5 Common Ways a Pool Gets Damaged

Owning a swimming pool is certainly a ton of fun – especially on a scorching summer day – but there is often a lot of work that goes into the maintenance of a pool. Pools can easily become damaged if they are not properly taken care of, so it is important to take the proper steps to preserve the beauty of your pool. Some damage is unavoidable and when it happens it is always best to contact a pool repair company to make sure your pool is structurally sound and in working order.

1. Not Shocking Your Pool 

One of the biggest mistakes pool owners make is not shocking their pool after a party. When there are a lot of people in and out of a pool – like at a party – the chlorine is stripped from the pool and algae can accumulate rather quickly. This is detrimental to the pool lining, the health of swimmers, and the filter too. Shocking the pool returns the chlorine balance and gets rid of any algae that may have already accumulated. It is important to check chlorine and pH levels after shocking the pool to make sure it is balanced and safe to swim in.

2. Excessive Water Loss 

Maintaining the appropriate water table is extremely important to a pool’s structural integrity. Especially in older pools, the water in the pool helps keep the walls from caving in. If there is a large leak or the pool is drained without the proper knowledge, there could be some hefty repairs coming your way. In addition to structural damage, if the water sinks lower than the skimmer and the pump continues to run without water, considerable damage can happen to the pump. Also, if the pump is not able to do its job, algae will quickly accumulate.

3. Not Properly Cleaning After a Storm 

More often than not, pool owners have pool vacuums and pumps to help clean the pool, but after a storm you do not want to let those apparatuses do all the heavy lifting. Make sure to remove all sticks and other large debris from the pool before using the pool vac or filter. These large items can hurt the pool lining or damage the cleaning equipment.

4. Improper Winterization 

Proper winterization is essential to the maintenance of any pool. The harsh winter months can cause structural damage if the pool is not winterized. Removing all ladders and other equipment in the pool is the first step to winterization. Additionally, chemically balance the pool, lowering the water to below the skimmer box, and adding winter algaecide are all great ways to preserve your pool for the winter months. Draining the water below the skimmer box is important in keeping ice from building up in the skimmer box and damaging it or the pump. Finally, putting on a pool cover is the last step in winterization. This way there is less chance of debris getting into the pool when it is not in use. It is also important to make sure ice and snow is cleaned off the pool cover so that it doesn’t rip.

5. Deck Damage 

Deck damage is just as much of an eye sore as it is a safety concern. Damage to the pool deck can injure anyone using the pool, but it can also be a sign of structural damage. If the pool has shifted or buckled under group pressure, damage to the pool deck is a good indicator to those problems. It is imperative to have the pool looked examined and repaired if there are any structural issues.

 

At CMG Pools, we know the amount of care that goes into any and all pools. That is why we offer both service and repairs for your pool. We understand the importance of cleaning your pool to prevent unnecessary repairs, In the event of pool damage, our experts are able to get your pool up and running again in no time. When it comes to pools, we keep them in tiptop shape so you have fun in the sun.

Staying Safe Under the Sun

Summer time is just around the corner, and that means it's time to fire up the grill and take the tarp off of the pool. There's no better way to spend a hot day than jumping into a pool of nice, cold water and taking it easy with some friends and family. But since it has spent the entire off-season sitting around in disuse, that pool may need a once-over before officially declaring swimming season open. Since the pool is probably where a good portion of the summer will be spent, it should be properly cared for and always up to safety codes. So when getting ready to make the first dive of the season, remember to take safety into consideration and follow a few simple tips to keep summer safe and fun.

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Chemical Measures 

Though swimming pools can provide a source of seemingly endless fun, they can also be the source of health and safety issues if not properly cared for. A poorly maintained pool is not just a dirty leisure spot; it's also a safety hazard. The primary aspect of pool maintenance is sanitation. At the most basic level, sanitation involves keeping dead bugs and fallen leaves out of the water, but it also extends far beyond that. To remain properly sanitized, a pool must be regularly treated with cleaning chemicals, and frequent tests should be administered to ensure a healthy balance of chemical levels. The most widely used chemical is chlorine. Known for its sterilization capabilities, chlorine is the front-line fighter against waterborne contagions. Highly effective, chlorine can easily eliminate almost all forms of bacteria safely and quickly. However, there's a certain balance to find when chlorinating a pool. If the chlorine levels in a pool are too low, an interaction between urea (or other nitrogen-containing wastes) can cause chloramines to form, resulting in a foul smell around the pool. Proper chlorine levels will ensure these chemicals are destroyed rather than permitted to permeate.

