Swimming Pool Repair

Pool Renovation, Repair Tips, Swimming Pool, Swimming Pool Maintenance, Swimming Pool Repair

How To Fix A Crack In Your Pool?

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Inground pool crack repairs are one of those things that make you groan when you see them. They’re a hassle to repair, and you know they’re only going to get worse if you don’t deal with them quickly.  The good news is that if you catch them early enough, you may get away with a minor pool repair, and you won’t have to call in reinforcements from professionals. In this guide, you’ll learn how to fix pool cracks, how the pros do it, and when it’s time to admit a pool’s crack problem is too far gone and needs to be resurfaced.  Let’s dive right in! Swimming Pool Crack Repair For Simple Cracks Minor cracks that are no longer than a few inches on a pool’s lining can be repaired relatively easily. All you’ll need is some diving goggles, a steel brush, and some pool putty. You can find pool putty in just about any pool supply store or purchase it online. It’s usually a two-part compound that sets quickly.  When you identify the crack, make sure you see where it starts and ends. Next, dive into the pool and scrape out the more significant loose bits around it with a screwdriver or even a butter knife. Then, follow the instructions on the pool package to prepare the pool putty and roll it into a long cylinder about the length and width of the crack.  Again, enter the pool and press the putty into the crack with your fingers. Take as long as you need and push it all the way into the crack, making sure that it has adhered as much as possible. Once finished, smooth the putty to be flush with the pool’s lining.  Moderate: How to fix Pool Cracks The process above works for small cracks, but if a break is longer than a few inches, it will just fall out once the crack continues to widen. If you have a more substantial break, you’ll need to make a more significant pool crack repair.  Moderate swimming pool crack repairs are the kind we’re going to describe that requires you drain your pool. Unfortunately, you can’t get away with draining the pool only until the water level is below the crack. The remaining water will only make it more challenging to clean up the dust and debris that fall into the water.  If you don’t want to deal with this sort of large-scale swimming pool crack repair or don’t think you’ll reliably repair the crack, we recommend enlisting some professional assistance. Give us a call! How to Repair the Crack First, you’ll need to get an angle grinder to work on widening the crack. You can also work with a drill and a wide masonry drill bit. After draining the pool, clean out the crack of any loose debris and use the grinder to carve a “V” shape into the crack that gets wider as it gets deeper. This is also known as a dovetail cut.  There’s going to be a lot of dust and flying debris, so you should wear adequate protection, including a dust mask and goggles. Once the dovetail cut is done, remove any excess dust and use a garden hose to spray water into the cut to clean it thoroughly. After it dries, you’ll complete the pool repair with a pool plaster mix.  As with pool putty, you can find pool plaster mix at most pool supply stores. Mix up enough plaster to fill in the crack in its entirety. Use a sponge to ensure the crack and surrounding area is moist before you start applying the plaster. After you’ve filled the crack, smooth the plaster flush with the pool shell. The plaster is meant to cure underwater, so you can start refilling the pool immediately.  If the crack is high up on the pool shell wall, make sure to keep it moist until the pool is refilled. If it dries out too quickly, it may start to crack, and you’ll have to clean it out and start all over again. As soon as it’s refilled, the pool is ready for use.  How to Repair Severe Pool Cracks Before getting into this section, it’s worth noting again that some cracks are beyond repair. If your cracks run across the entire pool, it’s probably time to redo the pool shell. That said, one of our fantastic pool repair professionals can work some magic that you won’t get anywhere else. For large cracks, give us a call, and we’d be happy to provide you with an estimate for repairs or let you know if it’s a better plan to renovate the pool.  If you want to tackle severe pool crack repairs yourself, arm yourself with patience and the right equipment. The process is similar to the one we describe for repairing moderate cracks, but you’ll also have to use “staples” along the crack to make sure it doesn’t continue to expand in the future.  Follow the same steps as you would for a moderate crack, except you’re also going to carve out a rectangular slot every 10 to 12 inches perpendicular to the crack. In those slots, you’ll install steel staples, such as the ones supplied by Torque Lock. Carbon fiber staples are an alternative but more challenging to come by.  After the staples are epoxied into place, cover up the crack with pool plaster mix just as you would with a moderate crack and refill your pool. If performed correctly, this type of repair should give you another few years of pool use, but severe cracks are a sign that the pool shell doesn’t have a stable foundation, and that will eventually end up causing it to collapse.  The takeaway is that you should renovate the pool and replace the shell as soon as you’re able to.  Why Do Pool Cracks Form? If a pool is planned and installed correctly, it should last decades without showing severe cracking. Unfortunately, however, many pool installers don’t

