Maintaining Fiberglass Structures: Tips and Techniques

In terms of durability, fiberglass is hard to beat. Not only is it one of the strongest materials out there, but it's also resistant to scratches, rust, corrosion, and extreme heat and cold.

And while it’s true that fiberglass requires far less maintenance than many other building materials, it's not completely carefree. Whether you've got a fiberglass pool, deck, door, or RV, a little upkeep goes a long way. To ensure your fiberglass lasts for the long haul, consider adopting the following maintenance practices.

Fiberglass Pool Maintenance

While fiberglass pools are known for easy maintenance surface, you can better protect your investment by:

Regularly Checking Water Chemistry

Fiberglass is chemical-resistant. However, you’ll get more out of your fiberglass pool maintenance routine if you regularly test and maintain healthy sanitizer, pH, and total alkalinity levels. For more accurate readings, take water samples from at least 18 inches below the surface, away from the return jet.

Contacting a Professional When Draining

When draining your pool, reach out to an experienced pool cleaning professional. Why?

The soil around your fiberglass pool contains moisture, which puts pressure on the pool walls. When your pool is full of water, that pressure is balanced. Without the balancing force of water, your pool may buckle, bulge, or crack.

Maintaining a Regular Cleaning Regimen

Although similar to cleaning methods for traditional pools, fiberglass requires a softer touch. Always use nylon-bristled brushes to avoid scratching the surface. When vacuuming, opt for fiberglass-safe equipment and only use non-abrasive cleaning products.

Fiberglass Deck Maintenance

Maintaining fiberglass decks is relatively straightforward because the deck’s topcoat is already weatherproof and UV-resistant.

To maintain your fiberglass deck, regularly sweep it with a soft-bristled broom, clean up spills promptly with bleach-free products, and periodically wash the deck with dish soap and water.

To protect your fiberglass deck over the long haul, avoid:

• Dragging furniture
• Applying sunscreen or insect repellent on the deck, as these products can cause discoloration
• Scratching (use furniture pads under deck furniture)
• Pressure washing the deck or using metal shovels for snow removal

Fiberglass Door Maintenance

Let's face it: One of the reasons you probably chose a fiberglass door is because it's tough and doesn't need much fuss. But even the most low-maintenance items in our homes can use a little TLC.

We recommend cleaning the door at least twice a year using a mild soap and water. Alternatively, you can make your own cleaning agents by mixing two cups of water with two tablespoons of dish soap and adding it to a spray bottle. Simply spray it on and wipe it off. Use a mixture of baking soda and water for stubborn stains, but test on an inconspicuous area first!

As with fiberglass deck maintenance routines, avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, pressure washing, or using metal tools to remove ice during the winter. 

Fiberglass RV Maintenance

Maintaining fiberglass RVs requires following a straightforward care routine. Start with monthly washes using a mild, non-abrasive cleaner to avoid damaging the gel coating. After washing, apply a fiberglass polish to restore shine and address any minor oxidation. Next, apply a coat of wax for added defense.

For next-level protection, use an RV cover to minimize sun, rain, and snow exposure. Regularly inspect your RV for any damage and address issues promptly by calling an experienced repair professional.

We’ll Take You From Concept to Completion

Whether you need mobile fiberglass repair or help bring your design to life, Painted Rhino can help. With over 30 years of experience and partnerships with leading brands like Disneyland, Universal, Kennedy Space Center, Yamaha, and Pilot, our original mission remains—to push the boundaries of what’s possible in fiberglass and plastic fabrication. Ready to get to work? Contact us today!