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Reasons Why your Pool Tiles give you Problems

Posted on: September 21st, 2015 by affordablepoolrepair No Comments

Swimming pools are great not just for recreation but also for keeping you and your family members healthy. Pool construction includes installing the plumbing of the pool and building an aesthetic, yet safe, structure in and around the pool. There are certain problems that pool tile installations can give you either during pool construction, or when you are using the pool. The following guide will give you a better idea of what you need to look for, when trying to identify pool tile problems:

1. Changes in temperature:
Once constructed, pool tiles do not stay in the exact same place format. With changes in surrounding temperature, the tiles can expand or contract. Even though this effect is almost negligible in individual tiles, the combined effect of all the tiles expanding simultaneously will put pressure on the entire structure.

2. Application of pressure:
The tiles inside a swimming pool would not only have to be adaptive of temperature changes, but it would have to sustain the weight and pressure changes in water. The overall weight of the pool water would be distributed throughout the immersed area, but as more and more people use the pool, there would be a lot more pressure on the tiles.

3. Pool water chemistry and cleaning agents:
You would have to add chemicals like chlorine to the pool water so that it remains sanitary for use. Although you would take care to maintain the pH level of the water, the kind of chemicals that you add may react with the cement based adhesive or fillers which are used between pool tiles. Even cleaning agents used around the pool may slowly erode the surface.

There are many different ways to prevent these problems but they would have to be undertaken during the construction and installation of the equipment in the pool. The pool tiling process must begin only after the pool shell is completely ready and waterproof. This may take seven to eight weeks of curing, after which you would have to ensure that the surface is clean and dry.

After finishing filling the gaps between tiles with cement-based mixtures, it is best to give more than three weeks of curing time before you fill the pool. Also, damages done to the pool tile need to be addressed immediately by a professional. Ensure that you get a reliable service to repair your pool tiles as cracked or broken tiles can be a safety hazard to your family members.

Problems You Could Face With Your Pool Filter

Posted on: September 18th, 2015 by affordablepoolrepair No Comments

The filtration system of your swimming pool is an integral part of your your daily swimming pool maintenance equipment. The filter gets rid of any pollutants or debris which may enter the water from the surrounding environment. A functional swimming pool filter keeps the water clean, clear and safe so that you and your family would be able to enjoy using it without facing any health problems. However, these equipments too need maintenance and occasional repairs. This guide will help you identify if your filter is giving you problems.

1. You can see dirt coming back into your swimming pool:
Filters generally are filled with sand and other filter media which help in cleaning out the water. It is quite normal to see a little bit of sand in the pool after you have back-washed the filter, but if you notice that there is a steady deposit of filter media, then your filter needs repair.

2. Water seems to drip out of the backwash line:
Water is not supposed to leak out of the backwash line, unless you are back-washing. It is also normal to notice a small stream of water flowing out after you have back-washed. The leak can usually be rectified by tightening the handle. If, however, you see that water is continuing to leak, then the filter may have a broken valve.

3. The filter needs to be cleaned too often:
Filters have filter media which simply separates the dirt and debris form the water. But this needs to be cleaned by pool owners every now and then so that the equipment can function normally. If the filter has operational since around seven years, the filter media might need replacement as it would start to break down or clog up. Remember that all filter media would eventually have to be replaced so that your pool can remain clean.

In swimming pool maintenance procedures, taking care of the pool filter is one of the primary objectives as stagnant water quickly starts to become dirty and unusable. The best practice would be to routinely check and repair pool filter problems instead of waiting for it to break-down completely. These procedures are best left at the hands of a professional. Swimming pool maintenance specialists are more observant towards the problems around the pool and they would be much more capable in finding solutions for the problems you may have with your filter.

Which Pump would be the Best for your Swimming Pool

Posted on: September 17th, 2015 by affordablepoolrepair No Comments

Deciding the proper capacity for your pump is an important part of your pool construction process as it plays a crucial role in keeping the water clean and usable. Purchasing a pump which is not suited to the size of your swimming pool would lead to many difficulties in the future, driving up pool repair costs. The following guide will help you better understand the aspects of purchasing the right equipment for your swimming pool.

Understand the role of a pump
Swimming pool water would be exposed to many pollutants, especially if it is situated outdoors. Leaves, dirt, pebbles and other such environmental elements would constantly be entering the water. These pollutants need to be filtered out and the water should not be kept stagnant as this would encourage the growth of algae.

A pump is used to create suction which pulls the water through the filtration system. The filtration system gets rid of pollutants and debris and makes the water safe to use. The best way to understand the importance of a properly functioning pump is to see what happens to the swimming pool without it. The water would slowly change its color to a greenish hue and it becomes unsanitary to use.

