We’ve all been there, that moment when you realize that the old saying ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ could possibly be true. You’ve been through three pool companies since you’ve moved into your home and for some reason none of them can keep it blue. In the pool industry we have a slang term for these types of pools – “Problem Pools.” These pools eat chemicals and can never seem to get that sparkling blue look for longer than a day. Don’t worry though there is still hope! Here are 4 reasons and solutions that you may just have a problem pool on your hands.
1. Problem: It’s a jungle out there!
Unscreened pools surrounded by large trees and foliage can put a lot of stress on your swimming pool. DE filters need to be broken down and cleaned once every year and a half, and cartridge filters need to be replaced regularly as well. Large amounts of debris will cause your filter to work extra hard, ultimately decreasing its life span. Additionally, debris can cause clogged impellers which needs to be unclogged by a professional.
Solution: Talk to your pool technician to see if it is time to replace or break down your filter. Since most technicians only visit your pool once a week you can make a point to net out your pool on your technicians off days. You can also find cost effective screen enclosures if the problem persists.
2. Problem: Your pool is leaking.
Swimming pools can have leaks anywhere there is plumbing present, as well as in the walls and drainage system. If you find that you constantly need to add fresh water to your swimming pool, even during the cooler months you probably have a leak. Adding fresh water to your pool causes it to dilute the chemicals that were just added. They usually end up requiring extra stabilizer and chemicals on a more frequent basis to keep them blue.
Solution: First have a pool technician inspect your outer equipment. Pool plumbing that is leaking on the outside is often an easy fix. If there are no visible leaks present contact a leak detector that specializes in finding and repairing swimming pool leaks. It will be well worth the money in both chemicals and your water bill!
3. Problem: You have no main drain.
Pools are designed to pull water from both your main drain (the drain at the center of the deep end of your swimming pool) and the skimmer. In the past we have found that other pool technicians have capped off main drains as a quick solution to a leak or as a solution to another pool problem. Additionally some pools may have a clogged main drain or have been designed without one at all. With no main drain your swimming pool is operating at half the capacity as it should be. Your circulation is low, thus your pool water is filtering too slow to keep your pool clean.
Solution: If your main drain is clogged or has been capped off call a professional to your home to fix the problem. If your pool has been built without a main drain your pool technician can set up a system to vacuum your pool in a way that replicates this action.
4. Problem: Your equipment’s too small.
Both pumps and filters come in different sizes and horse powers designed to meet the needs of your specific swimming pool. If your pump or filter is too small it creates poor circulation and puts stress on the rest of your plumbing and equipment. For instance a small cartridge filter matched with a large unscreened swimming pool is likely to be a ‘problem pool.’ The equipment isn’t allowing the pool to clean itself properly making it much more difficult to maintain. Additionally you will have to replace these mechanisms more frequently due to the added stress.
Solution: Have a repair technician install the proper size filter and pump that best meets the needs of your size and type of swimming pool.
Each and every swimming pool is unique. As homes grow older and industry advancements continue – new parts are matched with old parts, creating a system all its own. If you are suffering from a ‘Problem Pool’, call a professional and ask for a full inspection of your pool equipment. Knowing and fixing the problem now can save you time, energy and money down the road.