Pool Problems?

A pool relies on proper water circulation to keep the pool clean and at a proper temperature if you happen to have a pool heater. When proper water circulation is not present, the pool will likely develop a few issues connected with damaged plumbing systems. Fortunately, if you have an issue with your pool plumbing that needs to be fixed, the experts at Pool Problems? can handle virtually any issue, big or small. Below you'll find some examples of plumbing issues our experts have encountered in the past, and how we go about solving the problem. Pool return jets should only pump water back into a pool. If you start to notice air bubbles coming from the jets on a regular basis, you might have a broken seal in the pool plumbing. This is also a sign of a clog in your skimmer intake system that will need to be located and cleared. Before you call in an expert, however, you should check to make sure all caps and connections around your pump, particularly the clear lid on top of yo

The appearance of your pool's interior surfaces can have a major impact on the overall appearance of your outdoor pool area. There are many types of pool interiors to choose from, but the more popular surfaces happen to be either white plaster or an aggregate pebble surface. These are some of the more popular options because of their proven durability and pleasing appearance. While these surfaces are meant to last for a number of years, there are some instances where your white plaster or pebble pool surface may require a patch to keep it intact and looking its best. At Pool Problems? We offer a quality white plaster and pebble patching service that can help keep your pool interior looking its best at all times. White Plaster Patching Traditional white plaster is made by mixing white cement with crushed white marble to give your pool surfaces a bright white finish that is extremely durable and highly reflective of sunlight. This makes any pool look bright, clean and invit

There are many materials that can be used to make a quality pool deck, but one of the most common materials found around backyard pools is concrete. Any swimming enthusiast will tell you that having a pool deck that is comfortable to walk on with bare feet is about as important as having a clean swimming pool. There are many benefits that come with using concrete to build your pool deck. It is highly resistant to sun damage and will remain in place for a number of years. However, like most construction materials, concrete won't last forever. Eventually, cracks will form and the overall integrity of the concrete surface will wear down. This deterioration is often caused by salt and chemicals in your pool water that splash on the pool deck. While simply sealing cracks and resurfacing with more concrete is an option when your pool deck needs repairs, it is not the best option. If you're looking to improve the look and the feel of your pool deck, you might want to consider install

For a pool of any size to function properly, it requires a number of components working together to keep water clean and at the proper temperature. If you encounter a problem with your pool equipment such as the filter, heater or pump, you may be surprised to learn the problem has to do with the electrical connections. There are plenty of examples of pool components that require safe, working electrical connections to function. Since water is a conductor of electrical currents, and there is likely plenty of water in the area around your pool equipment, it is best to leave pool electrical repairs to the experienced professionals. There are some precautions you may want to take when you encounter electrical issues with your pool equipment that will help keep you safe from a harmful electric shock that can occur. Check out the following tips listed below to learn more. Unresponsive Automation Electronics Automated machines can monitor and control the amount of chemicals added at

After being on the market for a few decades, it is becoming clear that salt water filtered pools are much more preferable to traditional chlorine filters. Although they are known as saltwater filters, they are actually just a different type of chlorine filter. Rather than directly placing chlorine chemicals into the pool, however, a saltwater filter chemically converts salt into chlorine to keep the water clean. By converting salt, the filter is able to keep the pool clean without overcompensating on chlorine levels. What pool owners are left with is clean water that is less irritating on the eyes and skin, providing a more enjoyable swim. Pool owners may have started to hear more and more about the benefits of a salt water pool filter system over the years. This probably has them asking themselves whether it is worth it to make the switch from a traditional chlorine filter to a new saltwater filter. To help you learn more about the salt water filter before you decide whether o

A well-maintained pool or spa always adds to the aesthetic appeal of your property and can be quite enjoyable for yourself and anyone else you happen to invite over. There are some cases where a pool and spa can become troublesome, however, especially if they haven't been well maintained for an extended period. One major issue facing pool and spa owners is the possibility of water leakage. If a leak forms at any time and it is not found and repaired quickly, it can lead to a lot of other potentially expensive and dangerous problems in the future. At Pool Problems? we specialize in providing fast and reliable pool and spa leak detection and repairs. The trick is determining whether or not your pool or spa is in fact leaking. Damaged Pool and Spa Deck Edge One common sign of water leaks can be found in cracks on or around the edge of a pool deck and siding. There are many materials used to build pool and spa decks, all of which eventually deteriorate due to exposure to wate

