15Nov
Everything You Need To Know Before Getting a Pool
Did you know that swimming is the second-most popular summer sport in Canada, with 49 Olympic swimming medals? What’s more, homeowners in the country are continuously realizing the importance of having a pool.
Owning a swimming pool can be a focal point to your fitness routine and a perfect addition to your outdoor space. However, you may encounter various common problems with swimming pools.
If you want to have a pool installed on your property, you should understand each of these issues. Learn how to spot the signs to keep your pool clean and save money on costly repairs or replacements.
Getting Ready For Pool Time
Start planning at least six months in advance for your dream swimming pool. You should think about the permits, the complexity of the work, and the resources required. Depending on the project scope, the construction may take up to three months.
Choose a pool design that suits your aesthetic preferences and matches your home’s design. Your options may include inground, above-ground, or infinity pools. You should also consider the landscaping, shape, and depth.
Think about the intended uses of the pool to determine how much space it will take. You’ll definitely need features like a shallow play space if you have kids. You may also include a hot tub for comfort.
Choose a pool design that reflects the local climatic conditions. Think about the amount of swimming pool maintenance, the lighting, and water features. You should also factor in the swimming pool costs, which vary with the type of pool and resources needed.
Other important factors to consider in the pool design include safety, fencing, and pool covers. These elements will keep toddlers and pets away from the swimming area.
Pool Pump Repairs
Pool pumps control water circulation and mix chemicals in the pool. If they are defective, you risk having contaminated water and debris in your pool. Common pool pump problems include:
Leaky Pool Pumps
A leak from your pool pump can come from a worn lid, pipes pushing water outwards, or the drain plug. You can spot the leak by checking the bottom of the seal plate. Hire a pool repair technician to fix the leaky pump by applying a silicone sealant or pool putty.
Clogged Pump
The pool pump is likely to clog when leaves or pet fur fall into the pool. The debris tends to occupy the impeller vanes if there are holes in the pump basket. Signs like water flow decreases and pump pressure drops may suggest that the pump is clogged.
Unplugging the pump and opening the pump basket lid can help remove debris from the pump. Do this after turning off the electric motor at the circuit breaker.
Melted Pump Fitting
Your pool pump may generate a lot of heat when it runs dry, causing the threads to melt and shrink. The melted pump fittings may leak if you fail to replace them. A suitable solution to this problem will involve installing a heat-resistant fitting to the pump.
Air in Pump Basket
Pool pumps tend to accumulate air if the lid is poorly sealed or the O-ring is loose. They may overheat and melt the fittings if the air gets stuck for a long time. Hire a pool technician to fix this issue since it requires a little background knowledge.
Dirty Filters
Common signs of dirty filters include cloudy/dirty water and a sudden decrease or increase in water pressure. The filter will also need more backwashing (reversing water flow to flush dirt away) than usual.
Cleaning the filter can help fix this problem before it worsens. Depending on the type, you may also have to replace it with a cartridge filter, sand filter, or DE filter.
Skimmer Leaks
The most obvious sign of a skimmer leak is a drop in the water level below the skimmer. Provided the skimmer is in good condition, the leaks are quite easy to fix. Applying two-part moldable epoxy or pool putty on the leak can fix it.
Switch off the pool pump when checking the water level below the skimmer. You should also use snaps or plastic handles to disengage and remove the skimmer cover. Refer to the packing instructions on fixing swimming pools.
Leaky Pool Filter
Leaking water near the pool filter may come from the union on the return side, the union on the pump side, or the filter. Inspect the filter to determine the exact source of the leak.
Check the fittings around the leaking area if the leak presents as drips. Applying a sealant on the gasket surfaces and retightening them can help fix this problem.
If you notice streams of water coming from the pipes connected to the filter, the O-ring or the union seal needs replacement. Consult with an expert skilled in swimming pool repairs in Ottawa to fix this problem.
Leaking Vinyl Liner
If your vinyl pool is losing close to half an inch of water every day, there might be a leak in the liner. While it is normal for pools to lose a small amount of water during hot seasons, rapid water loss may indicate a problem.
The leak may allow more water to seep into the ground and weaken the pool. You risk having structural damage and instability issues if you fail to fix the leak.
New vinyl liners and patches can help fix the leak if you know their source. If the leak is bigger than the available patch, you will need a replacement liner. Hire a professional to install the pool liner to prevent future water loss.
How We Can Help Your Common Problems with Swimming Pools
Maintaining high cleaning and hygiene standards will help you prevent these common problems with swimming pools. Once you limit these problems, it’ll be easier for you to enjoy the pool. Always hire a professional for regular pool maintenance.
Count on Poolarama for pool upgrades or installations to give your home a whole new experience. We specialize in above-ground and inground pools as well as heating systems and filters. Get a quick quote from our pool technicians today.