Mechanized Safety 

Another factor in pool safety is the pool pump. Responsible for keeping a pool free of debris, a pool pump continuously draws water through a filter, then pumps it back into the pool. The filter separates hair, leaves, and other debris from the water and ensures the pool remains relatively clear. However, if not cared for correctly, a pool pump can be dangerous to swimmers. Swimmer entrapment, though not overly common, occurs when a piece of clothing – or worse, a part of the body, such as a toe – becomes trapped in a pool pump. Because of the high suction power pumps provide, entrapment can result in physical harm to a captured swimmer or even drowning. In order to prevent entrapment, pool pumps should be fitted with a secure cover at all times. The right cover makes it extremely difficult for anything unintended to be caught in the filter and allows for safer swimming.

Though not as dangerous as swimmer entrapment, germs and bugs can also spread bacteria through a pool if the filter system isn't functioning properly. The main purpose of a pool pump is to remove debris that could carry harmful agents from the pool, which, in combination with cleaning chemicals, protects swimmers from contracting illness while enjoying their time in the pool. For this reason, it is essential to keep a pump operating properly and at maximum efficiency at all times. Like any other machines, pool pumps are subject to damages, as well as natural wear and tear, and should be checked regularly to make sure they're working correctly. Also remember to clean the pool pump regularly to keep it from becoming clogged. A proper pool pump can make swimming both fun and safe.

 

Of course, another key aspect of pool safety and maintenance is the pool itself. Whether above or in-ground, pools can experience structural damage, requiring repairs. Problems such as cracks, leaks, or damaged plumbing and equipment can all pose threats to the safety of swimmers and the pool itself. If left unaddressed too long, smaller cracks or leaks can develop into serious problems that can cause long-term or even permanent damage to the pool. Because of this, it's imperative to have the pool checked regularly and any damage repaired in a timely, efficient manner. Keep the pool happy, and it will keep the swimmers happy; the perfect plan for summertime fun.

Summer Swim: Getting your Pool Ready for Summer

It’s finally started to really warm up around the country. The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and flowers are starting to push through the chilly ground. You’ve probably been staring longingly at your dormant pool all winter long. Whether it was just too chilly to take a dip, or your pool was covered in endless feet of snow, we know you’re ready to swim! There’s nothing better than retreating into the cool, calming water after a really hot summer day. Even though you’re excited to soon take your first swim, there are a few things that need to be done before you can dive in. Join us for some expert tips from pool care professionals about getting your pool ready for warmer weather.

1. Clean Your Cover 

This first step is an extremely important, and often overlooked, aspect to getting your pool ready for warmer weather. Many people are so excited to take a look at their greatly missed pool that they just pull the cover right off. The first thing that needs to be done is a total and very careful cleaning of the cover. From the wind, rain, and possibly snow, there’s most likely tons of debris lying on top of your pool cover. Carefully removed the old leaves, twigs, and dirt from your pool cover with a rake. It’s best to use a plastic or wooden rake in this case, as you don’t want to run the risk of tearing your pool cover. You also want to be sure to not upset the pool cover too much – you run the risk of that rotten debris falling into the water. If you totally emptied your pool, there are some things you need to look for. If the pool was empty all winter, you need to check for cracks or lifting. The absence of water weight in the pool can actually be detrimental to the longevity of your pool – the weight is needed to keep the foundation inside the pool.

  

2. Check the Water 

Now that you’ve removed the gunk from your pool cover and properly stored it for next winter, it’s time to check your water. The condition of your water probably won’t look so great – remember you’ve just opened it after months of cold weather and storms. There’s bound to be plenty of leaves, sticks, and even some algae floating around in the water. This doesn’t mean your pool cover didn’t do a good job, just that these things naturally get into the untended water after a few months. You can use your rake to get the bigger debris, and then finish off with a pool skimmer to get the harder to reach algae. Make sure to carefully inspect the walls and floor of your pool for algae or moss growth. If there is any sign of growth, you’ll need to employ your pool vacuum for the bottom of the pool and scrub the sides with a sponge. Mostly importantly, make sure you’ve done a thorough job in getting all of the bigger debris out of the water – you run the risk of clogging your pool vacuum if there are still large piles of debris floating in the water. Also, don’t forget to clean the surrounding areas around your pool. This reduces the chances of those stubborn leaves and twigs from getting back into your just cleaned water.