The pump capacity
The capacity of a pump decides the volume of water it can draw for a specified amount of time, and this is measured in gallons per minute. Higher capacity pumps would be able to draw more gallons for every minute of operation than lower capacity pumps but the electrical power required for using these equipments would be higher.

If the size of your pump is properly decided, you would have to spend the least amount of money on running the filtration system in the long run. A pump that is able to circulate the entire volume of water in a swimming pool within twelve hours should fit well. So if your swimming pool has around 15 thousand gallons of water, the pump need to be able to handle 1250 gallons per hour, putting its capacity to about 20.8 gallons per minute.

Running the pump
It is actually a better idea to keep a perfectly fitting pump running continuously than having a high capacity pump running intermittently. The overall cost of pool maintenance would reduce as the electricity bill would be lower, while the water would be continuously cleaned, giving very little chance for algae growth and debris build-up.

Any problems that you face with a malfunctioning pump needs to be addressed immediately as the quality of water reduces fast. All pool repair procedures should be left at the hands of professionals who are better able to identify problems and find solutions.

How to Identify Pool Coping Problems

Posted on: September 16th, 2015 by affordablepoolrepair No Comments

Pool coping, to people familiar with constructing swimming pools, is the structure that comes at the brim of the pool, all around it, between the pool tiles and the pool deck. It should be smooth enough so that it does not harm the skin of your family members, yet it should be sturdy and shaped so as to support peoples’ weight. There are many different materials and methods that can be used for pool coping, including brick, cement, or stones like travertine and flagstone.

The structure and function of coping

Good pool coping includes many useful functions like guiding the splashed water to the deck drains, concealing the steel and concrete of the pool shell and providing a non-skid surface for swimmers when they need to grab the edge of the pool. The concrete tiles or slabs that are used to construct pool coping can be precast in corners, curved sections or straight lines and is mounted on the bond beam.

The problems that you can face

Coping problems include cracks or loose tiles or bricks along the edge of the pool. These are not only unsightly, but can also prove to be a safety hazard. The cracks can be very sharp which could cause abrasions or cuts to swimmers. Loose tiles may lead to accidents like falls which may lead to serious injuries.

The cracks and misalignment of coping can happen due to changes in the temperature as materials have a tendency to expand in high temperatures and contract in low temperature. In cold regions, the freezing of water can cause pool coping to be burdened with more stress than it is designed to handle. Most places which see a large temperature variation between winter and summer tend to wear out pool coping faster.

The solution to pool coping problems
There are many factors which contribute towards creating good pool coping, including crafting the right tiles or slabs, placing them correctly and using the right materials to support it during pool construction. It is best to use the help of a professional pool repair or pool renovation company which offers to maintain your pool coping.

The professionals would be able to identify the source of the pool coping problems much more accurately than an inexperienced person. Hiring a pool maintenance professional every once in a while will ensure that your pool is safe and enjoyable.

How Often do You Need to Maintain and Repair Your Swimming Pool

Posted on: September 15th, 2015 by affordablepoolrepair No Comments

Clean swimming pools is not only enjoyable, but they also provide many health benefits. Water-based exercises are seen to improve the physical and mental health of people. But it is also very important to keep it clean and functional so that your family would not be exposed to unclean water.

Backyard swimming pools require a lot more maintenance and repair as they are directly exposed to winds, environmental pollutants like dirt, dust, leaves, plastic bags and temperature variations. Owning an indoor swimming pool requires lesser maintenance. Still, that does not mean that you can neglect the equipment connected to your pool. This guide will help you understand how much attention you need to pay to each aspect of your swimming pool.

1. Cleaning the water of your pool: Your pool water chemistry should remain within safe limits so that it is hygienic enough to come in contact with your skin. Swimming pools should have to have a filteration system combined with a motor to keep the water clear. Besides that, the debris and leaves which fall in outdoor pools may have to be cleaned manually by using a net.

2. Swimming pool plaster: The pool plaster keeps the surface smooth so that it does not harm your
skin. These materials are generaly strong enough to withstand abuse, but with time they may start to develop cracks, leaks or punctures. Needless to say, oudoor pools need to have their vinyls repaird or replaced earlier than indoor pools. But either way, these materials generally last for about eight to twelve years.

3. Swimming pool pump, filters and heaters: These equipment keep your swimming pool water clean and usable. The installation of pumps and filters should be done considering the amount of water they would have to handle. A good quality pump and filteration system, with good motors would be able to function well for almost a decade. Be vary of older versions of motors which may last you only for a couple of years at best.

