Any high levels of chalking is indicative of very low calcium. Don't be surprised if the ladder treads break. Bring the calcium level to 200 ppm and hopefully, some restoration will occur. Unfortunately, once it comes off, it can't go back on, but maintaining proper calcium levels and keeping the pH in check (consistent high pH will result in calcium "drop out") can prevent further damage. Keep brushing with a nylon brush and if you've balance the water, it should be filtered out in a week or so.

Using a canter levered deck on topof the pool will also help. Use #4 rebar hooked into the edge to lock it into the decking. This with the added precautions of the build up and sump underneath should be more than enough to lock the shell in place. The use of 1/8" gravel will help ensure a washout doesn;t happen underneath the deck and under/around the shell. Tying the sump to the suction side of the pump is also a good idea. This will allow easy draining of the area under the pool in the event the pool water level needs to be lowered or emptied. Placing a fiberglass shell on concrete pillars won't help lock the pool in place. A full shell, when locked in as I have described along with the installer's chosen materials and raising the elevation will ensure it won't pop up, ever. An empty shell would also likely survive but that would depend on the water table under it, which can be lowered easily with the sump attached to the pool pump. Get a soils engineer report 1st. Scott

In our experience, fiberglass is just as durable as other materials, but it can be a bit slippery. We've furnished fiberglass tanning ledges and never had any issues with impact or weight of in-pool furniture and full sized adults. Congrats on the new pool! If you want suggestions on layout, sizing, or furnishing your new tanning ledge, we are happy to help!

Our pool from Leisure developed cracks on the top ledge of the spa. I truly believe it was the installers fault though. Seemed like the ledge slopes downward. Anyway, Leisure sent someone to our house to buff the top layer and redo the colorant there. About 6-12 months later the cracks were back though. And although we had cracks it did not leak. We had the Icon. So our new house we installed a Latham pool. We did not add a spa this time. So no problems with this one.