Owning a pool is a luxury, but it also comes with its fair share of responsibility. Between keeping your water crystal-clear and making sure everything runs smoothly, the last thing you want is costly repairs or replacements. While some repairs are inevitable, regular maintenance and timely repairs can work wonders for the lifespan of your pool equipment.
If you’re searching ‘pool repair near me’, this article will guide you through some common pool equipment issues, show you how regular upkeep can make a big difference, and highlight repairs you should never delay. With a little bit of knowledge and effort, you can extend the lifespan of your pool equipment and enjoy a stress-free summer.
Common Pool Equipment Issues to Watch For
Every pool owner eventually runs into equipment hiccups. From minor annoyances to major system failures, these problems can escalate if not addressed early. Here’s what to look out for:
1. Motor Failure
The pool pump is the heart of your system, and the motor powers it. Over time, pool pump motors may overheat, corrode, or wear out, leading to reduced water circulation.
Signs to watch for:
- Unusual noises like grinding or humming
- Loss of suction
- Pool water not circulating correctly
2. Leaks
Leaks can pop up anywhere in your pool system—pipes, filters, pumps, or even your pool shell. Ignoring leaks can waste water, increase your utility bill, and potentially damage surrounding structures.
How to spot leaks:
- Dropping water levels
- Wet spots around the equipment
- Air bubbles in your return jets
3. Clogged Filters
Clogged filters restrict water flow, forcing your pump to work overtime. This not only increases your energy bill but also stresses the pump’s motor.
Tell-tale signs:
- Poor water clarity
- Slow or weak water circulation
- Higher-than-usual filter pressure readings
4. Malfunctioning Filter Valves
A faulty filter valve can lead to inadequate filtration or even cause your pool water to bypass the filter entirely. These issues often stem from wear or a damaged O-ring inside the filter valve.
Symptoms include:
- Difficulties turning the filter valve
- Water leaking from the valve housing
- Water not flowing properly through the filter and back to the pool
5. Heater Ignition Problems
If you have a pool heater, ignition failure can prevent the heater from keeping your pool warm. This failure often comes from dirty burners, blocked pilot tubes, or tripped safety switches.
Signs of trouble:
- Heater fails to turn on
- Weak or no pilot flame
- Loud noises during ignition
6. Power Issues
Checking the breakers of your equipment and your main board could be the culprit of power issues. This is a common sign of older equipment pulling too much amperage and should be addressed by pool professionals before it causes more damage.
What to look out for:
- Equipment refuses to turn on
- Tripped breakers
- Overheated motor
How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Pool Equipment
Want your pool equipment to stick around for the long haul? Consistent maintenance is the key!
1. Daily Maintenance Tasks
Run Your Pump
Running your pump for 8-12 hours a day keeps water circulating and helps prevent debris buildup. If you’re trying to save energy, consider breaking it into segments instead of running it continuously.
Clean Baskets
Your pump and skimmer baskets are constantly collecting leaves and debris to keep them from clogging your equipment and restricting water flow. Make sure to turn off your pump once/day for 5 minutes so you can check and empty your skimmer and pump baskets.
2. Weekly Maintenance Tasks
Balance Water Chemicals
Imbalanced water will wreak havoc on your pool surfaces and equipment. High chlorine levels or overly acidic water can corrode metal parts like your pump seal, filter housing, and ladder. Test and balance your water chemistry weekly to avoid any costly damage.
Skim, Brush, and Vacuum
Don’t underestimate the power of a good cleaning routine! Skim the surface for leaves, brush pool walls to prevent algae, and vacuum debris from the floor weekly.
3. Monthly Maintenance Tasks
Clean Your Filter
Your filter is responsible for keeping your water free of debris. Make it a habit to check the filter pressure and clean your filters once a month. If left unchecked, clogged filters make other equipment like pumps and motors work harder.
Inspect All Equipment
Regular inspections are crucial to ensure the longevity of your equipment. They can include tasks such as checking for leaks, making sure your valves turn easily, adjusting pump schedules, testing GFCI outlets, and so on.
Repairs You Absolutely Shouldn’t Save for Later
Some pool issues can’t wait. Delaying key repairs will only lead to higher expenses and further damage. Here’s what you should prioritize fixing immediately.
1. Leaks
Even small leaks can cause big headaches. Beyond wasting precious water, leaks can undermine the structural integrity of nearby areas, potentially leading to foundation damage.
2. Pump Issues
If your pump stops working or isn’t running optimally, it means your system isn’t circulating. Without proper circulation, your water can quickly become cloudy or green.
3. Filter Problems
A damaged or clogged filter can prevent proper cleaning and cause water clarity issues. If your filter isn’t functioning as it should, fix it right away to keep your pool safe to swim in.
4. Water Chemistry Imbalance
While imbalanced water may not technically need a repair, it still needs to be addressed quickly. Leaving your water chemistry imbalanced can escalate into major problems like corrosion, staining, cloudy water, and algae blooms. You’ll need to promptly address chemical imbalances to protect your pool plaster and equipment.
How Liquidus Can Simplify Maintenance and Repairs
We know pool maintenance can feel overwhelming. If you’re Googling ‘pool repair near me’, you’ve come to the right place. Liquidus Pools is here to make it simple for you. From routine maintenance to complex repairs, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Liquidus offers a one-stop service for everything your pool might need, including filter cleaning, pump repairs, and leak detection. Our experts will ensure your equipment stays in top shape, so you can focus on enjoying your pool.
Keep Your Pool in Perfect Shape—Starting Now!
Your pool is meant to be a source of joy, not stress. By staying on top of regular maintenance and addressing issues quickly, you’ll extend the life of your equipment and save money over time.
If you’re looking for professional help to maintain or repair your pool, Liquidus is always just a call away. Contact us today and experience stress-free pool care!