If you’re a pool owner, you know that a well-maintained swimming pool can provide hours of fun. However, maintenance can be difficult without the proper guidance.

Fortunately, expert advice is available online. With the right tools, you can tackle most common pool problems. This article will highlight several essential tips to help you fix your swimming pool.

Cracks

A pool is a huge investment and one that can easily become damaged. The best way to prevent cracking is by hiring a professional pool repair service that will ensure your pool’s safety and longevity. This will help you enjoy your pool more and save you money over time.

Pool cracks are a common problem and are usually caused by poor construction or soil movement. They can cause significant damage and even pose a safety hazard for swimmers. The first step in repairing a crack is to determine whether it is structural or non-structural. This will determine the type of repair necessary and how serious it is.

Surface cracks are usually smaller and appear in clusters along your pool’s tiles or around the deck. These cracks are usually not as severe and can be fixed with a little bit of silicon. It’s important to use silicon that is rated for outdoor use, so it will hold up to the elements. This can be purchased at most hardware stores and is relatively inexpensive.

Structural cracks are typically deeper and run throughout the entire pool structure. These are more serious and can cause leaking if left untreated. It is possible to fix these with a variety of techniques, depending on the location and severity of the cracks.

For example, for structural cracks that run across your pool floor or down the walls, a technician will drain your pool and remove any debris from the crack. The crack will then be scraped to widen it and putty will be applied. It is essential to properly prepare the area for this type of repair, so your technician will do a complete inspection and use tools to prepare the area before applying the putty.

Another method is to use a special epoxy sealant that will be injected into the cracks. This will take longer since the cracks will need to be drained, so that the sealant can be injected under pressure. This will take a few days to fully cure, so it’s important to keep your water pump running during this process.

Leaks

Leaks are often the first sign of a problem with your pool and one of the scariest to deal with. If you have a leak in your plumbing, filtration or liner, you may need to drain the pool, dig up the surrounding area and replace pipes, which is an expensive job. However, if you catch the leak early on, you may be able to use a simple patch or pool putty.

If you suspect a leak, start by using the bucket test. Place a bucket on the second step of your pool and fill it to match the water level of your pool. Turn off the pump and leave the bucket there for 24 hours. Then check the water level and compare it to how much water was lost through evaporation in the same period. If the water is going down faster than evaporation, you likely have a leak.

Next, shut off the water to your pool and inspect the piping for any wet areas. This will help you identify if the leak is in your plumbing or if it’s in the liner or shell itself. If the water stops at a wall fitting, wall step or the skimmer mouth and you see any puddles around the pipe and/or fittings, this is most likely where the leak is coming from.

You can also try the dye test. You can purchase red, yellow or blue pool leak detection dye from a local pool supply store. Alternatively, you can use food coloring or any other dye that’s handy in your pantry. Squirt a small amount of the dye close to the suspected leak location and watch for the liquid to be sucked into that area, which will help you find where the crack is located.

If you can’t find a source for the leak, it’s time to call a professional. They’ll be able to use the information you provide to determine what type of leak is occurring and how best to fix it. It’s important to note that most of the time, a pool leak isn’t caused by a crack in the liner itself, but rather an issue with the underlying plumbing or equipment.

Heater Issues

While pools provide endless opportunities for fun and relaxation, they do require regular maintenance and repair services to ensure everything stays in working condition. Without professional help, even the smallest of issues can become big problems that end up costing you more money and time. If you notice any signs of damage or are having trouble with your pool, call a service technician right away. The sooner a repairman gets on the job, the less likely it will be that the problem will get worse and lead to major repairs down the line.

When it comes to pool heater problems, many of the same repair tips apply that you would use for any other part of your swimming pool system. For example, if your heater keeps powering off, check for blockage-free water flow, and make sure that the pressure switch is set correctly. Another common issue is when the pump turns on but does not ignite. This may be caused by a clogged filter or a faulty pressure switch, and can often be fixed by cleaning the filters and changing the water.

In addition to repairing leaks, cracks, and other structural damage, a good swimming pool service can also perform routine maintenance to keep your pool in top shape. This includes testing your pool’s water regularly using a high-quality test kit. By checking your pool’s pH levels, you can prevent the corrosive effects of acidic water, which can cause cracks and leaks over time.

It is also a good idea to inspect your pool filter regularly for debris and to replace the filter cartridges when needed. A clean filter will not only save energy and money, but it will also help keep your pool’s temperature stable.

It’s always a good idea to check your pool heater manual to find out what parts are necessary for your particular model. When you do order replacement parts, always confirm the correct fit with a specialist to avoid ordering the wrong one. It’s important to remember that pool heating components are made with extremely precise specifications, and even small differences can have a huge impact on performance.

Broken Lights

Broken pool lights are a nuisance, but they’re also a safety issue. Trying to fix a light yourself can lead to an electrical fire or even death, so it’s important to have your professional check out the problem first. Luckily, it’s usually pretty easy to diagnose a broken pool light. The most common reason for a light to stop working is that it has burned out.

Fortunately, replacing a light bulb is fairly inexpensive and an easy fix for your broken pool light. If you’re unsure what the problem is, start by flipping your breaker box switch for your lights to the “off” position. You should also unplug any appliances that are on the same circuit.

Next, grab a few tools. You’ll need a screwdriver (preferably Phillips-head) to remove the lockscrew on the cover of the fixture. You should also have a pair of goggles so that you can see the inside of your fixture. Also, have several dry towels on hand for setting the fixture down on when opening it up. It’s also a good idea to have dielectric bulb grease available, as it will make the light socket much easier to open.

Once you have the equipment necessary to inspect your broken pool light, head to your breaker box and turn off the switch for your lights. Then, remove the cover and set it down on a towel to avoid scratching it with your tools. You should also have a multimeter at the ready. This handy little tool can help you test for line continuity, bad breakers, and tripped GFCI protection.

To use your multimeter, first plug the black lead into a port labeled COM or Common and the red lead into a port labeled with a V or O. If the results are anything other than 0 Volts, you’ll need to replace your light fixture. If the reading is 0 Volts, the light bulb may have burnt out and simply needs to be replaced. If the bulb is fine, it’s time to turn the power back on! Be sure to have a partner when testing for these problems, as electricity and water are dangerous together.