If there is a hydrostatic valve on the deep end of your fiberglass pool which is supposed to be mandatory like in Australia, you can always drain your fiberglass pool. When draining a fiberglass pool, pause the process halfway wherein your able to reach the hydrostatic valve to unscrew and fully open it. This way the pressure of the ground water will equalize with the water inside the pool then restart and regulate the draining. I've drained my pool several times without any problem at all. The idea of hydrostatic valve is to equalize the pressure outside and inside the pool.
Is that the little 'jet' valve on the lower half of the deep end ?? If so this is an ahhhh moment, I thought it was something to do with the filter ever since childhood ! Do you need the 'aquapoles' to suspend the sides and does pool age play any major factor when draining it ?
I highly recommend fiberglass pools if installed correctly, it's been over 28 years ago installed, I love my big peanut shaped with 2 seat cut out fiberglass pool from Hawaiian Pools in St. Petersburg,fl (I think they have a different name now or was bought out by other). It's just a plain white fiberglass pool, it had a 20 year warranty on it too. There smooth, not rough like concrete pools, easier to clean. Have not had to resurface yet.
To those concerned about fiberglass pools, I have had my big peanut shaped white fiberglass pool for over 28 years and no cracks or popping up or having to resurface it yet. Hawaiian Pools (St. Pete, FL) installed are pool back in the early 90s, was a kid at the time and remembered the huge crane hovering this huge fiberglass pool over are house lol if installed correctly, they are a wonderful investment over concrete. Now don't get me wrong, I actually do concrete for a living so of course concrete is stronger then fiberglass, but fiberglass is a very good option compared to cost of concrete pool. Ours did have a 20 year warranty too
last year my pool started scalling. a grey/yellowish crust that wont go away. I've tried some poor in remedies with no success. would it be safe to drain half of the water to reach the really troubled spots?
We strongly recommend you hire a professional to drain the pool. Be certain to check the warranty from the manufacturer of your pool to be sure you understand the terms with regard to draining.
We are planning to hire someone, but what if the previous owners painted it and the paint is now "dusting" or coming off? In order to get it resurfaced, you would have to drain it, correct?
My pool already has an inward bulge. A small sinkhole or something like that developed right next to the pool deck. A massive amount of storm water funneled right into it and has (presumably) caused the backfill (sand presumably) to deform and put unequal pressure on the outside. I've been looking at videos to fix it. One video shows draining it, cutting out the bulge, remove excess backfill and replace with wire enforced concrete, then patch and reseal with fiberglass matting. I'm trying to find out if this is my best option or if I need to dig out the backfill with a backhoe after removing the decking.
Aren’t most fibreglass pools fitted with a hydro static valve? That should stop the pool floating up if there is water underneath it? Or am I wrong… I’m draining my pool soon to re-paint and I have a hydro static valve at the deep end
Yes, even a full drain is fine, keep in mind if a hole was dug with no backfill (rocks, sand, concrete) you run the risk of the pool floating in place and or bulges forming around the pool - AND if its Winter time with lots of rain that can put lots of pressure on the pool and push it out of it's socket - I never had an issue with these pools, but in California with strict build codes and diligence (never in the Winter, pool must have concrete deck at least 6 to 8 feet all around the pool ect . . ) There are properties where the owner self digs the hole, puts a weak wood deck around it in the field with lots of yearly rain fall - then NO, DO NOT DRAIN THAT POOL!!!
@@jasonjanes3256 I live in Bakersfield California and thinking of draining my fiberglass pool, it hardly rains here and it was back filled with sand during construction also have 5' cement slab all around pool. I was thinking about draining it for all winter long.
@@peakoil-ko5oq My concern there is any rain fall can start to collect under the pool applying upward pressure - I would not recommend long term draining as the exposed epoxy or gel-coat can also be damaged over time (Shrink and expand with temperature changes) - My "to do" list for that pool would be - drain, pressure wash, use a bit of chlorine and water diluted together to disinfect the walls and floor of the pool, and refill, place a cover over the pool and add a "winter pill" that stays in over winter and stabilizes ph levels - Hope that helps
I bought a house that the pool hasn’t been opened in 8 years. I removed ten trash bags of derbies. I have flocc the pool three time as the pool store advised me, with no results.i have repeated shocked the pool.and its still very cloudy. It’s the color of concrete. I’ve spent hundreds of dollars in chemicals. I know it’s against the advice that everyone say do not drain your fiberglass pool, but at this point I feel that’s my only option. My local pool store is unwilling to drain my pool for me, so I’m going to have to drain it myself. I know I’m risking losing the pool, but I’ve been working on trying to clear it for about 6 weeks. Any advice on the best option to drain it?
