hoogie,
I have a 16k gallon fiberglass pool. I have never drained it completely since the manufacturer told me not to as it will void the lifetime structural warranty. While building the pool, this concerned me so much I kept inquired about draining further. I found out fiberglass pools can in fact be drained if:
1. There isn’t any ground water under the pool. Mine has an access lid (identical to the skimmer) with a 12” plastic pipe that extends to the bottom of the deep end. Builder said this was for pumping out/inspecting ground water in case the pool needed to be drained.
2. The walls MUST be braced. One of the workers told me they use “spacer jacks” like the ones used in the back of a tractor trailer to brace loads. I’m not exactly sure how often/how many braces must be used. This is apparently to prevent stress on the walls from the settling ground around the pool.
As duraleigh suggested, I’d get a manufactures advice. Keep pressing them. If the original is no help, try C&W pools in Joelton, TN (615) 256-7329. They have been making fiberglass pools for 40+ years. I’m sure they'll tell you don’t do it but it may be worth a try.
Have you tried using ascorbic acid? It has worked wonders for me in the past. It is available several ways. I generally use a product called Stain Free however I have noticed several other products out there. Anything that says ascorbic acid (a.k.a. vitam C) should do the trick. It is around $40 for a dosage that treats my $16k gallons and I get it at the local pool store. I end up treating once a season to remove metal stains. Definitely try this before you drain your pool. I found out about it here on the forum after spending $100 on Jack’s Crap to no avail. It worked perfectly on the first treatment. Good luck.
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