If you have a fiberglass swimming pool, or you are planning to put one in, you are probably thinking of how to make the swimming experience as enjoyable as possible. One way is to consider adding a heating system to the pool. Another may be making sure your patio is large enough for your entertaining needs. One of the main aspects of swimming that can be improved however, is the water quality itself. You may be asking yourself can fiberglass pools be salt water?
Can Fiberglass Pools Be Salt Water?
In this article we won’t be getting into whether or not you should put a salt system in, or how install a salt system yourself. We assume you’ve looked into the alternatives to salt. If you’ve settled on a salt system, you might if you can you put one on your fiberglass pool? Can fiberglass pools be salt water? The answer is a resounding yes, fiberglass pools can be salt water.
Fiberglass Salt Water Pool Concerns
Although fiberglass pools can be salt water, you need to understand the possible issues. Salt is often rumored to accelerate the depreciation of various pieces in a pool. Is the same true for fiberglass pools? We’ll now explain some problems that have been dispelled and others that still exist.
Fiberglass Pool Discoloration
One of the main benefits of a fiberglass pool is the impervious nature of the fiberglass interior itself. Older fiberglass pools used to turn yellow in the sun after a decade or so. However, in the last thirty years, fiberglass pool and composite technology has changed dramatically. Fiberglass pools will now look virtually the same for many years. This improvement in longevity of the finish visually also means the finish will stand the test of time when impacted by pool chemicals. This includes a salt water fiberglass pool. Once a valid fear, fiberglass salt water pools no longer depreciate the color of your pool as quickly.
Handrails And Automatic Covers
If your fiberglass pool has an automatic cover or a handrail, you will still need to be concerned. You will need to actively focus on maintaining each of these when you have a salt system. Handrails made of 304 stainless steel will rust when exposed to salt water. You need to replace your handrail with one made of marine stainless steel grade 316 if you want to avoid corrosion. Likewise you’ll need to keep your automatic cover rinsed and cleaned regularly to avoid premature corrosion.
Patio And Stone Work
Also, you’ll still want to keep an eye on your patio. Salt water can damage stone work and concrete when exposed over a long period of time. You may want to consider having your stone work sealed with Stain Proof sealer.
Can Fiberglass Pools Be Salt Water Summary
Now you know that fiberglass pools can be salt water? In fact, there’s not a better type of pool to use a salt system on than fiberglass pools. Fiberglass pools are virtually impervious to the ups and downs of water chemistry. This puts them in a class above the rest when it comes to risk of chemical damage. Just make sure you take precautions with any metals in the pool area, and watch your PH levels as salt systems tend to run a high PH.