Greetings Ram Channel! We're sorry to hear about your unfortunate situation and that you feel you're all out of options. We would strongly advise against draining it yourself. Instead we would advise you to find a pool company who will clean your pool for you. This option will be cheaper than getting your pool drained. Hope that helps!
I'm looking to have a F/G pool installed at my house. I need it to be 27' in length x 16' wide and 4 feet deep from one end to the other, with lights installed on the pool floor. Do they come in that size first and what about lighting? Thanks.
We have a bushfire nearby and I’m thinking of pumping from the pool in an emergency, is there a percentage at which it is unsafe? Eg would I be reasonably safe leaving 50% in? I’m feeling it’s better to fix pool than lose house.
Oh no Brett! Do what you have to do. Unfortunately there's no telling what will happen to the pool without assessing the groundwater first...that's the biggest worry. If you have no ground water, you're likely to be okay, but no guarantee. We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Let us know if there's anything we could do to help. Where are you located?
@@RiverPools I install pools and always put a 8inch pipe with a trench so if a pool has to be emptied you can keep the ground water pumped out that being said you also need to shore up the walls to prevent bulging and damage from backfill material
@@RiverPools thanks for the reply. I actually do have a bump but it's on the bottom, to the side. No idea why but I just acquired the pool and it was almost drained of water. The pool is constructed on raised ground so perhaps that kept the underground water away..
Well, I think I just found your video too late, I moved to a new house, the water was green and smells really bad, I just drained two days ago... and yes I notice the floor was coming up, like floating but nothing else... now I am filling up wit fresh water... let's see what happened... I see no visible cracks on it, so I think it gonna be ok... hope so, fingers crossed
Hi! Your Videos are Fantastic, Very Informative! Unfortunately we emptied my friends pool here in Portugal to repair defective pointing to the fibreglass/ pool coping. The pool has developed a few cracks on the bottom and up one side near the steps. Can it be repaired? Thanks Knicki
I must of had a leak in my fiberglass pool over the winter because when I took my cover off the water level was below the shallow end and I've had the problems you refer to in this video. What can I do after these problems occur? I cant find anyone to offer me a solution or price a repair
Eric Pugh, sorry to hear you're experiencing this. So, there are two problems...1. where is the leak? and 2. The structural issue because the water got too low. Unfortunately the fix problem 2. the deck will have to be pulled up and the backfill material removed to relieve the pressure, allowing the shell to return to its original shape. Then backfill and fill the pool with water simultaneously to hold the wall in place. HERE's a video about how fiberglass pools should be installed 👉 th-cam.com/video/ob4NBnBUmAc/w-d-xo.html As for the leak issue, there are a number of things that could be causing that (pool structure failure, plumbing failure, etc.). There are leak detection companies out there, and they may be able to help with that issue. Hope this info helps. Good luck. Hopeful you'll be able to find resolution and return to enjoying the pool again.
Why did they need resurfacing? You gonna share or just bash fiberglass? That's kind of an empty statement to make... I could spend hours watching videos about homes getting new siding, or even cars being painted, but...
BS DUDE I DO IT EVERY YEAR IN WINTER AMD LEAVE IT EMPTY THEN IN SUMMER I CLEAN IT AND FILL UP AND NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES AND IT'S A BIG POOL 16K GALLONS WELL YOU SHOULDN'T BE SITTING IN THAT CHAIR BECAUSE AIRPLANE MAY CRUSH ON YOUR HEAD DO NOT SIT IN UR BACKYARD THERE IS ONE REASON U WANT ME TO GIVE U 2 MORE ?
