What do pool owners and geologists have in common? They should both know a little something about groundwater.
This natural phenomenon is a hazard for your inground pool, endangering its structure and putting pressure on your pool liner. So unless you like swimming in misshaped, leaky pools, you need to keep an eye out for the early signs of groundwater damage.
What is groundwater?
Groundwater comes from the sky. Bet you didn’t see that coming. It’s true though, technically speaking. Rain falls on the ground, seeps through the earth, and builds up in the cracks and crevices below the surface, becoming groundwater.
While rain is the most common culprit, a leaky inground pool can also be a source of ground water, since pool water leaks into the surrounding soil. To keep this from happening, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on any suspected leaks or areas where they might develop. A high water table is bad news for your own pool and, more specifically, your pool liner.
What does groundwater do to my pool?
From summer rain to winter snow, Manitoba gets a lot of precipitation and the water table fluctuates accordingly. If your lawn remains spongy and damp for a few days after rain, that’s generally a warning sign that you’re in an area prone to groundwater.
Ground water seepage can build up between your pool wall and pool liner, throwing off the water pressure holding the liner in place. When that happens, your liner will move, giving you some subtle (and not so subtle) hints that it’s not happy.
Pool liner floats out away from the wall – if your pool liner is trying to escape your pool you can take that as a sure sign of distress. Pushed away from the wall by excess water, your liner has had enough. It sags, floats, and generally looks pretty miserable. That’s your cue to show it some TLC and call in the professionals.
Pool liner wrinkles – if your pool liner has more wrinkles than a hard-living octogenarian, that’s not due to premature aging. It’s often a sign that water has seeped in between the wall and the liner, giving it a telltale accordian-style texture.
Pool looks like it’s buckling – groundwater build-up can shift your pool liner out of position and even the slightest misalignment can make your pool look like it’s buckling.
Resolving groundwater issues
Ignore these pool liner red flags at your peril. Issues with groundwater might not seem like a big deal at first but, left untreated, they can cause lasting damage – to your liner, to the pool wall, and even to the pool floor.
Groundwater issues need more than a quick fix or a DIY job. For peace of mind and repairs you can count on, enlist the help of a pool professional who can treat the problem with specialized equipment and extensive experience.
UV Pools is Winnipeg’s premier pool company, providing pool liner replacement and repairs. Our team of friendly and knowledgeable professionals can assess your pool’s condition, discuss any repairs you need, and help you get your pool back to its best. Pool maintenance and repair doesn’t have to be a headache, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.