How often do you have to drain a fiberglass pool

Fiberglass pools need the least maintenance of all three pool types. And the best news of all: 95% of fiberglass pools won’t need to be drained for decades.

What happens if you empty a Fibreglass pool?

Causing it to “float” due to hydrostatic pressure. Damaging expensive in-floor cleaning systems. Damaging pool lights. Causing a safety hazard for people, pets and local wildlife.

Can I leave my inground pool empty?

It is not advised to leave a pool empty for extended periods: Depending on the level of the water shelf, sustained pressure on an in-ground pool without water can cause external damage. Additionally, a drained above-ground pool can receive structural damage from the elements.

Do you drain fiberglass pool in winter?

But for those persons that own a fiberglass swimming pool, it’s very important to remember one key to a proper winterization: Water Level. … That’s why these days we simply use a ‘gizmo’ (long, green tube) so as to keep the water out of the skimmer line, but also allowing the pool to remain completely full.

Can fiberglass pools pop out ground?

YES, fiberglass pools can pop out of the ground, but now you know ALL pools can pop or float when not installed properly.

Is it bad to drain your pool?

First, if the draining is done at the wrong time or under the wrong conditions, you can actually risk damaging your pool structure and liner. All the water from your pool needs to go somewhere when it’s drained, and that usually means the ground. … For fiberglass pools, the risks of damage are even greater.

How far down can I drain my 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!

Can I leave my inground pool empty over winter?

It’s not good to leave your pool empty when the weather gets cold. Leaving your pool filled with water can help prevent your vinyl or concrete foundation from being damaged. … Actually, it’s not good to leave your pool empty when the weather gets cold.

How long do fiberglass pool last?

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

Is it better to drain a pool or clean it?

Most in-ground pools will have to be drained and refilled at some point. But cleaning should not be the reason to do it. Pools will need to be drained and refilled every 5-7 years on average, or if there is a major necessary repair. Otherwise, avoid draining your pool if at all possible.

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What happens to a pool without water?

The Problem With An Empty Pool Pools are designed to hold water. When there’s no water in them, they’re at risk of damage as there’s nothing keeping them weighed down. … When that amount of weight and pressure is removed from the structure, the pool can actually pop out of the ground due to ground pressure forcing it up.

Do fiberglass pools have skimmers?

Consult pool manufacturer’s instructions for additional placement recommendations. … The skimmer can only be mounted on a fiberglass pool with the throat flush up against the back of the pool wall.

How high should pool water be on skimmer?

The level at which pool skimmers function properly is between one third and about half way up the opening of the pool skimmer. If the water level is too high the debris floating next to the opening may pass by without being pulled into the skimmer.

Do you have to drain pool below skimmer for winter?

Do you need to drain any water when winterizing an above ground pool? The answer hinges on how you protect your skimmer during the winter. If you’re concerned about freezing and cracking, and don’t use a winter skimmer cover plate, then you should drain the water level below the skimmer and returns.

Can an inground pool collapse?

The weight of ice or snow are common culprits of pool collapse. Draining your pool too much. An older inground pool may not be able to withstand the weight of dirt against it once it is empty or if the water levels are too low. Groundwater can also push against the pool walls and cause it to collapse.

Why is my fiberglass pool Chalky?

Calcium build-up on the pool surface High pH levels in the pool water will cause calcium carbonate in the pool water to precipitate or bond to the pool surface. When this happens, it often leaves a white gritty layer. … First, too much calcium chloride (calcium increaser) has been added to the pool water.

What goes under a fiberglass pool?

Clean crushed gravel is the perfect base for a fiberglass pool because as long as the soil under the base is solid the pool will never move…

Can a fiberglass pool be moved?

For people who are relocating to a new home or who want to give their backyard a significant makeover, the question often arises, “Can my fiberglass pool be moved?” The answer is “Yes.”

What happens if a fiberglass pool overflows?

If the pool overflows, now only will the pool chemicals be diluted, but they may contaminate the pool deck and surrounding landscape. Removing excess water quickly is important to prevent this.

Why do fiberglass pools crack?

Fiberglass pools can craze or check crack from imprecise manufacturing or when the surface is not fully supported, like under the steps or areas where the backfill is eroded. Gelcoat can also crack during transport and installation if it gets bumped around too much.

Will my pool collapse if drain?

Otherwise, your pool is best maintained when you can keep the proper water level year-round. An empty pool (or as little as 1/4 filled) and an exposed liner on a hot day can cause the liner to shrink from the heat and deem the liner useless. An empty pool is also susceptible to collapse.

Why do people not drain their pool?

By not draining it, you’ll save money and help out the environment at the same time. Keeping water in the pool helps to prevent the liner from drying out, shrinking and cracking. … Additionally, even with a cover, an empty pool is more at risk for damage from debris.

Is a fiberglass pool worth the money?

Both are considered top-tier pool building materials. … That said, in terms of total cost of ownership, it’s worth noting that maintaining a fiberglass pool is generally cheaper. That’s because fiberglass is more algae resistant, and therefore could save you money on chemicals over the life of the pool.

What happens to a fiberglass pool after 25 years?

What is the life expectancy of a fiberglass pool? A fiberglass pool is expected to last up to more than 25 years – the reason they are the most low-cost option in the long run. Their surface does not support algae growth and resists stain, which means maintenance cost and hassle is significantly minimized.

What is the average price of a fiberglass pool?

Fiberglass pools are affordable and low-maintenance pool options. Fiberglass pools cost between $20,000 and $85,000, or $52,500 on average. The more budget-friendly options involve DIY installation and don’t include accessories like cement patios, while those on the higher end include all the bells and whistles.

What happens if pool water freezes?

Mild climate pools often freeze across the surface overnight. However, if the ice sheet becomes thicker than ¼” to ½”, it will put pressure on your pool tile and skimmers as the ice expands. … Ice can crack tile or loosen the grout, letting small pieces of tile come loose.

How much water do I need to drain my inground pool for winter?

In-Ground Pools In-ground pool draining requirements are similar to those of their above-ground counterparts. 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 often do they change the water in swimming pools?

Generally, pool water needs to be replaced once every five to seven years. This should be done during mild weather so that your pool surface is not at risk from strong sunlight and heat. Your pool maintenance company can recommend when it is time to drain your pool.

How often do you need to drain a pool?

Eventually, a point is reached where the water cannot be maintained properly no matter how many chemicals are used. Most professionals recommend draining your pool every three to five years in order to keep TDS levels low, which I agree with.

Should I drain my pool if it's green?

Don’t Drain The Pool Sometimes draining the pool to clean green algae is not an option. Depending on factors such as your pool system capabilities, water temperature, and the number of solids in the pool, you can clear your water between 3 days and three weeks.

Where do you drain pool water?

The best way to drain the pool is to empty it directly into the sanitary sewer line outside your home. The process is simple but can be time-consuming, depending on how fast you are able to pump the water.