I mean, I could probably walk across my street with my eyes closed a few times and not get hit by a car. It doesn't mean it's a good idea. If I get a fiberglass pool, I think I'll listen to a guy who literally installs pools for a living instead of a random guy on TH-cam.
all kinds of coulda's....i could slip and fall on the ice-or never leave the house when its icy, i could be run over by a truck or not leave the house so i dont get run over, the plane could crash or stay home and never see the world, too many couldas
As a homeowner you shouldn't ever have to drain your pool. If a repair is needed and draining required, you should call a professional anyway. Every pool type can be safely drained with proper precautions.
We do not install them. There's simply no need if returns are properly directed to circulate the water. There are two exceptions: our T40 model which has a diving well (8.5' deep); and when additional water flow is needed for water features.
So all sinking debris like sand and dirt magically float off the floor then into the skimmer ? I think the main drain actually works very well throughout the the life of the pool Instal it once enjoy the benefits forever It’s nicer then selling a maintenance issue
Hi David! There are pros and cons for each type of pool. AND each pool type has its own set of do's and don'ts. What type of pool would you choose and why? Share your experience and knowledge so others can learn.
@@RiverPools I dunno... the pool companies are telling me it's some rock-pebble-epoxy type layer that goes on top of the cement that's supposed to last 30 or more years. They have, like, 4 different "levels" of finishing layers. It costs way, way more but if you factor into it the time advantage then you get a pool you can drain when you want to without catastrophic consequences as well as a pool that looks, ya know, not-cheap. My sales-guy from California Pools (who quoted me $110k for a 45k gallon pool) said the layer of this whateverit'scalled pebble epoxy stuff is guaranteed for 30 years and will last at least 50. Then again, last night I saw a 1978 corvette and it's fiberglass looked perfect! So... I dunno. But this "can't drain it when you wanna drain it" thing has me really turned off. I wanna be able to drain it, cover it for 5 years and then refill it if I wanna. Also, nobody ever tells me the maximum depth of these fiberglass pools! I only hear "44'x16' are the limits!" but I never hear the 3rd dimension! I wanna deep-end with a diving board that's at least 10' if not 12' deep! Can fiberglass accommodate that? What are the deep-end limits to fiberglass?
I am now hesitant on fiberglass pool. My properties are in the caribbean with hurricane and extended power blackouts that will either cause me to drain or risk staining the finish as the water turns green and brown. For one of my concrete pools, I had to empty for 4 months then replaster and fill. I want to add a pool to another of my houses and considering something different. Probably best to stick with what I know and tile or epoxy the surface vs. conventional plaster that degrades quicker.
If there is a hydrostatic valve on the deep end of your fiberglass pool which is supposed to be mandatory like in Australia, you can always drain your fiberglass pool. When draining a fiberglass pool, pause the process halfway wherein your able to reach the hydrostatic valve to unscrew and fully open it. This way the pressure of the ground water will equalize with the water inside the pool then restart and regulate the draining. I've drained my pool several times without any problem at all. The idea of hydrostatic valve is to equalize the pressure outside and inside the pool.
Is that the little 'jet' valve on the lower half of the deep end ?? If so this is an ahhhh moment, I thought it was something to do with the filter ever since childhood ! Do you need the 'aquapoles' to suspend the sides and does pool age play any major factor when draining it ?
Ok you nailed this remake. thank you @river pools for your quick follow up, attentiveness and your obvious passion for all things pool.
:) :)
Glad we could help Kristal Cornwell 😉(*turns and does a fist pump)
Wow, glad i saw this video. I think it changed my mind about buying a Fiberglass Pool. Time for more research.
Thanks for sharing...what in particular has you worried?
Because they have an answer for everything
I highly recommend fiberglass pools if installed correctly, it's been over 28 years ago installed, I love my big peanut shaped with 2 seat cut out fiberglass pool from Hawaiian Pools in St. Petersburg,fl (I think they have a different name now or was bought out by other). It's just a plain white fiberglass pool, it had a 20 year warranty on it too. There smooth, not rough like concrete pools, easier to clean. Have not had to resurface yet.
How did you get that pool model?
