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Keeping your fiberglass swimming pool shell looking vibrant is an important part of routine pool maintenance. One area that may need occasional attention is the scum line that develops around the pool’s waterline.
In this Sonco Pools & Spas training video, we demonstrate a simple way to clean the fiberglass pool shell using a Magic Eraser and explain what causes the waterline scum line in the first place.
The scum line that appears around the waterline is often oil-based. Products swimmers bring into the water can contribute to this buildup, including:
Perfume
Makeup
Suntan lotions
Gels
Over time, these materials can leave a discolored line around the pool at the water level.
For the fiberglass pool shell shown in the video, Sonco recommends using a Magic Eraser to remove the scum line.
The Magic Eraser doesn’t scratch the fiberglass shell and does an effective job of removing waterline buildup. It can be used by itself or along with a cleaner specifically designed for a fiberglass pool shell.
One convenient time to clean the waterline is while you’re already enjoying the swimming pool.
Take the Magic Eraser and work around the waterline using a circular motion and a little elbow grease. Continue around the pool as needed to remove the visible scum line.
Don’t forget the skimmer area. Keeping buildup off both the pool shell and skimmer is part of the maintenance demonstrated in the video.
Sonco recommends staying away from detergents, dish soap, Soft Scrub, and other cleaners that create foam.
When these products interact with the swimming pool pumps and jets, their foaming action can create what amounts to a foam bath in the pool.
Instead, stick with the Magic Eraser by itself or use a product specifically designed as a swimming pool scum-line remover.
Keeping the waterline clean isn’t only about appearance.
The scum line contains organic matter, and the more organic matter present in the swimming pool, the greater the demand can be on your chlorine or salt system.
As a best practice, take a little time while you’re in the swimming pool to remove buildup from the shell and skimmer when you notice it.
For more information about fiberglass pool maintenance and care, contact Sonco Pools & Spas at 815-654-7665.
The scum line is often oil-based and can come from products such as perfume, makeup, suntan lotions, and gels. These materials can leave a discolored line around the pool at the waterline.
According to the Sonco training video, a Magic Eraser works well on the fiberglass pool shell because it doesn’t scratch the shell and is effective at removing the scum line.
Use a Magic Eraser by itself or with a fiberglass pool shell cleaner. Work around the waterline using a circular motion and some light elbow grease to remove the buildup.
Sonco recommends avoiding detergents, dish soap, Soft Scrub, and other foamy cleaners. The swimming pool pumps and jets can cause these products to foam excessively in the pool.
Yes. The scum line contains organic matter, and organic material creates additional demand on the pool’s chlorine or salt system. Keeping buildup off the pool shell and skimmer can therefore help with pool chemistry.