Owning a pool can feel like a luxury. However, without proper care and maintenance, your pool’s condition could deteriorate and ruin your swimming experience. Learning how to identify problems and conduct the necessary pool repairs to basic issues by yourself lets you cut down on expenses while also keeping your pool sanitary and functional.

Here are common pool problems and how to address them:

Mineral Scaling

Scaling materializes as the build-up of inorganic materials like calcium silicate and calcium carbonate on pool shells built of stones, plaster, ceramic tiles, and fiberglass. White scales formed from carbonate are easier to remove in comparison to white-gray scales from silicate. On this note, be mindful of any leaks in your pool when you encounter white-gray scales.

Removing both forms follows a similar process, fortunately. Simply use a pumice stone or scrub the affected areas with calcium. Prevent scaling in the future by lowering calcium levels and properly balancing your pool water’s chemicals.

Leaks from Concrete Cracks and Vinyl Layer Tears

The flexing of the pool’s supporting structure and the shrinking of cement can cause cracks to develop in your pool. Smaller cracks are called check or crazing cracks. Meanwhile, the larger ones are called major or structural cracks. They can occur when the pool’s protective shell is subjected to soil movement, settling, hydrostatic pressure, or heavy pressure due to certain soil conditions.

Take note that leaking is more often caused by major cracks and less likely from checks. To remedy this, you can drain your pool and apply caulk to repair the cracks. You may also use epoxy and carbon fiber staples if you don’t mind the gray streak it will leave.

On the other hand, vinyl liners may get holes and tears. These may come from pool equipment and tools or sharp objects scraping against the surfaces. They could also have formed because of constant contact with the sun and chemicals in the water over time. Regardless of the cause, a damaged liner will likely result in leaks.

Rough Surfaces

Swimming pool surfaces that are covered in plaster or made from concrete could roughen over time. This naturally occurs due to chemicals in the pool water, cleaning and maintenance, and usage. While this may not affect your pool’s structure, it could injure swimmers.

To solve the problem, you will need a sanding block and a wet/dry sandpaper in varying grits, such as 80 grit, 120 grit, 240 grit, and 600 grit. Sand the rough area beginning with the 80 grit sandpaper and work your way up. Once you’re done, rinse the surface and proceed to fill your pool as normal.

Entrust Major Pool Repairs to Professionals

For continued usage of your pool, watch out for scaling, cracks, and rough surfaces the next time you inspect your pool. Identifying these issues sooner than later gives you enough time to resolve them without escalating them further.

On the other hand, don’t hesitate to entrust more laborious work and bigger damages to skilled professionals in the industry. Contact the Clark County Pool and Lawn team for major pool repairs now.