Good video and thanks for the illustrations
To those concerned about fiberglass pools, I have had my big peanut shaped white fiberglass pool for over 28 years and no cracks or popping up or having to resurface it yet. Hawaiian Pools (St. Pete, FL) installed are pool back in the early 90s, was a kid at the time and remembered the huge crane hovering this huge fiberglass pool over are house lol if installed correctly, they are a wonderful investment over concrete. Now don't get me wrong, I actually do concrete for a living so of course concrete is stronger then fiberglass, but fiberglass is a very good option compared to cost of concrete pool. Ours did have a 20 year warranty too
Which country are you
last year my pool started scalling. a grey/yellowish crust that wont go away. I've tried some poor in remedies with no success. would it be safe to drain half of the water to reach the really troubled spots?
We strongly recommend you hire a professional to drain the pool. Be certain to check the warranty from the manufacturer of your pool to be sure you understand the terms with regard to draining.
What of you need to repaint becasue gel coat worn off
We are planning to hire someone, but what if the previous owners painted it and the paint is now "dusting" or coming off? In order to get it resurfaced, you would have to drain it, correct?
My pool already has an inward bulge. A small sinkhole or something like that developed right next to the pool deck. A massive amount of storm water funneled right into it and has (presumably) caused the backfill (sand presumably) to deform and put unequal pressure on the outside. I've been looking at videos to fix it. One video shows draining it, cutting out the bulge, remove excess backfill and replace with wire enforced concrete, then patch and reseal with fiberglass matting. I'm trying to find out if this is my best option or if I need to dig out the backfill with a backhoe after removing the decking.
Aren’t most fibreglass pools fitted with a hydro static valve? That should stop the pool floating up if there is water underneath it? Or am I wrong… I’m draining my pool soon to re-paint and I have a hydro static valve at the deep end
Can I empty it half way thank u
Nope!
Yes, even a full drain is fine, keep in mind if a hole was dug with no backfill (rocks, sand, concrete) you run the risk of the pool floating in place and or bulges forming around the pool - AND if its Winter time with lots of rain that can put lots of pressure on the pool and push it out of it's socket - I never had an issue with these pools, but in California with strict build codes and diligence (never in the Winter, pool must have concrete deck at least 6 to 8 feet all around the pool ect . . ) There are properties where the owner self digs the hole, puts a weak wood deck around it in the field with lots of yearly rain fall - then NO, DO NOT DRAIN THAT POOL!!!
@@jasonjanes3256 I live in Bakersfield California and thinking of draining my fiberglass pool, it hardly rains here and it was back filled with sand during construction also have 5' cement slab all around pool. I was thinking about draining it for all winter long.
@@peakoil-ko5oq My concern there is any rain fall can start to collect under the pool applying upward pressure - I would not recommend long term draining as the exposed epoxy or gel-coat can also be damaged over time (Shrink and expand with temperature changes) - My "to do" list for that pool would be - drain, pressure wash, use a bit of chlorine and water diluted together to disinfect the walls and floor of the pool, and refill, place a cover over the pool and add a "winter pill" that stays in over winter and stabilizes ph levels - Hope that helps
Hi
How does one repair the bulges?
I have bulges on 3 sides on deep end. 😢
I bought a house that the pool hasn’t been opened in 8 years. I removed ten trash bags of derbies. I have flocc the pool three time as the pool store advised me, with no results.i have repeated shocked the pool.and its still very cloudy. It’s the color of concrete. I’ve spent hundreds of dollars in chemicals. I know it’s against the advice that everyone say do not drain your fiberglass pool, but at this point I feel that’s my only option. My local pool store is unwilling to drain my pool for me, so I’m going to have to drain it myself. I know I’m risking losing the pool, but I’ve been working on trying to clear it for about 6 weeks. Any advice on the best option to drain it?
Ram Channel troublefreepools.com
Check your CYA levels
Greetings Ram Channel! We're sorry to hear about your unfortunate situation and that you feel you're all out of options. We would strongly advise against draining it yourself. Instead we would advise you to find a pool company who will clean your pool for you. This option will be cheaper than getting your pool drained. Hope that helps!
I'm looking to have a F/G pool installed at my house. I need it to be 27' in length x 16' wide and 4 feet deep from one end to the other, with lights installed on the pool floor. Do they come in that size first and what about lighting? Thanks.
We have a bushfire nearby and I’m thinking of pumping from the pool in an emergency, is there a percentage at which it is unsafe? Eg would I be reasonably safe leaving 50% in? I’m feeling it’s better to fix pool than lose house.
