Finally! Pool season is here. The temperatures are high enough to make being outside tolerable, and you’ve got your favorite swimwear all picked out. You head outside, remove the pool cover, and…disaster has struck. Something is wrong with your pool!
Don’t wait until pool season has arrived in earnest before you inspect your pool equipment. Instead, prioritize this crucial task in advance. Doing so can highlight issues with pumps, filters, heaters, and plumbing, leading to costly repairs and shortened swimming seasons. Unsure how to get started? Read our helpful spring maintenance preparation guide below:
Why Do Spring Pool Equipment Checks Matter?
When you winterize your pool and say goodbye to those warm, sunny days relaxing poolside, it doesn’t feel like all that much time has passed before pool season arrives once more!
However, even short, mild winters can take their toll on pool equipment. Months of inactivity, temperature changes, and debris buildup can wear out important pool components. When your pool equipment suddenly goes from not being in use to working full-time, those previously weakened parts can quickly fail.
Herein lies the value of spring pool equipment checks. These checks allow you to catch small problems early, before they turn into big ones. They can also:
- Improve energy efficiency before the ‘peak’ season
- Extend the lifespan of your pool equipment
- Prevent mid-season pool shutdowns
- Help you avoid emergency repair costs in the summer
‘I used my pool in winter. Is a spring pool equipment check still important?’ The answer is yes! Even a partially operational pool can benefit from a comprehensive check to ensure everything is working as it should during the busy spring and summer months ahead!
How to Spot Problems in Pool Equipment
Ready to get started on pool maintenance before it’s time to don your swimwear? Take note of this helpful advice for spotting problems in pool equipment:
1. Pool Pump
Pool pumps are responsible for circulating water through your swimming pool’s filtration and sanitation systems. After not being used for several weeks, or only being used occasionally over winter, a few problems can occur:
- Loud or unusual sounds, such as screeching or grinding, which can indicate worn bearings
- Air bubbles in the pump basket, pointing to suction leaks in plumbing lines
- Pump failing to prime, pointing to a possible damaged seal or air leak
- Reduced water flow, which can be caused by worn impellers or clogged baskets
Before putting your pump back to work for the season, take these steps:
- Inspect the pump housing
- Clean out the pump basket
- Make sure all O-rings and seals are lubricated and in good condition
- Contact a professional pool maintenance expert if the pump is struggling to maintain circulation or sounds louder than normal
2. Pool Filter
The same debris your pool filter was filtering out when you closed your pool for winter is likely still trapped inside it – weeks or months later. As a dirty or damaged filter makes your pump work harder and reduces water clarity, it’s important to prioritize its care during your spring maintenance session.
Inspect your pool filter and look for these problems:
- High pressure readings on the gauge
- Cracked filter tanks
- Worn seals
- Water returning to the pool is cloudy
- Brittle or stained cartridges
What you find determines your next steps. If you have sand filters, they may require backwashing or sand replacement. If you have cartridge filters, they may need deep cleaning or replacement. If your swimming pool has DE filters, inspect them for torn grids.
3. Pool Plumbing
Pool plumbing leaks aren’t always easy to spot. The lines run underground and through equipment pads. As a result, it’s sometimes not until a leak is a serious problem that you notice it.
However, there are signs if you look hard enough. During your spring pool equipment check is a great time to notice:
- Water pooling near the pool equipment
- Air bubbles in the return jets
- Reduced circulation pressure
- Unexplained drops in the pool water level
Take a moment to inspect all visible pipes and fittings for cracks, mineral buildup, and loose connections. The earlier you catch leaks, the more likely you are to prevent further equipment damage, water loss, and expensive underground plumbing repairs!
Valves, Timers, and Automation Systems
Modern swimming pools have all the bells and whistles to provide a memorable swimming experience for all. For example, automation systems control filtration cycles, chemical management, and lighting to save you time and effort.
If it has been a while since you checked that your automation system, timers, and valves are in good working order, now is the best time to do so. Doing so helps maintain water quality and energy efficiency year-round.
Look for any sticking or leaking valves, faulty timers, and scheduling errors. Pay attention to how your automation panels are functioning to check for any communication failures. Finally, check the sensors to ensure the readings are accurate.
Schedule Pool Maintenance with Safari Pool Service in Dallas-Fort Worth
Whether you need a helping hand with the tasks above or want a professional to take the lead so you can spend more time swimming, Safari Pool Service is here to help. Our experienced pool technicians with decades of combined experience take all the hard work out of pool ownership.
Not only can we handle your spring pool equipment check, but we’ll also manage any other maintenance and repair tasks to ensure a straightforward, stress-free pool season ahead. Ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule your weekly maintenance or pool cleaning service.
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