Having your own swimming pool is the ultimate in home luxury. A beautiful way to bring people together, get active or just relax in the sun, a pool, however big or small, is a wonderful addition to the home.
A high-quality home swimming pool, either above ground or built-in, will come with all the necessary functions to ensure it is clean and safe to use year-round. However, it does need to be maintained, both in terms of the mechanics and also the water’s chemicals.
While the majority of their maintenance processes are simple, it isn’t uncommon for first-time pool owners to encounter problems. Here, we run through some of the frequent mishaps that people can experience with their home pools, along with solutions that can get them back up and running!
The Pump is Working, but There’s no Water Flow?
This problem is one that can frequently be discovered when opening a pool for the first time in a while, such as after the winter season. Ultimately, swimming pool pumps work by creating a constant flow that sends water through filters before returning it cleanly to the pool.
If you’re confident that the pump is in full working order, but there’s just no flow taking place, the chances are that air has entered the system, which stops it creating a steady stream.
To remedy this, you need to go through a process known as pump priming. Here, you turn the pump off, close the valves and fill the main pump manually with water. Most pump systems will come with instructions on how to do this.
If the air problem persists, then there might be an air leak in your pump system. In this case, speak to your manufacturer directly or contact a professional who can take a closer look for you.
Green Water
Another problem prevalent when opening a pool for the first time in a long time. If the walls and water of your pool are turning green, that means it’s filled with algae. While this is common, it’s something that still needs to be fixed. Thankfully, the process is quite simple.
The reason we use different chemicals in our swimming pool water, such as chlorine and alkalines, is to stop algae from forming. If this has happened in your pool, it’s likely because there are not enough chemicals.
To rectify this chemical shortage, you go through a process known as ‘shocking’. Here, you add a high amount of concentrated chlorine into the water – more than the usual level – which starts to destroy any green algae that have accumulated.
Once it’s all been removed (usually after a few days) you can then look to restore the right chemical balance to your pool. It’s important that nobody swims while shock chlorine is being used, as the chemical levels in the water can be unsafe.
Scratching Surface
This problem is one that some first-time pool owners are willing to put up with, but it doesn’t have to be this way. So long as your pool has been well-installed and scratchy surfaces haven’t been an issue since day one, chances are this is a result of the water, also.
The main culprit here is the level of calcium in your water, referred to as calcium hardness. Similar to chlorine and pH, this is another level that needs to be maintained in your water. If it’s too low, the water can start to eat away at nearby plaster and similar calcium-containing substances. If the level is too high, the water can turn cloudy, and the calcium can begin to stick to surfaces, creating that rough feel. Excess calcium can also cause problems for swimming pool heat pumps, trying to increase the temperature of the water. Therefore, if you think your heater’s not working, this may be playing a part.
So long as you spot and prevent calcium hardness issues early, they are simple to solve. As with other pool chemicals, simply use tests and chemicals to adjust to the desired chemical level. Once that level is reached, you should start to see the rough surfaces become smooth – you can also use a light scrubber to remove the debris.
If the problem is more deep-rooted, you may need a professional cleaner to remove calcium build-up, particularly from solid surfaces.
Clogged Filter
This problem is not only common but perfectly natural. The filter’s job is to collect dirt so it will get clogged over time, leading to a reduction in performance. Thankfully, all filters are designed for regular cleaning.
Pool filters generally fall into two categories: those that use minerals such as sand or diatomaceous earth (DE), and cartridge-based filters that use sheets of a paper-like material. The latter can be cleaned by simply removing it and washing it with a hose or something similar.
Sand and DE filters are often cleaned through a process known as backwashing. Most pump systems will come with this feature, allowing you to reverse the flow of water through the filter. As most of the dirt collects on the top of the sand or earth filter, reversing the flow removes most of the debris. Note that you will need a backwashing hose for this procedure, to ensure that the dirt doesn’t return to the pool.
Swimming Pool Surface Stains
Sometimes, stains can begin to appear in the corners and by the surface of your swimming pool. As with other common issues, these stains are commonly caused by the chemical makeup of the water.
The type of stain you have will determine what the problem is and how it can be fixed. Generally, stains in a swimming pool are either organic or metallic. As mentioned above, issues such as calcium build-up and algae are biological and are usually easily rectified when the water level is corrected. Metallic stains, often indicated by a copper or rust appearance, can be caused in different ways, some more severe than others.
Sometimes, having water with excess iron (often copper) can cause stains to form as the metal leaves the water. In these cases, restoring the water’s chemical balance can help. However, certain signs of rust can point to structural issues with the pool’s foundation. If you are in any doubt, speak to whoever installed the pool or another maintenance professional about your concern.
Lines that appear on swimming pool walls by the water surface level are often a simple mix of water and oil and can be wiped with the correct cleaner.
We hope that these pieces of advice will help put you on the right path to fixing any issues you may be having with your pool. Remember that, no matter what the problem, all pools are different, so follow the instructions for your specific pump, filter or pool for the best results!
Author Bio: Will Taylor is an expert when it comes to home swimming pools and spas, having written extensively about the subject for a range of online publications. From picking your first pool to general outdoor maintenance, Will’s advice is trusted by many owners.