Oh no Brett! Do what you have to do. Unfortunately there's no telling what will happen to the pool without assessing the groundwater first...that's the biggest worry. If you have no ground water, you're likely to be okay, but no guarantee. We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Let us know if there's anything we could do to help. Where are you located?
@@RiverPools I install pools and always put a 8inch pipe with a trench so if a pool has to be emptied you can keep the ground water pumped out that being said you also need to shore up the walls to prevent bulging and damage from backfill material
What if you drained a little and add fresh water. Do that whilst never going below half and through dilution you'd eventually have new water?
Could you please explain your third point a bit more? Where could the giant hump appear?
Sure...the "hump" is really a bulge in the wall of the pool. Meaning the wall gets pushed inward. Make sense?
@@RiverPools thanks for the reply. I actually do have a bump but it's on the bottom, to the side. No idea why but I just acquired the pool and it was almost drained of water. The pool is constructed on raised ground so perhaps that kept the underground water away..
Well, I think I just found your video too late, I moved to a new house, the water was green and smells really bad, I just drained two days ago... and yes I notice the floor was coming up, like floating but nothing else... now I am filling up wit fresh water... let's see what happened... I see no visible cracks on it, so I think it gonna be ok... hope so, fingers crossed
Fingers crossed!
How did this go?
@@kevinj8431 I filled back again, I think I was very lucky
20 % of my business comes from people drain thier pool becuase it's green or dirty, completely unnecessary 90% of the time.
what state or region of the city do you live in ?
What about a15x8 pool spa it has a lot of calcium buildup on the walls
Hi! Your Videos are Fantastic, Very Informative! Unfortunately we emptied my friends pool here in Portugal to repair defective pointing to the fibreglass/ pool coping. The pool has developed a few cracks on the bottom and up one side near the steps. Can it be repaired? Thanks Knicki
It can be. But it's best to have a professional come out ASAP to assess and make the repairs.
We had a fibreglass pool in our family home. It was improperly emptied, and one side of it imploded
DANGIT!!!! It can happen unfortunately.
It was so bad. The entire wall of the pool cracked, backfill in the water. Shocking. We ended up filling it in.
I just drained my fiberglass pool and now I'm seeing this. Hopefully I get lucky and nothing happens to it
👀 We hope so too!
@@RiverPools good news! Nothing happened to it. It's filled to the brim with no issues
@@RiverPools is it ok to take some water out of my fiberglass pool to clean it?
pool could float, floor could crack,,walls could bow in,, empty pool no pressure holding pool in ground,,hydrostatic pressure cause pool to rise up
Or get a real pool
So what does someone do when their water is 10 yrs old and it's full of chemicals "dead"
Wait y’all have 560 k subs dang
I must of had a leak in my fiberglass pool over the winter because when I took my cover off the water level was below the shallow end and I've had the problems you refer to in this video. What can I do after these problems occur? I cant find anyone to offer me a solution or price a repair
Eric Pugh, sorry to hear you're experiencing this. So, there are two problems...1. where is the leak? and 2. The structural issue because the water got too low. Unfortunately the fix problem 2. the deck will have to be pulled up and the backfill material removed to relieve the pressure, allowing the shell to return to its original shape. Then backfill and fill the pool with water simultaneously to hold the wall in place. HERE's a video about how fiberglass pools should be installed 👉 th-cam.com/video/ob4NBnBUmAc/w-d-xo.html As for the leak issue, there are a number of things that could be causing that (pool structure failure, plumbing failure, etc.). There are leak detection companies out there, and they may be able to help with that issue. Hope this info helps. Good luck. Hopeful you'll be able to find resolution and return to enjoying the pool again.
Ummm Hydrostatic valves?
A like it
I just watched 7 videos of companies resurfacing fiberglass pools.
Why did they need resurfacing? You gonna share or just bash fiberglass? That's kind of an empty statement to make... I could spend hours watching videos about homes getting new siding, or even cars being painted, but...
I drained my pool and it broke 5he concrete and floated up two feet.
