When covering the customer service
phone line, Jonathan
Davis of Thursday Pools
fields a lot of problems. “Every single
issue any dealer or homeowner has
comes through my office,” says Davis.
“And after a while, you come up with
some creative solutions to common
problems.”
Here, we take a look at seven of
the most common problems paired
with simple solutions — along with six
quick tips and tricks — straight from
Davis himself.
INSTALLATION TIPS
PROBLEM 1 — Dirt and debris is stuck to the pool
wall during installation.
Pro tip: Use a Libman Poly Fiber Scrub Brush (found at
Lowe’s) because it is non-abrasive and perfect for above
the waterline. Use it with acetone to remove concrete,
release and sealer.
PROBLEM 2 — Dirt and debris is stuck to textured steps
and ledges.
Pro tip: Use a simple Libman Brass Pot Brush (found at
Menards or Amazon). We use a brass brush to prevent any
bristles that fall off from rusting in the pool. This is used in
lieu of a poly bristle brush to be more aggressive in valleys
of the textured surface.
PROBLEM 3 — Tough dirt and debris stuck to the
pool floor.
Pro tip: A Purdy 8-inch Stainless Steel Brush will do
the trick. Be very, very careful with this — it’s only
if you have some major issues. You can attach an
extendable pole to reach debris on the pool floor.
Here, the aggressiveness of this brush is needed, as
it is very difficult to transfer energy to the pool floor
while standing on the concrete, brushing against the
water depth in the pool. Remember, you are removing
something from the surface of the pool shell, not
removing the finish of the pool.
PROBLEM 4 — Cutting fiberglass for returns and
skimmers.
Pro tip: Start new hole saws in reverse to reduce the chances
of the bit slipping or grabbing. When grinding the backside,
use Bad Dog Tools 4.5-inch Endless Handi Disk Deux (HDII)
Diamond Wheel for Grinding, Sanding, and Cutting (available
at BadDogTools.com). It easily and quickly cuts through
fiberglass, and you can grind and cut with the same tool.
MAINTENANCE TIPS
PROBLEM 1 — Restoring a fiberglass pool’s shiny surface above
the waterline.
Pro tip: Use Norwex ENVIROCLOTH (found on Amazon) weekly
to wipe down exposed gelcoat above the waterline. No chemicals
are needed. It will restore the shiny pool surface by removing the
scum line.
PROBLEM 2 — Staining from iron, copper, rust, leaves and
calcium.
Pro tip: Metal stains and calcium can be removed with muriatic
acid while ascorbic acid (most commonly known as vitamin C)
removes organic stains from leaves.
PROBLEM 3 — Automatic pool cleaners and avoiding devices
that can cause damage when cleaning fiberglass pools.
Pro tip: When looking for an automatic pool cleaner to
recommend to your fiberglass pool clients, recommend one that
scrubs floor walls and the waterline, has a top load ultra-fine filter,
and a brush plus active scrubber.
