As the warmer weather approaches and swimming season kicks off, having a residential pool can transform your backyard into an oasis of fun and relaxation.
However, owning a pool also comes with challenges, especially during the transition into spring. From murky waters to unexpected equipment failures, spring can bring a host of common pool issues that require timely attention.
Stay ahead of pool problems this season with our expert guide on regular pool maintenance and easy fixes, ensuring your pool is pristine and ready for the summer months ahead.
Let’s dive into some typical spring pool problems and their solutions:
Algae growth:
Is your swimming pool water growing green and the floors slimy? Algae growth is typical, but it can be avoided by taking a few precautions and adding a few growth-inhibiting and cleaning chemicals. This may be due to the presence of algae build-up, and the growth happens if:
- the pools are not cleaned and well-maintained
- chlorine levels are low
- water circulation is poor, and pool service is needed
- the pool has not been serviced regularly
Pool water chemistry balancing:
Regular pool cleaning and tests for pool water chemistry balancing will ensure normal pH and chlorine levels in the water and make sure the alga does not propagate in the pool.
Add a hefty dose of chlorine to the water after consulting pool services. Once chlorine is added, use a stiff brush and strong vacuum along the pool walls and flooring to remove the algae growth, and then flush it away with the pool filter.
Repair the scratchy surfaces!
Have you ever grazed your foot on something while swimming, or noticed that the pool walls feel rough and are stained?
Scratchy surfaces in your swimming pool can damage swimsuits and even cause minor injuries. Often, this roughness is due to poor material quality or a buildup of calcium.
To prevent further damage and ensure a smooth, safe swimming experience, it’s crucial to adjust the pH levels and undertake necessary pool repairs to manage the calcification effectively.
Cloudy water:
Cloudy water in the pool is a result of imbalanced chemicals and poor filtration. There may be no algae growth in the water, but the water is definitely cloudy and dirty as a result of sediment deposits.
- Cover the pool with a pool screen so that debris and sediments from the surrounding environment don’t escape into the pool and disturb its normalcy. As a bonus, removing the particles and debris physically will ensure a lesser load on the water filter.
- Cloudy water is often due to clogged filters. Clean the filters and keep them running for the recommended hours to clean and filter the cloudy water.
- Water chemistry is also responsible for cloudy waters. If excess chemicals have been added to the pool to clean or shock it, then the water can turn cloudy. Check the pH levels of the water and balance the water chemistry to keep the pool sparkling clean at all times.
- An overused filter needs to be set right for optimum performance, or it will have to work very hard to clean the water. The filter has to be back washed with a sharp water jet and cleaned out from the accumulated debris so that the water filtration can be carried out without a hitch!
Catch the leaks and repair them:
Have you noticed a decrease in the water level? As temperatures rise and the sun passes higher in the sky, the pool water becomes more susceptible to evaporation.
Also, it’s completely possible that the swimming pool may develop leaks that need to be repaired promptly. You can add water to the pool to increase the water levels and also manage leaks by rebuilding the walls or flooring.
Along with controlling the leak and pool stain removal you also need to check that the equipment is working.
White grey scales in water:
The presence of calcium silicate and calcium carbonate causes whitish-grey flaky scales in water, and this is common when there are leaks in the pool or the calcium content of water is high. The best way to get rid of them is to add calcium remover to the water and scrub the scales off with pumice stone.
Pool water and pool protection is questionable if the water body is neglected. Problems will happen, and there are many ways to avoid issues, such as getting pool phosphate treatment, pool acid wash service, etc.
Investing in a pool is a significant financial commitment, so it deserves an equal level of care, upkeep, and maintenance. Don’t hesitate to get the necessary work done. Contact Finn’s Pool Services to schedule an appointment and take advantage of our expertise in pool-related tasks.