Osmosis in Fibreglass Pool: A Sign that your Pool Needs Renovation
Osmosis is one of the worst issues that can happen with fibreglass pools. Popularly known as Black Plague, Osmosis is deterioration of top gel coat of fibreglass when air or contaminated water seeps through the pool’s lining, causing the pool surface to develop blisters which later cause algae growth inside the pool if cracked.
Reasons Why Your Fibreglass Pool Has Osmosis
There are a number of ways that can cause osmosis in your swimming pool, but are generally most of the black plague issues are related to age, pool’s quality, how it was installed, and how you maintain it.
#1. The Type of Materials Used
The quality of material used for manufacturing your fibreglass pool gel coat, coated laminate, and resin can affect the blister resistance of your pool.
#2. Faulty Techniques of Manufacturing and Construction
Most of the osmosis issues are due to the type and construction of laminate which is placed on the pool’s interior surface. Improper construction involves fibreglass pools coated with a cloth mat soaked in resin which may expose the pool to water saturation resulting in brownish black blisters.
#3. Maintenance
Maintenance or more likely lack of it can accelerate osmosis formation.
Raised exterior and water temperature (above 30°C) may make your pool’s coating porous and can make it more reactive towards chemicals which may elevate the rate of osmosis.
Secondly, excessive use of chlorine-based chemicals in water treatment weakens the coating surface, making it more prone to the formation of the black plague.
What are the Stages of Osmosis and How to Identify it
Usually, fibreglass pool problems like osmosis arise after 10-15 years. The development of osmosis in fibreglass pool is typically a slow process and occur in different stages.
Occurrence of Blisters
The formation of blisters or bumps is the earliest sign of fibreglass swimming pool osmosis. Due to age, faulty construction, low-quality material, or lack of maintenance, contaminated water from the outer surface of the pool permeates through the fibreglass layer and over time it creates thousands of air pockets between the fibreglass layer and top gel coat. These pockets continue to fill over time with moisture and air which makes the top gel coat to lose its flexibility, causing bubbles to breakout on the inner surface of the pool.
Formation of Algae
As the blisters age, they eventually crack and start leaking black/brown substance which forms algae inside the pool surface which is called the black plague.
Muddy or Contaminated Pool Water
The cracking of blisters brings in bacteria and dirt filled pollution to your pool water. If your swimming pool water is muddy or is dark coloured, it might be a sign of osmosis.
If your pool has the symptoms of any of the above deteriorations, it might be a sign of osmosis and a call for you to get professional resurfacing done.
The Need for Professional Resurfacing for Osmosis Correction
Osmosis, if left unattended, can be a severe problem for your pool as well as your health.
Due to the high mineral content in cracked blisters, algae starts forming making the water conditions less than recommended for swimming, especially for kids.
Algae formation contaminates your pool with bacteria, viruses, parasites and other pathogens, which can make you sick if inhaled or consumed.
It is not easy to get rid of the black plague without professionally resurfacing with fibreglass. Other options may include painting a new top gel coat, but it is likely that the blisters will be back after 3 months to 2 years.
Plus, cracked blisters affect your pool’s structural stability making it unsafe to use.
If your pool is showing the signs of the black plague, we advise you to immediately seek help from professional fibreglass resurfacing pool contractor in Brisbane.
Benefits of a Getting a Full Fibreglass Pool Resurfacing
The best possible method to get rid of pool blisters is to go for a professional fibreglass pool resurfacing.
A newly resurfaced pool will add to your fibreglass pool’s stability and aesthetics, increasing its longevity to another 10-15 years if maintained properly.
A professionally resurfaced pool will require less maintenance than concrete or vinyl pools and require up to 50 % fewer chemicals.
A fibreglass resurfaced pool is far less prone to stains, algae growth, and discolouration.
Trusted pool resurfacing services like Reef Pools give you an extended warranty of up to 5 years on their services, adding years of life and enjoyment to your swimming pool.
Getting your pool resurfaced is a far better economical option than getting a new pool altogether.
Osmosis may seem like an impossible problem to get rid of, but Reef Pools’ fibreglass resurfacing services can help you bring back your pool in good health! Simply call all us now at 0432150013 or email us at reef.pools@gmail.com for custom quotes.