Pool Pump, Repair Tips, Swimming Pool, Swimming Pool Repair

Pool Pump Problems

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Summer is just around the corner, and the last thing you need is a pool pump replacement in the middle of a heatwave. This is the time to deal with all of those minor problems with your pool pump that you’ve been putting off.  To help you, we’ve put together this list of the most common issues you might run into and what’s probably causing them.  So, keep reading to avoid potentially bigger problems down the line or even draining your pool when you need it most.  A Noisy Pump The problem that immediately sets off alarm bells for most people is when their pool pump starts making strange noises it hasn’t made before. The good thing about a noisy pump is that even if you don’t notice it, your neighbors sure will, and they’ll be sure to tell you about it.  Pool pump noise usually comes either from the impeller or the motor. If the noise sounds like churning rocks or marbles, it’s probably from the impeller. If it’s more of a grating or screeching noise, it’s likely the motor.  Often, your pump will start to complain if there’s not enough water. Most pools have a built-in skimmer, and if the water level drops low enough, BestMixer’s tumbler part of the skimmer can be exposed, allowing the pump to suck in air. The simple fix is to increase the water level in your pool.  If it continues to make noise, you may need to help it a bit by manually priming it to expel all the air. Priming a pump falls outside the scope of this article, but one of our pool repair experts at Florida Pool and Patio would be happy to assist you if you give us a call.  But a low water level is only one of many things that could be causing a noisy pump. There are many other reasons and even some that may require pool pump replacement. If you’re unsure, always trust a professional to give you an objective opinion.  Pool Pump Tripping Breaker Briefly, a breaker exists to protect a circuit from an overload that it isn’t designed to sustain. So, if your pool pump is tripping the breaker, it’s trying to draw more power than the breaker will allow it to pull.  This problem can have several causes. The two most common are either the impeller being stuck or the motor shaft getting locked up. If the breaker is consistently tripping while the pump is running, you may have clogged pipes or something else obstructing the flow of water, causing the pump to work overtime.  Try inspecting all the pipes and re-priming the pump to see if that fixes the issue. If it doesn’t, it could also be a faulty breaker, and replacing it should do the trick. If the problem persists after that, you’re best off consulting a professional. The wiring could be degraded or burnt, and it’s best to let a trained operator do those sorts of repairs.  Pump Starts and Stops Frequently If your pump works as intended but shuts off shortly after it starts working, you may have a problem with overheating. Pool pumps, like most electric motors, have a thermal protection device that shuts them down if they overheat. You check if the pump is overheating by attempting to touch the outside of the unit very carefully. If you can’t rest your hand on it, it’s an overheating issue.  Thermal overloads are particularly common in Florida during the summer when temperatures soar. It sets the stage for a whole host of pool pumps problems that can be difficult to fix if you’re not experienced.  Alternatively, it may be a voltage problem. Pool pumps are often wired to work on either 115 V or 220 V, so you’ll need to make sure the voltage selection switch is set at the correct voltage. If you’re not comfortable around electrical installations, you should probably call a professional to check that your voltage matches what the motor requires.  Pool Pump Not Working at All If your pool pump simply doesn’t start, it could be connected to one of the problems we’ve already covered or something much simpler.  The first thing you should do is check that the pump’s switch is in the ON position. You’d be surprised at how many times the problem is as simple as someone unwittingly turning off the pump. Another issue might be your pool timer. The timer has a mechanism to turn the pump off when it’s supposed to, but that mechanism sometimes malfunctions, remaining in the off position and keeping the pump from turning on at all. Try disengaging the timer entirely and running the pump.  Pool Pump is Leaking A new pool pump should not leak and if it does, that usually indicates a manufacturing defect. However, the seals around a pool pump’s shaft and impeller housing slowly deteriorate and will leak sooner or later.  If you see a puddle of water underneath your pool pump, it should be easy to detect where the leak is by simply looking for damp areas on the pump. If it’s wet or damp around the shaft seal, you’ll need to replace the seal. The pool pump’s manual should have instructions for how to do that and how to replace any other o-rings and seals that may be worn out.  Even very small leaks should be treated as a serious problem because they can only get worse with time. If you can’t fix the problem yourself, don’t hesitate to call in professional assistance. Repairing a leaking pool pump is a standard procedure and shouldn’t take more than an hour or two.  How to Fix Pool Pump Flow Rate If your pump simply isn’t extracting enough water to keep your pool clean, something is likely impeding the flow of water to the pump. The first thing you should do is clean out your filter. A clogged-up filter is the most common culprit of low flow rates. Moreover,