Without proper pool deck drainage, you can often run into issues with standing water that remains on your pool deck after being splashed out of the pool. When water accumulates on the pool deck, problems can quickly start to follow if it is allowed to pool and seep into the cracks and spaces of your deck. Issues like pool deck stains, deterioration and even leaky basements are all connected to improper pool deck drainage. The best way to prevent these problems from turning into major issues, or from occurring in the first place is to arrange for pool deck drainage installation. Strip Drain Installation You can install a strip drain that is basically a narrow trough dug around your pool deck and covered with a grate that blends in with the pool deck design scheme. This trough funnels any pool or rainwater underground and away from your pool. These drains have the benefit of being able to divert large amounts of water away from a pool deck at one time. They are ideal for high

Your pool's filtration system relies on a few key components working together at all times. When one of these components fails to accomplish a certain task, you may start to notice a decline in the water quality in your swimming pool. Before water can be filtered, the pool pump must move it out of the pool and through the pool's filtration system. Pool water begins its journey to the filter and pool heater by running through a skimmer intake. Your pool may have multiple skimmers, but each one accomplishes essentially the same task at all times while the pump is running. Water is sucked into the skimmer, where large floating debris like leaves and twigs are filtered by the skimmer basket. Once the water enters the skimmer, it is transferred through pipes to your filter. If anything happens to impede the water passage or prevent the skimmer from taking on water in the first place, it can lead to bigger problems with your pool's filtration and circulation. If you do f

While it is often referred to as a main drain, the main drain in your pool or spa doesn't actually let you empty your pool or spa. Instead, this 'drain' allows for water to be pumped out of the pool and through the plumbing system. Water that exits through the main drain is often sent through a filtration system that is controlled by your pool or spa pump and returned via your pool or spa jets or inlets. If something should go wrong with your pool or spa main drain such as a clog or cracked pipe, this can lead to some major inefficiencies with the rest of your pool's equipment. Since the main drain is usually located at the lowest point of a pool or spa, it may not often get as much notice when something goes wrong. To help you determine when it's time to call for pool and spa main drain repairs, take a look at some examples of common issues listed below. Increased Suction Sometimes a main drain will remove water at an accelerated rate because another one

There are plenty of ways that pool owners can use technology to make their pool operate more efficiently, and with added convenience. Automated pool filters, pool pumps and pool heaters of all types are just a few examples of the many new innovative pieces of pool equipment that operate using advanced technologies. While these newer examples of advanced pool equipment are definitely exciting and worth a look for any pool owner, one piece of tried and tested pool equipment we haven't mentioned yet can help any pool run more smoothly and conveniently. A pool time clock lets pool owners control all the vital functions of their pool without the need to manually operate each individual piece of equipment. Basic Pool Time Clock Functions For the most part, a pool time clock can easily be installed on any pool system. There are a number of different makes and models to choose from, but each pool time clock will feature the same basic functions. A standard pool time clock can be

As most pools are located outdoors, the likelihood of stains and unsightly marks caused by natural material such as leaves, berries and dirt is somewhat high. There are also instances where calcium and metal stains occur on pool and pool deck surfaces caused by chemicals found in the pool water itself. Over time, these stains can cause your pool and the surrounding area to look unappealing. In order to combat these stains before they become a major problem, it is important to know what type of cleaning method will be most effective against certain stains. Chemical and Metal Stains For issues like rust and other mineral stains, chlorine stains and deeply embedded dirt stains, an acid wash is ideal for plaster surfaces. By removing a thin layer of the plaster completely, you will be able to bring back the bright new finish you had when you first installed your pool or spa. Pool & spa acid washes are great for removing surface stains of any type, but are less effective at rem

 Saving energy brings a number of benefits to any household. Reducing your energy consumption not only means you're helping to preserve the environment. It also means you can expect to save a significant amount of money on your energy bills. One major consumer of energy can be your pool heater. Whether it is gas or electric, you likely see a spike in your energy costs whenever the pool heater gets a lot of use. Fortunately, there is an alternative option when it comes to heating your pool without spending a fortune on energy bills. Solar Pool Heaters There are two types of pool solar heating systems that can be found on most residential pools. The main difference between these types of pool solar systems is the material used to make the solar collectors. The first common type of pool solar system is known as an un-glazed system. In this type of pool solar system, the solar collectors are made from heavy duty black rubber that has been treated with an ultraviolet light inh

