How to Tell if Your Pool Has a Problem

There’s nothing quite as refreshing as a dip in your pool on a hot summer’s day! Owning a backyard pool is a summertime luxury, but it’s one that requires a lot of care and maintenance. It’s important to keep the pool clean, the chemicals balanced, and regularly perform routine maintenance to keep the water blue and inviting.

One of the most important tasks in keeping your pool in good shape is knowing how to tell if there’s a problem. To help you with that, here are some common pool problems, along with what to do about them.

Water Chemistry Imbalance

Maintaining he proper chemical balance in the pool water is crucial for swimmer comfort and safety. Problems such as high or low pH levels, improper chlorine levels, or imbalanced alkalinity can lead to issues like skin and eye irritation, or algae growth.

Cloudy, Discolored, or Foul Smelling Water

Pool water should be transparent with a slight scent of chlorine, but if yours is cloudy, discolored, or has a strong odor, it could be a sign of inadequate filtration, poor circulation, high sanitizer demand, or the presence of contaminants. This situation may require adjusting the filtration system, cleaning or replacing the pool filter, or treating the water with the appropriate chemicals.

Algae Growth

Algae seems to be public enemy number one when it comes to swimming pools. Algae can quickly multiply and take over large portions of your pool if measures are not taken to rectify the situation. Algae growth can cause the water to turn green or cloudy, can create slippery surfaces, and may lead to unpleasant  odors. Controlling or preventing algae growth requires regular cleaning and appropriate chemical treatment, and the sooner it’s treated, the better chance you have of getting rid of it.

Equipment Malfunctions

Your pool’s health depends on a number of devices including pumps, filters, valves, heaters, and timers. Regular inspections, maintenance, and prompt repairs of all these pieces are crucial to keeping your pool clean and safe.

Leaks

A certain amount of water evaporates from your pool every day, but if you notice excessive water loss, you could have a leak. Pinpointing the leak can be difficult, but if you check your pipes, fittings, and valves, you may find the source of the leak. If all of these areas look normal, you may have a leak in the pool’s structure. In that case, you need to contact a professional pool company to pinpoint and repair the leak.

Filtration Problems

The pool’s filtration system plays a vital role in removing debris, contaminants, and particulates from the water. Issues with the filtration system such as clogged or damaged filters, malfunctioning pumps, or inadequate circulation can lead to poor water quality and many other problems.

Cracks or Deterioration

This is especially prevalent in older pools where the pool may have developed cracks, chips, or other signs of deterioration in the pool’s structure, including the plaster, tiles, or concrete. These issues can lead to leaks, higher water bills, aesthetic problems, and even structural damage.

Final Words

A lot of things can go wrong with your pool. Common pool problems can range from water chemistry imbalance and algae growth to cloudy or discolored water and filtration issues. Maintaining the proper chemical balance, preventing algae or mold from gaining a foothold, and ensuring that your filtration system is working properly are all crucial to handling these and other issues as they may occur.

Preventing these and other problems requires consistent and diligent attention to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for you and your family. If this all seems like a Herculean task to you, it’s probably time for you to call in the professionals. A professional pool service can diagnose and correct any problems that you have and restore both your pool’s appearance and performance. They can also offer advice on how to prevent the recurrence of any of these problems.

Millennium Pools & Spas is a family-owned and operated business serving the Virginia, Maryland, and  Washington D.C. areas with top quality pool service. With over 30 years of experience with pools of all shapes and sizes, we have the knowledge, expertise, and equipment to handle any problems you may have with your pool. Our team of highly trained pool professionals provides a wide range of services, including maintenance, repair, renovations, and pool resurfacing. Our focus is on providing outstanding customer service to ensure your complete satisfaction. We have two locations to serve you, in Springfield, VA, and Ijamsville, MD. If you’d like more information about our company, contact us for a consultation, visit our website, or give us a call at either of our locations:  Maryland at 301-591-3750       Virginia/DC at 703-939-5062.