Repair Tips, Swimming Pool, Swimming Pool Repair

The Essential Pool Service Technician Tools List

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The right tools help you make quick work of any job. And that certainly holds true for pool repair calls. But as a technician, you may be called out on a variety of service calls. And being ready for anything is a part of the job description.  In this post, we’re going down the list to help you stock up with the tools you’ll need to fix 95% of the problems you come across.  Let’s start with the fun stuff: power tools.  Pool Technician Power Tools The lion’s share of your work as a pool tech will take place in residential spaces. So you’re likely to always have access to power outlets. But you shouldn’t rely on it. Whenever possible, bring along cordless power tools to avoid having to stop and start jobs.  Cordless Drill Cordless drills are a staple of any technician’s toolbox, and pool techs are no different. You’ll need a drill for everything from installing light fixtures to tightening flanges. It’s also highly recommended to invest in underwater cordless drills.  Often, an underwater drill can save you an entire day of work by not having to drain a pool to get the job done. However, you may have to look for a specialty supplier or order these online.  Cordless Grinder A lot of your job as a pool technician consists of making sure a pool’s surface is even and smooth. A grinder can make quick work of small dings and dents, especially if you frequently work with concrete pools.  Pressure Washer Another useful tool if you work with concrete pools, but it’s a must-have either way. It can help strip away plaster pool lining when it’s time to replace it. Moreover, it gets rid of algae, mold, and grime in record time.  Reciprocating Saw Pool installation involves a lot of pipe fitting. Whether you’re replacing a pump or installing a new one, a reciprocating saw can save you hours of work cutting pipes by hand. And, of course, a cordless saw is one less headache you’ll have to deal with.  Heat Gun No, you won’t use this to regulate pool temperature. Heat guns are a godsend when you need to soften a vinyl pool liner. Some technicians use blow dryers, but a heat gun will be much quicker. However, you’ll need to get used to the extremely high temperature it produces.  Water Pump You’ll need to pump water out of a pool sooner or later. A 4’’ water pump is a good investment since it can work much faster than a smaller-diameter extractor. But a 2’’ pump is still infinitely better than not having one.  Hand Tools Many of the hand tools a pool tech uses are pretty standard, but there are a few noteworthy exceptions.  Drivers of All Shapes and Sizes Nut drivers, screwdrivers, hex keys — they’re all worth having. They’re a small investment and take up very little space but can be the difference between having to make a run to the nearest hardware store or finishing a job on the spot.  Pliers You’ll want several types of pliers. Lineman’s pliers will solve most of your problems, but a lot of the time, needle-nose pliers, Channellock pliers, or straight pliers can save you time for specialized applications.  Hacksaw  It’s all well and good to have a reciprocating saw. And there’s no question that you’ll be doing the brunt of your cutting with it. But sometimes, there’s no replacement for some good old-fashioned elbow grease. A hacksaw belongs in any technician’s truck.  Electrical Tester We don’t need to tell you there are many electrical hazards involved in pool installation and repair. An electric tester will help keep you safe by testing potential live wires. And it will keep your customer’s equipment safe by ensuring there are no ground faults or short circuits present in the wiring.  Chemical Test Kit A chemical testing kit should be an obvious part of the tool kit but it’s worth putting on the list anyway. Taylor Technologies make comprehensive chemical test kits that you’ll frequently use to ensure the correct chlorine or sodium levels in pools.  Bucket Don’t underestimate just how useful a five-gallon bucket can be.  Magnetic Pole Tip There are few things more frustrating than dropping tools into a swimming pool. But if you have a telescoping pole with a magnetic tip, it’s not a problem at all. Keep around a piece of twine or cord as well for extracting tools from deeper pools.  Supplies Lastly, there are certain supplies you never want to go without on a job site. It’s a good idea to regularly check on these and restock them.  Glue and Putty There are many types of glue, putties, and adhesives you’ll use based on the application at hand. PVC glue is a must-have, and you’ll use it copiously when you’re installing pumps and other plumbing. Pool putty is one of the most-used items in this category, and you can purchase it in most hardware stores.  If you go to any pool supply store, you’ll find a large variety of sealants, glues, and putties. Experiment a little until you find the ones that you like working with best.  Tapes For starters, you never want to be without duct tape. As the saying goes, duct tape and WD-40 fix 99% of problems in life. It’s a great and inexpensive catch-all fixer. Electrical tape is also a good addition, especially if you often have to install or require pumps or heating systems.  Teflon tape is also a must-have for waterproofing threading and adjusting small discrepancies in pipe diameters. And, of course, masking tape will help you keep everything clean and tidy in a variety of situations.  Pool Chemicals You don’t need to keep 200 lbs of salt on hand. But a modest supply of sanitizers, oxidizers, and water balancers will let you make adjustments as needed on the spot rather than making a return visit.  Spare Parts If you’ve ever been on a service call and