A heated pool can make any swim experience a whole lot better. Heated pools give swimmers the chance to enjoy a pool no matter what the current outdoor temperature happens to be. When it comes to the type of heater used by most pool owners, gas pool heaters tend to be the most popular. This is largely due to the fact that gas heaters use inexpensive natural gas as fuel to efficiently provide heat to the pool water. There are other types of pool heater which have been discussed on earlier blogs. For now, we are going to focus on the typical issues encountered by pool owners with gas-powered heaters. Heater Cannot Reach Desired Temperature There are a few causes for this common issue. If your heater is unable to keep the pool water at a consistent temperature, or the specific temperature you have regularly set, it can be an issue with the gas supply to the heater. It may also have to do with a faulty regulator that limits the amount of heat your pool heater can generate. A prob

New lighting for any pool and spa area can turn any backyard into a 24/7 playground. You can enhance the look and appeal of your pool and spa with the latest and best items for outdoor pool lighting available from Pool Problems. Our pool experts can help you determine which type of lighting will best suit your needs and preferences, and we will be happy to provide full pool & spa lighting installation services as well. The only question you may have is what kind of lighting will best suit your pool & spa. Below you'll find some helpful suggestions. LED Lighting One of the best new features to come along in the realm of pool & spa lighting happens to be new LED lighting technology. In the past, light bulbs in submerged light fixtures along with deck lighting required frequent changing that was usually time-consuming and inconvenient to the average pool owner. Even older spa lighting could be a real hassle when the time came to change the bulbs or fixtures. With

When designing or upgrading an in-ground pool there are a lot of aesthetic choices to make. Most people have probably already put a lot of thought towards things like the pool's shape, the surrounding deck and of course the interior pool surface. One major aspect of your pool and/or spa's design structure that you may not have considered yet is the coping. Coping is essentially a cap for the edge of your in-ground pool or spa which serves a vital function by preventing water from leaking in behind the structure. Beyond the important structural role your pool coping plays, it also provides a great opportunity to put a unique decorative accent to enhance the appearance of your pool. To give you an initial idea of what you can do with your own pool & spa coping, take a look at the following popular coping designs below. Brick and Paver Pool Coping One of the most popular types of pool coping happens to work beautifully with most interlock brick or stone decks. Brick

A bright, clean swimming pool can go a long way towards making any outdoor space look inviting. On the other hand, unsightly stain and dirt buildups in and around your swimming pool can be a major turn off. Over time, a major stain issue can cause a lot more problems that go beyond your pool's aesthetics. Certain chemical stains can actually eat away the pool interior or deck material, and a large buildup of organic debris and stains can quickly spread throughout the entire pool. Each unique pool stain requires a specific type of cleaning method to get rid of the problem. To help you get an idea of what type of cleaning method is most effective against a specific stain, take a look at the following information. Organic Stain Removal Since most pools exist outdoors, the battle against organic debris and stains is almost constant. Most pool owners know the importance of regular pool cleanings, however, there are some common areas around a pool that are often missed by even

If you haven't thought about making the switch to a salt water pool system yet, you might want to consider some of the following pros and cons of doing so. Traditional chlorine pool systems are certainly effective, but they require much more maintenance and labor compared to an automated salt water filtration system. As the technology behind salt water pool filtration has vastly improved over the past few years, now is the perfect time to make the switch if you decide a salt water filter is right for your pool. Before we get into the major pros and cons of a salt water system, there is a key detail about this filtration system you should be aware of. Foremost is the fact that salt water filters don't actually turn your pool water salty. The salt content in the pool water is actually minimal due to the fact that the filter actually converts the salt into chlorine. Pros Because of the way a salt water filter functions, pool owners never have to worry about manually cont

A clean and well-maintained pool is a great feature to have on any property. Pool owners can take great pride in a pool that looks it's best at all times. In order to keep your pool looking great, it is important to make sure all pool features are well looked after. Whether they are in pristine condition, or if they have seen better days, your waterline tiles are often one of the more noticeable features in any pool. If you're considering whether or not to simply clean and repair, or replace your pool's waterline tiles, the following tips may help you determine whether or not it is time for new waterline tiles to be installed. Extent of Damage One of the major causes for waterline tile damage is the sun itself. Over the years, even the most well installed waterline tiles may start to break down after prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight. You may notice the color on the tiles has begun to fade. When this occurs, it is a good sign that the tile finish has also b

For the most part, a properly functioning and well-maintained pool filtration system will keep your pool water at an ideal state of cleanliness. However, there are some occasions when you may have to drain your pool entirely. Knowing when the appropriate time to do so can be very helpful to a pool owner. One thing to keep in mind is that draining a pool completely can be a very serious undertaking. Although you may feel prepared to complete the draining process on your own, it is best to get an experienced professional to help. Pool and spa draining using proper submersible pumps handled by trained technicians will leave less margin for error that can potentially lead to significant property damage and flooding in your yard. When to Drain One of the most common reasons for pool owners (especially in-ground pool owners) to drain their pools completely is to keep the water at its highest level of cleanliness at all times. Although chemicals like chlorine are used to effectively

