builder. Good luck and I 
					hope that this information will prove helpful.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 11/3/2007
 
 
 ► Possible 
					Chlorine Damage?
 
 I have a fiberglass pool with a 
					floater to dissolve chlorine. the floater got stuck on the 
					steps and left brownish stains (bad ones). Is there a good 
					way to remove these? Can I scrub the fiberglass surface with 
					anything? Thanks.
 
 Mike M., 3/9/2005
 
 Having a chlorine feeder remain in prolonged contact with 
					any type of pool surface can result in damage. While the 
					color can
  be consistent with iron staining, given the 
					circumstances, the harsh effects of direct chlorine contact 
					has to be considered. First I suggest that you try and 
					remove the stains with an acidic tile cleaner. This fails, 
					try a solution of ascorbic acid or a METALTRAP Stain Reversal 
					Kit. If that fails, chlorine damage to the gel coat seems 
					the most likely possibility. You could try using an 
					automotive compound product on the area and follow with an 
					application of automotive wax. This treatment should remove 
					the top surface and help restore the appearance and luster 
					of the gel coat. This method of adding chlorine is not one 
					that I recommend, for exactly this reason. You would be 
					better off with an inline chlorinator. Even better would be 
					a salt chlorine generator. Good luck and I hope that this 
					information proves helpful. 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/10/2005
 
									
						
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