Owning a backyard swimming pool can be a dream come true. It makes it easy to cool off in hot summer months, is a great way to get exercise, and is generally fun for the whole family. Plus, with proper pool care and maintenance, you can expect to have a perfectly functional swimming pool for years to come, right? While many pool owners learn how to do their own pool maintenance, it’s not always clear when a pool might need swimming pool repair.
Even with regular maintenance, a swimming pool will still deteriorate over time due to age. But it’s not just older pools that fall into disrepair; newer pools can also show signs of damage. Whenever a problem arises with swimming pools, whether they’re older or new, they display signs indicating the need for expert attention.
However, sometimes, it’s not immediately clear what kind of care your swimming pool needs. How do you tell if your cloudy water is due to a chemical imbalance or a larger issue? Are you wondering if you should attempt to fix cracks yourself or call a professional? Luckily, we can answer these questions and more. Lone Star Pool Services is here to assist with these concerns and provide additional information to help. Here are some of the biggest signs your swimming pool needs repairs.
Dirty Water
If your pool is clean and you know the water is balanced, but the water is still cloudy or dirty, then there may be a problem with your pipes. It’s possible you have debris blocking pipes and diminishing the flow of water through your pool filters. When this happens, no amount of pool treatment will keep your water clean. It’s best to call in a pool professional to clear any blockages and make sure your water is flowing as it should. But a blocked pipe may not be your only problem. Here are other common causes of this problem:
- Pipework Issues
- Blocked Sand Filters
- Malfunctioning Pool Pumps
So, how do you determine the source of the problem?
Checking your pool filter to ensure it’s cleaned and drained is a great starting point. Do this by shutting it off, removing it, and rinsing dirt and debris off with a hose. Sand filters should be changed every three to five years. If rinsing it doesn’t do the trick to get your filter operational, then you’ll probably want to call in the pool experts to have a look.
When your sand filter is fine, but the problem remains, the pool pump may be the culprit. A malfunctioning pool pump is unlikely to filter or circulate water properly. One telltale sign of this problem is a strange noise coming from the pool pump. Other indications of a problem include your pump shutting down for periods of time or not turning on at all.
If there’s no clear solution to your cloudy or dirty water problem, then a call to your pool repair experts is in order. They have the experience and know-how to get to the root of the problem and get it fixed so you can enjoy your pool once more.
Cracked Walls
Swimming pool cracks typically start out small but shouldn’t be ignored. It doesn’t take long for a small crack to lead to water leaks and soil erosion. It’s best to give any cracks in your swimming pool immediate attention. If left untreated, soil erosion can ultimately weaken your entire pool structure, leading to a much bigger problem.
Call a reliable pool repair company such as Lone Star Pool Services to fix the problem sooner than later.
Chipping or Peeling Plaster
Plaster pools look great, but it’s important to remember to use your pool balancing chemicals properly or they could erode the plaster more quickly. If your pool’s plaster starts to wear thin, crack, or peel then you will likely need to have your pool patched or resurfaced.
The best thing you can do for your pool if you start to notice plaster issues is to call your local pool contractor. They’ll be able to assess the damage and advise if a patch is a viable solution or if your pool needs to be resurfaced.
Thankfully, resurfacing your pool is the best time to choose a new surface or update the look of your pool to match your home or increase your property value.
Cracked Coping
If the outside edge of your swimming pool is cracked or broken, it’s a good idea to call the pool repair professionals. Not only does cracked coping make your pool look bad and cause potential problems with your swimming pool, but it’s a safety hazard for anyone using the pool. A professional will help you determine if it’s best to repair the problem area or if replacing all the coping is a better option.
Coping repair or replacement is another great way to update and modernize your swimming pool.
Broken or Chipped Pool Tile
If your pool tile has cracks, chips, or is broken, then you may have a bigger problem on your hands. While this can be a common occurrence of wear and tear, it could also indicate a bigger problem with the structure of your swimming pool. A swimming pool professional can evaluate the situation to determine if the problem is cosmetic or structural. At that point, they’ll let you know what your options are.
Discolored Grout
Discolored grout can also indicate a problem, but thankfully the solution doesn’t often require a full retiling. While you may be tempted to clean the grout yourself, the chemicals you use may cause additional deterioration in your swimming pool. We recommend calling in the professionals so they can clean your grout and the rest of your pool in the best way possible.
Broken Lights
Swimming pool lights contribute to the ambiance of your pool, especially at night. They also make swimming at night much safer. When one of your pool lights gets broken or burns out, it’s a good idea to call in the pool professionals at Lone Star Pool Services.
It’s commonly known that water and electricity don’t mix. Rather than risking your health to fix or replace pool lights yourself, it’s best to call a pro. They can quickly and efficiently take care of your lighting problem in a way that won’t put anyone using the swimming pool at risk.
Malfunctioning Heater
If your swimming pool has a heater, but you discover that the water is colder than it should be, there may be a problem with the heater itself. There could be an issue with blocked pipes, diminished water flow, or even malfunctioning controls. If your heater is older, you may be looking at a whole heater replacement. However, if there is a simple solution, a pool repair company will find it.
Call Lone Star Pool Services for Your Pool Repair Needs
These are just a few of the signs that indicate your swimming pool may need professional repair. While it’s not uncommon to take a DIY approach, we recommend at least consulting with a pool repair company before going this route. That way you can save yourself the headache of having to repeat the repair sooner than expected. It’s also important to understand that a DIY repair may just hide a bigger issue your pool is experiencing.
Call the honest professionals at Lone Star Pool Services to learn more about the pool issues you’re facing so you can make an educated decision about your next steps.