No matter what a pool & spa owner does, water levels will eventually drop over time. For the most part, minor water level drops in a pool or a spa are not a cause for concern. There are many common reasons why your pool or spa might lose water over a period of time. Frequent use of a pool can lead to a lot of water getting splashed out, and even the sun can cause your water level to drop during the hottest period of the summer. Cleaning your pool and spa can sometimes cause the water level to noticeably drop in a short period of time. This is mainly caused by running a filter on back-wash or a rinse cycle after vacuuming to clear the pool or spa filter of dirt and debris. While not all drops in a pool water level are a cause for concern, you can run into problems with leaks that will require repairs before they become a major problem. These leaks are prone to occur in certain areas around your pool and spa equipment and plumbing systems. Therefore, it can be helpful to know where

Practically every day there are new innovations and developments in the world of swimming pools. Whether it is a new automated pool control system you can access from your smartphone or a popular new pool design innovation, pool owners are constantly having to decide which new idea is right for their needs. One of the more popular developments in swimming pool design happens to be a relatively new pool interior finishing material known simply as the pebble finish. You may have seen this type of aggregate stone finish installed on a driveway or walkway around your neighborhood, but this stylish design is also available for pool interiors. If you're looking to update an existing pool interior, or if you're installing a brand new pool on your property, you may want to consider some of the following facts about pebble pool interiors before you make your final choice. Natural Appearance While any pool makes a great addition to a backyard, some pool designs can look artific

One of the oldest and most popular interior pool finishes available today is a white plaster finish. This interior pool surface has remained popular since the 1920s for its inexpensive cost, prolonged durability and of course its bright white finish. Although there are many newer types of interior pool finishes available for all kinds of pools, white plaster has remained a popular choice among pool owners. If you are in the market for a new pool, or pool remodel, you might consider choosing white plaster. Below you'll find a few of the more common questions that pertain to white plaster finishes and what pool owners can expect when they choose a white plaster installation or remodel. What is White Plaster Made of? Although it is called plaster, white plaster has very little in common with its counterpart used for interior building projects. The white plaster used in pool interiors is made to be watertight and colored to reflect light for a bright interior finish that enh

Most pool owners are probably well aware of the possible dangers posed by electrical issues around the pool. Water is a conductor for electricity, which means the level of danger when dealing with electrical systems near or connected to your pool and pool equipment is significantly increased. In most cases, you're better off leaving repairs and troubleshooting of electrical issues to a trained professional. Even still, you should always be able to recognize possible electrical issues around your pool in order to keep yourself and everyone who happens to use your pool safe from potential danger. Electrical Connections Practically every pool system that helps keep your pool water clean, heated and properly circulated relies on an electrical connection to function. Like any wired connection found outdoors, the potential for problems is enhanced thanks to natural hazards like wind, storms or even falling branches and debris. If your pool pump, in particular, is kept in an are

Whether its ordering food online or organizing your busy schedule at the touch of a button, you've probably got an app for just about everything installed on your phone. Thanks to new technological innovations, you can now install an app on your iPhone or Android phone that lets you control your pool equipment and systems with ease. Ever been on vacation and can't remember if you left your pool pump running? With an automated pool control app, you can easily access information about your pool functions while controlling any vital pool equipment with your smartphone from anywhere! This innovative tool makes managing your pool's energy consumption and daily functions a lot easier for any pool owner. The only question is which app for the remote control of your pool equipment will work best for your needs. iAqualink One of the most popular pool control apps is the iAqualink app. This free app is available on both the Android and iPhone app stores, so no matter what

One of the most vital components of any type of swimming pool happens to be the skimmer. Practically all of the water in your pool passes through the skimmer on its way to being heated and/or filtered before it is discharged back into the pool. Because of this fact, it is important to always ensure your skimmer is able to function properly. Without a properly installed, connected or functioning skimmer, your pool water quality will rapidly decline, and you may end up stuck with some hefty repair costs that go towards correcting the issue. Fortunately, most major problems encountered with pool skimmers start out as relatively minor issues that can be easily corrected before they become too extensive. The trick is knowing how to spot these minor problems and solve them in a timely fashion. As your pool pump runs and circulates water through your pool plumbing system, a kind of suction is created at the skimmer intake. This is the starting point of your pool water circulation syste