Pool Repairs: Issues You Don’t Want to Ignore

Have you noticed cracks around your inground pool, staining on the pool liner, or other pool issues? If you have, it may be time to call on a professional to inspect your pool. Just as regular oil changes can prevent your engine from failing, regular pool maintenance and minor pool repairs can prevent serious swimming pool problems. Unfortunately, many homeowners wait too long to take action and get stuck with an expensive bill. Don’t make that mistake! Call on a pool expert if you notice one of these pool problems.

7 Pool Problems You Shouldn’t Ignore

Cracks In or Around the Pool

Call a professional if you see cracks in the concrete around your pool, in the pool walls, or at the bottom of the pool. Many pools get small cracks around them or in the plaster coating. Filling them in early on is a quick and easy fix for a professional. However, if you don’t take care of them early, the cracks can grow and become a structural problem. Unfortunately, there are no quick and inexpensive fixes when a swimming pool has a structural problem.

Ripped or Faded Vinyl Pool Liner 

Vinyl pool liners wear out over time. It’s smart to look out for cracks, rips, and holes every time you jump in the pool or balance the water. If you notice small holes or tears, be sure to patch them to prevent further damage!

You should also pay attention to the liner’s coloring. Vinyl pool liners are designed to be resistant to fading from the sun. If yours is faded, that often indicates that it has become brittle and will be more likely to rip or crack.

It’s time to start planning to replace your pool’s liner if it is significantly faded, has multiple rips or tears, or has a large gash. While replacing a vinyl pool liner isn’t cheap, it’s less expensive than repairing structural damage caused by a failing liner. In addition, if you are proactive, you can take advantage of sales prices on vinyl liners in the spring or fall instead of paying peak prices in the summer swim season.

Leaks

Are you having constant water level problems, high water bills, or random wet spots in your yard? These are the most common signs that your pool is leaking. However, a small leak in your pool may not be as obvious.

If you are worried that your pool may be leaking but aren’t sure, try the bucket test:

• Fill a bucket with water from your pool.
• Place the bucket on one of the pool’s steps.
• Mark the water level inside the bucket and the water level in the pool outside the bucket.
• Check the bucket in 24 hours. If the water level in your pool has dropped more than the water has inside the bucket, your pool is leaking.

Call in a pool professional if your pool fails the bucket test! They know what to look for to determine the source of the leak and how to stop it. If you don’t take action, you may have to pay for more expensive pool repairs in the future on top of the costly water bills you’ll be getting.

Deteriorated Pool Surface

Peeling plaster, discolored grout, staining, and flaking are all signs of pool surface deterioration to look out for. Cosmetic issues, like discolored grout, can be irreversible if you wait too long to call on an expert to fix it. More severe problems, like peeling plaster, may require a complete resurfacing if you wait too long. For example, peeling plaster is a sign that your chemicals are improperly balanced. If you don’t solve the problem quickly, the plaster will continue cracking and peeling until you can’t avoid an expensive repair.

Broken Lights

Simply replacing burnt-out light bulbs in a pool can be dangerous. If you notice broken lights, you should call on a pool pro immediately. Swimming in a pool with busted lights can be equally hazardous.

Loose Coping Stones

The stones along the edge of your inground pool are called coping stones. If you’ve noticed that some of the stones are cracked or loose, reach out to an expert! Loose and broken coping stones are a significant safety hazard during the swim season. Therefore, it’s wise to have them repaired quickly to prevent swimmers from getting injured while swimming.

Pool Pump Problems

Replacing a pool pump is a significant expense. You may be able to extend the life of your pool pump by making minor repairs as needed. If your pool pump is hard to prime or making a metallic squeaking noise, have it check out by a professional! They may be able to fix the problem and extend the life of your pool pump until you are ready to replace it.

We know how stressful it can be when a pool problem arises. But avoiding it will only lead to a bigger headache for you in the future. So if you notice one of these seven pool problems, call or stop by PoolWorks! Our pool service team is here to serve you and ensure you have a healthy pool to enjoy for years to come.