If you’re new to the wonderful world of swimming pool ownership, it’s probably a good idea to know the kinds of repairs that are most commonly needed. By having an understanding of what to expect, you can not only budget for routine upkeep but can also hopefully avoid more costly repairs by performing regular maintenance and spotting trouble earlier rather than later. The best benefit of being proactive about swimming pool maintenance, of course, is that your pool will experience greater longevity, and you’ll benefit by not losing out on pool time while you wait for repairs.
Underground Pool Problems
Pool problems can generally be categorized into two types: underground and above-ground ones. The kinds of issues that can occur with in-ground pools are, of course, more difficult to see and more costly to correct. Underground trouble tends to take the form of leaks in plumbing and pumps. These leaks are typically caused by either movement of the ground or corrosion of the pipes. Thankfully, PVC pipes can usually be repaired easily; however, extensive damage will require them to be replaced.
Some swimming pool repair professionals will use sophisticated sonar equipment to find leaks in plumbing lines, especially when they run under decking. This method prevents the need for the entire deck to be torn apart in order for the line to be repaired. While the skimmer is designed to help keep piping free from debris, you will also need to check for leaks in the suction lines carrying water to the filter, chlorinator, and heater. Sometimes pumps can become worn, making new impellers or hoses necessary in order to keep them in good working order; if they become too worn, a leak will become inevitable.
Above-Ground Pool Problems
While an above-ground swimming pool will allow you to avoid the kinds of costly underground plumbing problems that can be associated with in-ground swimming pools, there are still some issues about which owners of above-ground pools should be aware. The first one is leaks in the pool liner. You can tell that there is a leak if the water leaks out onto the ground surrounding it or the pool itself never becomes completely full. You can easily fix a minor leak in a liner with an adhesive patch; more significant leaks may mean replacing the entire liner. A typical patch kit will cost around $20, while a new liner for an above-ground pool will cost several hundred dollars or more.
In addition to leaks in the liner, above-ground pools can also be plagued with collapsing walls. Since the framework is dependent on solid ground, disruptions to the surrounding environment can impact stability. Weather events such as high winds, flooding, and earthquakes can all cause buckling and collapsing of walls. (Some insurance policies may cover this kind of damage.) Over time, regular wear and tear can also lead to a weakened framework that will eventually collapse. Sometimes, it’s just the vertical posts and connectors that form the metal frame that fail; replacement parts cost under $100. However, a replacement wall will often cost between $1,000 and $2,000.
Leave a Reply