As we turn the corner into fall, it’s important to take a moment and assess the health of your pool, while the temperatures are still mild and a freeze isn’t in the forecast. Here are 6 common problems you’ll want to watch for:

Cracks or Tears: Whether you have plaster, concrete, or vinyl-lining, cracks and tears in the surface of your pool are not only unsightly, but they create a safety hazard for swimmers. Over time, these cracks and tears will only worsen, so please call a pool construction expert immediately.

Pool Unfiltered: Do you have to backwash your sand or DE filter more than usual?   Is your pressure gauge rising quickly after cleaning the cartridges?   You may need to replace your filters or sand.   Cartridge filters and sand normally last 5-8 years (shorter if they're filtering hard water),  but once they're done --- boy, are they!   If you notice frequent backwashing, murky water, or passing debris, it's time to change your sand or cartridges.  

Where’s the heat? Has your pool heater stopped working? It may not have been a problem during the summer months when (more) heat is the last thing you wanted associated with your pool, but as the temperatures begin to dip, make sure your pool is ready for a dip. Most modern heaters will give you an indication of the malfunctioning component, but speak to a pool repair specialist if you have any questions or concerns.

Light it up: As the days get shorter, your pool deserves to be the bright spot of every evening. Make sure your bulbs and covers are in working order.

Leaks: Leaks can occur in the skimmer, filter, and pump.

• Skimmer: If there’s a leak, check the skimmer first. If the faceplate is improperly gasketed, the skimmer becomes separated, or there are cracks in the side wall, the skimmer can leak through. A good way to detect a skimmer leak is to look for small sticks, leaves, or other debris that have been sucked into a crack.
• Pump: Pumps will not usually leak around the lid or from the pipe going into the pump due to the vacuum effect of the suction side. However, they may leak from the pipe coming out of the pump or down the bottom of the seal plate.
• Filter: If your filter is leaking, it can be quite dangerous to the longevity of your pool. If the tank has started leaking through pin holes in the body, it will need to be completely replaced. If the leak is occurring in the belly band or around the air bleeder assembly, replacing the o-rings may be enough to stop the leak.

Clogs: If large amounts of debris get trapped in your pump impeller or pool cleaner, it can really affect their efficiency. Thankfully, these are relatively quick fixes. For the pool cleaner, just remove the debris! If the pump impeller is clogged, you must shut off the power, open the pump and expose the impeller before removing the cause of the clog.

Other pump repairs you may encounter are melted pump fittings or air in the pump basket. If the pump fitting has melted or shrunk, it will need to be replaced to avoid a more costly repair down the line. Air in the pump basket could be another sign of a melted pump fitting or improperly seated o-ring.

Although some of these repairs can be done by yourself, it’s always best to consult a professional. Lucas Firmin and his team of pool renovation specialists are here to help. Call us today to schedule a consultation.