Many pool repair issues can be handled by homeowners without needing to call in the pros. Here’s what you need to know.
Brown leaves on the bottom of a swimming pool next to a drain
Owning a pool is one of the best ways to relax and have fun at home, but just because a pool is relaxing doesn’t mean owning one doesn’t involve work. There’s a lot you need to do to maintain your pool and ensure that it doesn’t cause more headaches than joy.
Many pool owners opt to hire a professional for their pool maintenance to save time. Others don’t want to spend the money or prefer handling household tasks like this on their own. The good news is that many pool maintenance tasks can be DIY, as long as you have the right tools and know-how. This is especially true for routine maintenance and minor repairs.
What are some of the most common tasks pool owners do on their own, and what products can help make the process easier?
Identifying and Fixing Leaks
Leaks are one of the most challenging aspects of owning a swimming pool. Unfortunately, you can have a leak and not even realize it until it’s severe. Identifying leaks early allows you to use minor fixes, making life much easier.
If you notice your water level dropping by more than a quarter of an inch per day, see wet spots around the pool, or notice cloudy water, you may have a leak. One of the easiest ways to test for leaks is using the bucket test.
One of our favourite leak repair products is Pink Tape. The Pink High Density Seal Tape is designed to prevent leaks and create a tight seal on any threaded pipes or fittings.
Other Common Pool Repairs
Pool Lights
Another common issue pool owners have is problems with their pool lights. If your pool lights aren’t turning on, you notice water inside the light fixture, or you see flickering or dimming of the lights, it's time to do a repair. Before you begin inspecting and repairing, ensure that you turn off the power at the breaker. If you notice damaged wiring or the breaker keeps tripping, it’s safer to contact a professional for assistance.
Dirty Water
In addition to electrical issues, you might notice cloudy or green water in your pool. Several factors can cause this issue, including low chlorine levels, a dirty filter, or inadequate circulation. We love Natural Chemistry’s Pool First Aid (item code 73201NC) for cleaning up cloudy water. You can also try cleaning your filter with a product like Summer Smile's Klean Filter (item code 3007420).
Flow and Filtration Issues
Weak water flow or air in the pump is another common issue. This could point to a clogged skimmer basket, a dirty filter, or even a leak in the suction line. Cleaning or replacing the filter cartridge and checking your skimmer should be part of your regular pool maintenance, even if things seem to be working fine.
Keeping up with routine tasks, such as cleaning, shocking, and filter maintenance, helps prevent larger issues and saves you time and money in the long run. We offer a variety of cartridge filters, including the Hurricane Advanced Cartridge Filter for Hayward SwimClear C150S (item code HF9441-01)
Finally, don’t overlook the pool’s surface. Regularly inspect tiles for cracks or damage and patch them promptly to prevent minor issues from becoming costly repairs.
When To Call a Pro
There are plenty of pool repairs homeowners can handle on their own. For instance, it makes sense to tackle surface leaks, light gasket replacements, and basic circulation issues without intervention from a specialist. However, some tasks are too much for a homeowner to undertake safely.
In addition to contacting a pro for more severe electrical issues, there are several other times you’ll want to get an expert in to deal with the problem. For example:
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No matter how many times you try leak detection, you still aren’t sure where or what the problem is.
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You have cracks in structural areas, such as the pool shell or the deck around the pool. It’s a good idea to schedule regular inspections and address maintenance issues before they become a problem, to avoid expensive repairs.
The right tools and products make DIY pool repair easier and safer. If you want to learn more about maintaining your pool in good repair or are looking for a specific product, we're here to help.