Simple maintenance and pool repair increases the life of the pool and can improve the experience of using the it. You may be able to perform some basic tasks llike manual cleaning of debris from the pool but some of these equipments use electrical components like motors which require a lot of knowledge and experience to repair. Such processes are best left to the hands of a pool renovation professional as they would be better able to identify potential problems and find solutions for them.

Three Problems You May Face With Your Pool Heating Equipment

Posted on: September 14th, 2015 by affordablepoolrepair No Comments

Maintaining the heating equipment becomes an important part of your pool repair process. The problems that pool heaters face is often more complicated than those faced by the pool pumps or filters. It is important to refer to the service manual of the heater before any repair is done. Given below are some of the most common problems that heating equipment face.

1. The heater does not turn on: It could be an electrical problem or a mechanical problem within the filtration system. Most of the heating systems nowadays have safety interlocks inbuilt. It means that if parameters like water pressure or voltage are not within the safe limits, the pool heater may not turn on. Usually interlocks triggered by such conditions cause indicators to glow.

2. The equipment makes unusual noises: You may hear unusual sounds or noises like whines, grinding or sometimes even sharp bangs from your heating equipment. It can be caused due to debris, which stuck inside filters and hoses. Sometimes, it can be caused due to a faulty pressure interlock which makes the heating system run even when the pool pump is switched off. If this is the case, it needs to be switched off immediately and you need to call a pool repair technician.

3. The heater does not heat the water enough: Once you give a temperature setting, and the heater switches off after completing its process, you would expect the pool water to have achieved the desire temperature. However, as the heating equipment ages, its ability to heat the water effectively reduces. It is caused due to the build up of dirt on the filter or having old values and switches, which need replacement. It may also be possible that the capacity of the heater is not adequate for the amount of water your pool holds. It is best to refer to a manufacturer’s product guide to know the right size of heating equipment for your swimming pool.

Heating systems have components that store and use large amounts of electricity. It is always wise to call a pool repair technician to look at such equipment instead of trying your hand at it and exposing yourself to risk. Besides, swimming pool repairmen have a lot of experience in dealing with such issues so they would be more observant to the other existing problems in your swimming pool. It will help you know the areas where you need to pay attention so that the longevity of your pool is increased.

What it Takes to Repair Pool Plaster

Posted on: September 12th, 2015 by affordablepoolrepair No Comments

Your swimming pool surface should be smooth and consistent, so that you can enjoy your swimming pool to the maximum. Unfortunately, as your swimming pool begins to age, the plaster would start to show cracks and hollow spots that would progressively get worse as time goes by. If the plaster is not maintained or repaired occasionally, the surface would start to chip and the gruntie below the plaster would become visible. The following will tell you what it takes to repair and maintain your swimming pool plaster:

1. Swimming pool plasters are make of quartz sand, cement and other additives. Repairing these materials would need the use of protective wear like rubber gloves, rubber boots and safety goggles. Small cracks and chips need to be treated by first cutting the area out using a chisel.

2. A grinder would then have to be used to grind the cracks around half an inch deep. Such treatment would have to be extended for around an inch on each end of the crack. After the crack dries, the dust and debris needs to be scrubbed using a wiree brush.

3. The crack would need to be treated with caulk before a pool surface patch fills it. The patching mixture needs to be added gently and skillfully so that there are no air gaps. Pool patching mixtures can be purchased at hardware stores.

4. Once the plaster patch is applied, it should be smoothened by using a trovel and the surface should be treated to keep it consistent with the rest of the surface. The mixture needs to be kept moist or wet so that it will cure properly.

The process of pool repair and maintenance requires the right equipments and a good degree of skill. It is always best to leave such work to the professionals as they will be able to properly identify problems and solve them with more effectively.

Repairing Swimming Pool Leaks

Posted on: September 11th, 2015 by affordablepoolrepair No Comments

You need to add water to the pool every once in a while so that it can maintain its level. If you are staying in a region which has low humidity, strong winds and high air temperature, then you would notice that you need to fill water much more often than a person who stays in other regions. In normal conditions, it is quite common to see pools lose a quarter of an inch of water level every day due to evaporation. With time, this amount to almost two inches in a week.

However, if you notice that you are supplying much more water than you were before, even though the climate is not too dry or hot, chances are that your pool has a leak. Before you start hunting for it, it is wise to fill a bucket with pool water and keep it close to your pool for a few days so that you can compare the levels. If the difference in level is considerable, you do have a leak. This guide will show you what it takes to repair one.

1. Locate the leak: The leak can either be in the plumbing of your pool or the structure. You would individually need to check the filter system and pump system to see if there are any leaks in the pipes or motors. If both are functioning well, then the structure of the pool needs to be repaired.

