Owning a swimming pool requires routine maintenance throughout the year. Unfortunately, far too many swimming pools see some level of neglect, and as a result, they end up developing unsightly or even dangerous issues. If you’ve noticed pool problems cropping up regularly, they’re likely due to improper maintenance. At Royal Pool & Spa, we’re here to help you get the most out of your pool, so if you’re struggling with any of the following issues, give us a call. After all, what’s the point of having a pool if you can’t enjoy swimming in it?
Algae Growth
Does your pool look more like a stagnant pond than a swimming hole? If the surface of the water appears more green than clear, you’ve got an algae problem that requires prompt remediation. Algae grow when your pool’s pH is out of the proper range, or you fail to clean your pool regularly.
Either way, you’ll probably need to shock your pool to kill the overgrowth and restore swimmable water. Shocking the pool involves introducing a heavy dose of chemicals into the water, but overdoing the chemicals can throw the water’s pH off even more. If you’re not familiar with the process, your best bet is to hire a swimming pool maintenance professional.
Too Much Chlorine
Does your skin feel itchy or dry after you hop out of your pool? If so, you’ve probably introduced too much chlorine or other chemicals into the water. To find out if chemicals are the culprit, test your pool water’s pH. If it doesn’t fall within the normal range of 7.4 to 7.6, it’s time to readjust your pool chemicals.
Many pool owners attempt to guess their way through proper pool maintenance, but chemicals are one area where you can’t afford to mess up. Improperly balanced water can cause more than just itchy skin; it can affect the overall health of your pool. To make sure your pool water is at the appropriate pH at all times, either read up on appropriate maintenance technique or hire a swimming pool maintenance service to do the job for you.
Surface or Foundation Cracks
Although pool cracks may be alarming, they’re quite common. Surface cracks are typically harmless, though they certainly detract from your backyard aesthetic. There’s little you can do to prevent surface cracks from developing because they’re usually a result of structural aging and shifting of the surrounding earth. Though, if you enjoy a flawless aesthetic, you’ll need to have a pool renovation specialist fill those cracks with plaster or pool putty. Your pool will then require resurfacing to smooth over the area where the crack was once visible.
Foundation cracks, on the other hand, are serious and should be dealt with immediately. These cracks are highly prone to leakage, can grow quickly, and can compromise the structural integrity of your pool. Generally, foundation cracks result from shifting earth and poor installation techniques, which means they require professional attention.
Scale Buildup
Do you notice white or grey buildup just above the waterline around the interior of your pool? That’s calcium buildup—also known as scale—and it’s typically due to imbalanced water pH. There are two types of calcium that can take over your pool: calcium carbonate and calcium silicate.
The first type, carbonate, is pure white and develops fairly quickly when the pH of your pool water is improperly balanced. The second type, silicate, has more of a greyish hue and takes far longer to develop. By the time you notice calcium silicate buildup around the interior of your pool’s walls, scale has likely overtaken your pool’s plumbing system, too.
In either case, your pool will require partial draining and a decent amount of scrubbing with a pumice stone. If the buildup is severe, you may require professional acid washing to remove the deposits and resurface the pool’s walls. To prevent calcium from overtaking your pool in the first place, always be sure to keep the water’s pH steady between 7.4 and 7.6. If you’re not great with chemicals, a weekly swimming pool maintenance service can keep the pH within the proper range.
Royal Pool & Spa: Your Pool Maintenance Experts
At Royal Pool & Spa, we know taking proper care of your pool can be a headache, especially if you’re not quite sure what you’re doing. Fortunately for you, taking care of pools is all we do! For over 30 years, we’ve been proudly serving Twin Cities pool owners, and we’d love to take great care of your pool, too. Whether you’re in need of weekly pool maintenance service, pool renovations, or equipment replacement, we have the knowledge, experience, and products you need to keep your pool in top condition. Give us a call at 651-779-7606 or message us on our contact page to learn more!