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.

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.

by mediamosaiccom.
Explore more visuals like this one on the web's largest information design community - Visually.

 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!