subject: Addressing problems with opening your swimming pool [print this page] Addressing problems with opening your swimming pool
It's almost time to open your swimming pool. A time you've anticipated since you closed it last season, but now things are not going as smoothly as you might have hoped. Here are some of the common issues that can arise during the opening of your pool and what steps you should take to address them.
Keep in mind though, if you work with a swimming pool professional, you can alleviate the stress and hassle of opening your pool and can just jump in once the work's been done!
Check for sand in the swimming pool or near any of the return jets. If you see any, this might mean that there is damage in the sand filter or that it's cracked. If you find you're losing water and seeing sand, it's time to contact a pool professional. If it's just the sand issue, and you're not losing water, take the sand filter apart and look for cracked or damaged parts.
Visible drips or leaks from the pump, filter tank or any visible pipes. The first step is to try to tighten the fittings. If the leaks continue, contact a pool professional for help.
DE issues. If the filter isn't allowing enough water pressure in or isn't effectively filtering the pool, you may need to immediately backwash the filter. Add new DE and if the problem continues, it may be necessary to add an acid wash to the filter. Again, if this persists, it's best to contact a pool professional.
Sand filter problems the same as DE filter issues if there isn't enough water pressure and if it isn't filtering correctly, it needs an immediate backwash.
Are there air bubbles in the water that's coming out of the return jets? If so, this could mean there is a suction line leak. You will usually find it beneath the skimmer.
Wet dirt around the patio bricks that surround the skimmers or return jets could mean there is an underground pipe leak. Again, we'd suggest contacting swimming pool professional to address this situation.
Is your pump making loud noises? If it's heating up, not running to its full capacity or making squealing noises, this could mean the pump is in need of professional maintenance. This can either be done on-site or you can remove it and take it to a pool store.
Water loss. This could be happening for any number of reasons: a) water below the return jets could mean a return line leak b) water levels below the skimmer could mean a leak beneath the suction skimmer c) water levels below the light usually means that a light is leaking (check the plastic or metal conduit pipe) d) uneven water levels on side walls could mean a leak in the liner or in a unit gasket e) water levels down past the side walls could mean a leak in the pool floor.
Do-it-yourselfer with knowledge of how to address these swimming pool issues, may be able to address them on your own. If you are unclear on how to repair these items, we urge you to contact a swimming pool professional immediately. The sooner the issues are addressed the less likely it will be to cause permanent damage.