2. Concrete structures: Any cracks in the structure of concrete pools are usually easy to locate. You may use a few drops of food color or dye around the crack to see if it is being pulled into it.

3. Fixing the leak: Once you have found the leak, you may use some patching material around it. Most of these materials are available in any local hardware shop and they work well underwater. Ensure that you plug the leak before you patch it so that the flow of water will not wash the patch away while it cures.

Although the process may seem very straight-forward, there are many chances of things going wrong. Your pool has electrical wiring around it to help the filter and pump system to function, and having leaks anywhere close to these equipments makes it dangerous.

The best option is to use the help of a professional pool repair or pool renovation expert who has the experience in handling such issues. That way, your you would save your pool from any further damage and improve its lifespan.

Pool Pump Problems

Posted on: September 10th, 2015 by affordablepoolrepair No Comments

The pump is one of the most important parts of your swimming pool. It is the heart of the pool’s plumbing system and it is responsible for creating the suction which draws water through the filtration system. A malfunctioning pump will quickly reduce the quality of water in your swimming pool, making it unclean and unsafe to use. Given below are few of the most frequent problems that pumps face.

1. It does not draw water: The main function of the pump is compromised in this case. This could happen due to a wide variety of problems which can include a clogged impeller, a loose electrical connection or a leak. More often than not, you may notice that the capacity of the pump to pull water reduces gradually. This is an indication that eventually, whatever the problems is, the pump would stop working.

2. Noise produced by pump is louder than usual: Swimming pool pumps are generally kept on for a considerable amount of time so most people generally get used to the noise it makes. However, if the noise becomes increasingly jarring and loud it could prove to be a nuisance to your family and your neighbors. The noise is mostly created due to increased friction and vibrations within the machine. As it is not recommended that you open the pump yourself, this problem also progressively gets worse.

3. The Pump turns off and on intermittently or does not start at all: It is almost always an electrical problem. Apart from having a steady, good quality power supply, the pump has a set of electrical equipments which are used to start the motor and keep it running. Any problems in these equipments directly affects the performance of the motor.

4. Leaks: The areas where the drainage system suffers a leak has an effect on the performance of the system. Ideally, everything has to be air-tight and water-tight. But small leaks are very common. That is why most pumps have a little air in the pump basket. But when the leaks become too large you see a drastic reduction in performance of the pump. Big leaks do not allow the pump to function in its full capacity and there would be a lot of energy and time lost to draw the same amount of water.

Please ensure that you call a swimming pool repair specialist to address the problems that your pumping system faces. These equipments run on a considerable amount of electricity and they contain parts like capacitors which store energy for a long time even after the power is cut-off. Use the help of a professional to keep yourself safe and your swimming pool functional

Signs That Your Pool Needs Repair

Posted on: September 9th, 2015 by affordablepoolrepair No Comments

Your swimming pool is a great asset to your home, as long as it functions properly and does not pose a risk to family members. Much like any other investment, swimming pools need to be repaired and maintained so that it gives you an enjoyable experience. The following signs will tell you when it is time to call a professional pool repair company.

1. Color of the water: A well-maintained pool has clear,blue water. Unclean, murky water is a sign that your filtration system is not functioning properly. Sometimes, due to the pollutants in the surrounding air or other such factors, the chemical composition of the water may change slightly. This change can become visible when the water turns greenish instead of remaining clear blue.

2. Reduced water level: Water gets evaporated at a higher rate in hot, dry climates. So if you are staying in such a region, you may see the water level of your pool drop by around two inches a week. If the climate is cool and humid, and you still have to regularly refill your pool, chances are that it has developed a leak.

3. Pump noise: The pump creates a typical whirring noise every time it is in operation. With time, this noise may get louder, softer or intermittent and jarring. The changing noise of your pump suggests that it may need to be maintained. Malfunctioning pumps also generally have starting problems and do not draw as much water as they used to. Leaving the pump unattended will slowly make your water unhygienic and make it more difficult for your to refill your pool.

The equipment and structures which are needed to keep your swimming pool safe and functional need to be handled by a professional so that you can ensure that they get quality maintenance. Pool repairs may include dealing with electrical machines like motors, and these machines are around a lot of water. Without the right equipment, it makes it very unsafe for untrained persons to try their hand at repairing.

Pool repair and pool maintenance technicians are much more knowledgeable of the issues that a swimming pool faces, and they are far more capable of finding long term solutions to these problems. They may also be able to identify problems that you may have overlooked, which can save you a lot of trouble if addressed on time.