Repair Tips, Swimming Pool Repair

Swimming Pool Repair Tips

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Built correctly, a swimming pool will last a lifetime. However, it’s not uncommon for swimming pools to need minor, or even major, repairs frequently. If your pool shell is chipping, cracking, or fading, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, you’ll learn what kind of damage to a pool you can quickly fix yourself and how to do that. And, you’ll learn the types of renovation and swimming pool repair that is best left to the professionals.  Find the Damage First Before you roll up your sleeves, it’s a good idea to know exactly what you’re dealing with. If your pool water level is dropping, that could be a sign of a leak, or it could be simple evaporation. Florida gets intense sunlight over the summer. During especially dry and hot days, your pool might lose up to a quarter-inch of water to evaporation over 24 hours. A quick and easy way to see if you’re losing water due to a leak or evaporation is the so-called “bucket test.”  First, mark a waterline inside a bucket and on your pool. Fill the bucket with water from your pool up to the line you marked and let it float in the pool. Don’t use the pool for a few days, and then check the water lines. If the water in your pool and the bucket are both reduced the same amount from the marked lines, your pool has no leaks. If the pool water is significantly lower from the mark than the bucket, you’ve got a problem. If the water levels are extremely disparate, you should consider getting a professional opinion on how to proceed. Repairing Cracks in the Concrete Whether you have a leak or not, it’s a good idea to repair any cracks on the shell of your pool. Small cracks in the concrete usually aren’t alarming as the soil around the pool will naturally settle after it’s built. If the crack is longer than two feet and wider than about a quarter-inch, it can be repaired without much hassle. Otherwise, doing a quick fix might lead to bigger problems down the line. First, drain your pool to expose the crack. It’s a good idea to drain the entire pool if the crack needs extensive work as debris is likely to end up in the water. Then, widen the crack with a chisel or flathead screwdriver and use a wire brush to clean the surface of loose bits of concrete. Mix a patching compound with portland cement and work it onto the crack with a trowel. Make sure the area in and around the crack is damp so the concrete will adhere properly. Then, smooth it so it’s flush with the rest of the pool surface and coat it with a layer of epoxy paint so it’s indistinguishable. If pool crack repairs become a commonplace occurrence, even if they’re small. Repairing Vinyl Pool Liners A tear in the vinyl lining of an above-ground pool can result in its complete collapse. If your above-ground vinyl pool suffers damage, immediately drain the water from it at least to below the level of the damage. To be safe, you might want to drain it entirely. A quick fix if you’re dealing with an accident is duct tape. As soon as a tear happens, stick a piece of duct tape on it underwater and rub it in well. It won’t hold for long, but it will give you time to decide what to do. Then tear is three inches long or shorter, it can be repaired easily with a patch kit. Anything longer than that is risking it. Vinyl pool patching kits work a lot like a bicycle tire patch kit.  You’ll receive a piece of material to glue over the tear and an adhesive to do so. The best thing to do is work on a dry tear, but some kits can be used underwater as well. Follow the instructions on the kit for the best results. Patches aren’t a perfect fix, so make a habit of checking them frequently to see if a leak develops. It’s also worth considering if your vinyl liner is worth repairing. The lifespan of a pool liner depends on things like sun exposure and how well it’s taken care of. However, you can expect the typical liner to last about five to ten years. If your liner is older than that, and tears start to crop up, a complete replacement might be a better option. If you’re unsure about how to proceed, consult a professional in your area.  Repairing Plaster Coating Pool crack repairs sometimes don’t affect the concrete itself, but the plaster layer on top of it. The plaster layer will also degrade over time, creating a rough surface that’s unpleasant to the touch. It’s not uncommon to address small chips and cracks on the plaster. Eventually, though, your pool will need a new layer of plaster; somewhere around the seven- to ten-year mark. Patching small cracks is not a complicated process than it may seem. For larger swimming pool crack repair, you can use the same method described above for cracks in the concrete. Replace the portland cement with a plaster patching compound and once you work it into the crack, smooth it out with a wet sponge. There are also patching kits that allow you to work underwater. However, they should be reserved for small cracks.  Fiberglass Swimming Pool Repairs Fiberglass pools are usually a good investment, but they need recoating every so often to stay in good shape. If the surface gel coat is scratched or chipped, you can make a small repair fairly easily. Drain the pool entirely or up to the damaged area and use 200-grit sandpaper to smooth out the area that you want to recoat. Once it’s sanded, wipe the entire area around the damage clean with an acetone-soaked rag. This will prime it to receive a new layer of gel coat. Then, mix a

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