Gel Coat Surface

How to Maintain Your Tallman Fiberglass Pool Gelcoat Surface

Your Tallman fiberglass pool is designed for long-lasting beauty and durability. With proper care, your gelcoat surface will remain smooth, vibrant, and protected for years. Follow this guide to keep your pool looking its best while preserving your Warranty coverage.

Follow this guide to keep your pool looking its best while preserving your Warranty coverage.

1. Maintain Proper Water Chemistry

Balanced water is essential to protect your gelcoat. Incorrect chemistry can cause discoloration, chalking, fading, etching, or scale, which may void your Warranty.

Recommended Water Chemistry Ranges:

• pH: 7.2 – 7.4
• Total Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm
• Calcium Hardness: 80 – 120 ppm
• Free Chlorine: 1.0 – 3.0 ppm
• Cyanuric Acid (CYA): 30 – 50 ppm

Tips:

• Test water 2–3 times per week and adjust promptly.

2. Clean the Pool Regularly

Regular cleaning is essential to prevent staining and to keep your gelcoat smooth and vibrant. Follow these guidelines for proper care:

Below-Water Gelcoat Cleaning

• Use a soft-bristle brush or non-abrasive pool sponge.
• Brush the entire pool weekly to prevent buildup.
• Regularly vacuum the pool.
• Promptly remove leaves and debris to avoid staining.

Caring for the Waterline Gelcoat

The waterline is prone to collecting oils, sunscreen, pollen, and minerals. Proper care includes:

• Cleaning with a soft microfiber cloth, soft-bristle brush, or non-abrasive pool sponge.
• Applying an enzyme-based waterline cleaner to remove sunscreen, body oils, and other residues.

 Preventing Waterline Scale:

• Maintain water pH between 7.2–7.4 and calcium hardness at 80–120 ppm.
• Brush the waterline weekly to prevent buildup.
• Use a scale inhibitor if your water is naturally hard.

Caring for the Above-Water Gelcoat

The above-water gelcoat is exposed to UV rays, dirt, and environmental elements. Proper care will help maintain its appearance and durability.

Cleaning Tips:

• Use mild soap and water with soft cloth to clean the surface.
• Rinse coping and decking regularly to prevent dirt and debris from dripping onto the gelcoat.

3. Avoid Harmful Cleaning Methods

To protect your gelcoat surface, avoid the following:

• Abrasive cleaners
• Scouring pads
• Pressure washers
• Household cleaners
• Solvents
• Degreasers

These products and tools can damage the gelcoat, causing scratches, discoloration, or other permanent harm.

4. Use Stain & Scale Control

Stain, metal, and scale control products protect your gelcoat finish by preventing discoloration and buildup.

Benefits:

• Prevents iron and copper staining.
• Reduces calcium scale at the waterline.
• Protects against surface discoloration and rough or chalky buildup.

Tips:

• Use stain & scale control weekly (or as directed), especially in areas with hard or metal-rich water.

5. Add Chemicals Safely

Improper chemical handling can damage the gelcoat.

Safe Chemical Addition Guidelines:

• Never add chemicals to the skimmer.
• Add chemicals directly to the pool water with the pump running.
• Always pre-dilute acid in a bucket of water (add acid to water, not water to acid).
• Add chemicals one at a time, waiting 15–30 minutes between additions.
• Never mix chlorine and acid.
• Shock only with liquid chlorine or non-chlorine oxidizer (MPS).
• Add chemicals away from walls, steps, seats, and ledges.
• Do not allow chemicals to sit on the pool surface.

Prohibited Chlorine Products:

• Calcium hypochlorite (Cal-hypo)
• Dichlor granular chlorine
• Trichlor tablets/pucks
• Any stabilized or granular chlorine

Recommended:

• Use liquid chlorine or a saltwater chlorine generator.
• Use only chemicals approved for fiberglass pools.

6. Never Drain the Pool

Draining your pool without written authorization from Tallman Pools voids your Warranty and can cause:

• Structural damage
• Pool floating or shifting
• Gelcoat blistering or cracking

If you need to remove water, contact Tallman Pools for authorization.

7. Protect the Gelcoat from UV & Chemical Stress

Long-term exposure to harsh conditions can accelerate fading.

Protection Tips:

• Maintain proper water chemistry at all times.
• Use a pool cover when the pool is not in use for extended periods.
• Avoid prolonged high chlorine levels (above 3 ppm).
• Keep pH within range to prevent UV-accelerated color loss.

8. Address Stains or Issues Promptly

Early action prevents permanent damage.

What to Do:

• Identify stains as soon as they appear.
• Use only approved stain removers designed for fiberglass.
• Add a metal sequestrant regularly, especially if using well water.
• Contact your dealer for persistent or unknown stains.
• Never sand, polish, or buff the gelcoat unless directed by a fiberglass pool professional.

Keep Your Pool Beautiful for Years to Come

By following these guidelines, you’ll protect your gelcoat surface and maintain your pool’s stunning appearance. For additional support, contact your local Tallman Pools dealer.