Just like with any other type of machinery, the mechanical equipment that keeps a pool running tends to need some regular maintenance and minor repairs from time to time.
If you happen to notice that your pool water isn’t heating up, or water isn’t circulating properly or isn’t clear, or if your pool lights stop working then it might be time for some pool repair and maintenance. However depending on the problem these repairs are not always easy and can be rather tricky if you have never dealt with them before. In most cases, it is advisable that you seek professional services.
Pool pump maintenance
Your pool pump serves as the circulation system of your pool. If you intend to replace the one you have, it is advisable that you ensure the replacement you purchase has the same or greater flow and horsepower of the previous item. In order to get the right information, carefully examine your existing pump and take note of the serial number. Once you have this information, you can pass it on to a pool repair professional and they can contact the manufacturer to confirm certain aspects.
Your pool pump should normally require very minimal maintenance. This is because they are generally self-priming, meaning that they are filled with water before you switch them on at the start of a new summer season and they prime by themselves. However, you will need to routinely clean out the strainer basket inside the pump at least once a week. To obtain the basket, remove the top part of the pump housing then refer to the owner’s manual to ascertain the exact location of your pump’s basket.
While you are checking on the basket, take a minute to inspect the condition of the gasket or O-ring that seals the lid of the pump housing. If it is deteriorated or cracked, make sure you have it replaced, or else the lid won’t be able to form the seal that is needed to keep the pump in operation. Significant pump problems like an obvious leak will definitely require professional help.
Pool Filter Maintenance
No matter which kind of filter you have in your pool, be it sand or cartridge, it will still need regular cleaning to ensure that it is functioning properly and cleaning your pool water. Based on the type and how often you use your pool, your filter cleaning frequency can range anywhere from once a month to two or three times a year.
Contrary to what some pool owners may think, cleaning your filter more often does not help keep your pool water cleaner. In fact, it can actually hinder the filtration process. This is because the dirt lodged the filter actually helps to trap additional particles, removing excess debris from the water more quickly, meaning a slightly dirty filter can prove to be more efficient and effective than a totally clean one.
Ideally, you should clean your filter before any deterioration in the water becomes noticeable. To prevent any issues, check the pressure gauge in the on your filter regularly. As the filter gradually becomes dirty, the pressure reading on the gauge will start to increase.
When the difference reaches around 8-10 pounds over its baseline pressure (on a freshly cleaned filter), this is your indication that it is time to clean your filter.
Pool heating
There are several reasons as to why your pool may fail to reach the desired temperature, some of which include, but are not limited to:
- The thermostat could have been set too low
- Outside temperatures could be too cold, meaning the heater isn’t able to turn on
- The high limit switch could need replacing
When faced with pool heating problems, try checking the thermostat first, and if that is not the problem, consider having the high limit switch replaced. If both these measures fail, contact a pool repair professional who will either solve the problem or install a more powerful pool heater.
Underwater lights
Another fairly common issue with swimming pools is underwater lighting. In most cases, bulbs will burn up to 1,000 hours before experiencing any problems. This means that they rarely need replacing unless you are experiencing corrosion from poor pH levels.
When having your pool lights replaced, technicians will need access to the inside buckets where the lighting fixtures sit. There is usually a fairly long length of wires attached to the light, which makes pulling them onto the deck quite easy. One of the main reasons you should hire professionals for such a task is to avoid the risk of getting shocked. Even though this might seem like a simple repair job to some pool owners, it is important that you let professionals handle it since water and electricity can be a hazardous mix.
Getting professional help with pool repair and maintenance
When faced with a pool repair issue, it is advisable that you contact a reputable pool repair company. No matter how small you think the problem is, it always makes more sense to have a pool technician handle the matter for you.