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 3. Review your Filter and Pipes 

During the winter, you may have disassembled your pool pump and filter. You’ll now have to properly put that important equipment back together. Make sure you securely fit the filter and pipes back together – but avoid over tightening, as you could cause screws or brackets to strip. Be sure you’re keeping your eye out for any rusty parts. If screws or brackets have rusted from the winter wear and tear, you can easily replace these at your local pool care store. For your filter, you may need to replace cartridges or other components. It’s a good idea to start out with a brand new filter to ensure any contaminants that may have accumulated in the water are fully filtered out. Once all of the components are rebuilt and leak-free, you can start running your filtration system!

4. Maintain a Chemical Balance 

The final step in prepping your pool for a summer swim is to check and maintain a proper balance of chemicals in your pool water. Unfortunately, you can’t just jump into your pool. It may look clean and inviting after you’ve thoroughly cleaned and filtered the water, but the chemical balance is most likely off since it’s been dormant for so many months. You should invest in a water testing kit, or consult a professional to achieve the perfect balance of chemicals in the water. Your alkaline and pH levels need to be just right before the proper amount of chlorine can be added to the water. The levels of your water are extremely important to ensure a long and safe summer swim time. If you’re still unsure about the proper way to prepare your pool for summer, consult a professional pool care company in your area. Happy summer swimming!

Taking it Easy on Pool Care

If you own a pool, then you already know – having a pool means having more than just a pool. We aren’t talking about the various uses you can put a pool to; no, we’re talking about all the accessories and supplies that you can and oftentimes must have in order to ensure that your pool is safe, clean, and fun to use. It’s like owning a house or a car: sure, you have the thing itself, but it’s no good without as many bells and whistles as possible.

Of course, some people go overboard on their pool accessories and supplies, but it is honestly difficult to do so unless your pool is particularly small. Even a spa or Jacuzzi can benefit from a substantial number of accessories, and you can’t really swim a lap in those, now can you? Yet any swimming experience can benefit from accessories and supplies made to improve your pool’s condition.

Put a Lid On It 

A key pool accessory is the pool cover. Without an adequate pool cover over your pool when it is not in use, a number of things happen. First and foremost, debris falls into the water. At first, this may seem like nothing to worry about; your water filtration system takes care of that stuff, right? Yet unless your system is commercial or industrial quality, then it has a limit as to how much and how large it can go.

At a certain point, the debris in your pool will outstrip your filtration system’s ability to remove it from the pool, and that’s when you will have to bring in a professional to charge you heaps of money in order to clean your pool. Or… you could simply put a lid on your pool when the pool is not in use. After all, why have your pool open so that anything can find its way into your pool when you aren't there and you aren't using the pool, thereby increasing the amount of work you have to do to keep your pool clean and beautiful?

Clean Up Crew 

However, as much as you may do to try and prevent the pool from becoming dirty, it will inevitably become a little soiled; that’s just the nature of water and the environment. Fortunately, so long as the amount of debris, algae, and other undesirables stays low, you can easily manage what there is using cleaning tools and supplies.

An automatic pool cleaner is a popular way to accomplish this. You often see these at professional pools after hours; a little robot that just moves around on the bottom of the pool, cleaning up whatever dirt, debris, and algae may have gathered on the floor of the pool throughout the day.

Of course, not everything floats to the bottom of the pool, so sometimes you have to get in there yourself and scoop out the debris. Skimmers are great for this – nets that are long, sturdy, easy to use, and catch debris while straining all the water out and back into the pool. Any algae that has formed on the sides of the pool – where the automatic cleaner can’t reach – can be gotten rid of using a brush, at which point the algae floats into the pool water and is filtered out using your filtration system, not to mention the cleansing chemicals in the water.

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Stay On Top of Things 

As you can see, having a pool is a lot of work, but it doesn’t have to be quite so big a hassle so long as you take the necessary precautions. Use the right amount of chemicals in your water to keep it largely clean of dangerous bacteria and viruses, keep the pool covered when it is not in use, and use a cleaning and filtration system that can take care of whatever manages to sneak in anyway. With a little elbow grease and vigilance, you’ll never have to worry that your pool needs professional care, because it has you to look after it.