BS DUDE I DO IT EVERY YEAR IN WINTER AMD LEAVE IT EMPTY THEN IN SUMMER I CLEAN IT AND FILL UP AND NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES AND IT'S A BIG POOL 16K GALLONS
WELL YOU SHOULDN'T BE SITTING IN THAT CHAIR BECAUSE AIRPLANE MAY CRUSH ON YOUR HEAD DO NOT SIT IN UR BACKYARD THERE IS ONE REASON U WANT ME TO GIVE U 2 MORE ?
Uhh, quite the intense lash out there. Let us know If you need a hug or something. You have a fiberglass pool?
@@RiverPools funny
@@faithlovefreedom8781 Keyboard macho man typing in all caps. Too funny.
Why would you empty every year?
I mean, I could probably walk across my street with my eyes closed a few times and not get hit by a car. It doesn't mean it's a good idea. If I get a fiberglass pool, I think I'll listen to a guy who literally installs pools for a living instead of a random guy on TH-cam.
all kinds of coulda's....i could slip and fall on the ice-or never leave the house when its icy, i could be run over by a truck or not leave the house so i dont get run over, the plane could crash or stay home and never see the world, too many couldas
So why buy fiber glass pool if you can't drain it... now I am not convinced to buy one...
As a homeowner you shouldn't ever have to drain your pool. If a repair is needed and draining required, you should call a professional anyway. Every pool type can be safely drained with proper precautions.
@@RiverPools Not true - 8 to 10 years - change the water
Do you guys advocate for or against installing a main drain at the bottom of a fiberglass pool?
We do not install them. There's simply no need if returns are properly directed to circulate the water. There are two exceptions: our T40 model which has a diving well (8.5' deep); and when additional water flow is needed for water features.
@@RiverPools Thanks!
So all sinking debris like sand and dirt magically float off the floor then into the skimmer ?
I think the main drain actually works very well throughout the the life of the pool
Instal it once enjoy the benefits forever
It’s nicer then selling a maintenance issue
@@davidbrokamp8890 we have a robot vacuum.
why drain pool, damage to storm(muck) flood ,,you want to start with fresh clean water?? need to reinforce the pool prior,, may need professional
three great reasons to not get a fiberglass pool
Hi David! There are pros and cons for each type of pool. AND each pool type has its own set of do's and don'ts. What type of pool would you choose and why? Share your experience and knowledge so others can learn.
@@RiverPools Concrete bottom pool with a special protective layer. More wxpensive but lasts much longer
@@TheGreatDadoo what is the special protective layer?
@@RiverPools I dunno... the pool companies are telling me it's some rock-pebble-epoxy type layer that goes on top of the cement that's supposed to last 30 or more years. They have, like, 4 different "levels" of finishing layers. It costs way, way more but if you factor into it the time advantage then you get a pool you can drain when you want to without catastrophic consequences as well as a pool that looks, ya know, not-cheap. My sales-guy from California Pools (who quoted me $110k for a 45k gallon pool) said the layer of this whateverit'scalled pebble epoxy stuff is guaranteed for 30 years and will last at least 50. Then again, last night I saw a 1978 corvette and it's fiberglass looked perfect! So... I dunno. But this "can't drain it when you wanna drain it" thing has me really turned off. I wanna be able to drain it, cover it for 5 years and then refill it if I wanna. Also, nobody ever tells me the maximum depth of these fiberglass pools! I only hear "44'x16' are the limits!" but I never hear the 3rd dimension! I wanna deep-end with a diving board that's at least 10' if not 12' deep! Can fiberglass accommodate that? What are the deep-end limits to fiberglass?
I am now hesitant on fiberglass pool. My properties are in the caribbean with hurricane and extended power blackouts that will either cause me to drain or risk staining the finish as the water turns green and brown. For one of my concrete pools, I had to empty for 4 months then replaster and fill. I want to add a pool to another of my houses and considering something different. Probably best to stick with what I know and tile or epoxy the surface vs. conventional plaster that degrades quicker.
To much FEAR here - relax - drain away, just make sure your not in a high water table area - geez people
👆 is bad advice.
Just drain it over 4 or 5 days, i think that should allow time for the material to adapt.
No...The material will not simply adapt. DO NOT DRAIN YOUR FIBERGLASS POOL. Allow a professional to perform the task.
So you can drain your pool you just need a pool professional.
I'm too stupid to fix it myself..hire union