For many businesses and organizations, having a pool on the property is an investment, drawing in revenue by bringing in clients, tenants, and customers who want to spend some time in the water. They’re well worth having, but as with any investment, there’s a lot that can go wrong, which can ultimately impact the bottom line and force panicked business owners to frantically start searching for “pool repair near me.”
In most cases, though, there’s no need to panic. With the following expert solutions, you’ll be ready to address any crisis that may occur so that your pool can start earning for your business once again.
Pool Emergency: The Water Is Turning Green
There are actually several reasons why the water in your pool may have taken on a rather unsightly shade of green. Often, it’s due to the presence of algae, which frequently takes hold on stagnant bodies of water that have not been properly treated to prevent its growth. Algae is a plant-like organism that thrives under particular conditions: stagnant water, as we mentioned, as well as the presence of lukewarm temperatures and minerals that serve as algae food.
While algae itself is not necessarily harmful, it does encourage the growth of harmful bacteria that can make swimming conditions unsafe. It’s also unsightly and unpleasant to swim in, meaning that algae must be removed for a pool to become usable again.
Expert Solution: Shock the Pool With Chlorine
If your pool water has begun to turn green as a result of algal growth, the first step to clearing it out is to purchase a “pool shock” from your pool products supplier. Pool shocks usually come in tablet form and contain highly concentrated levels of chlorine, which will kill the algae that has taken hold.
A darker shade of green indicates a higher concentration of algae, which means more chlorine is required. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging and allow the pool at least 8 to 24 hours after the shock has been applied to clear out the dead algae and excess chlorine. If, after you have done so, the water is still slightly green, you will have to apply another shock.
Pool Emergency: Damaged Lining
The lining of the pool is the element that keeps the water in, and it’s usually made from vinyl in modern pools, although concrete and fiberglass are still also frequently used. In any case, it must be kept in good condition for your pool to remain operational, because if it begins to crack, then the water can quickly begin to drain out of the pool.
The first sign that the pool lining has become damaged may be that the water level is lower than it should be. If this isn’t addressed quickly, more water may seep through the crack in the liner and disappear into the ground beneath.
Even if your pool isn’t draining as a result of a damaged liner, it can still pose a risk to swimmers. Cracked fiberglass or concrete can cause cuts, so you should always address problems with the liner as quickly as possible.
Expert Solution: Place a Patch Over the Damaged Area
While a damaged liner will ultimately still require the services of a professional pool company to fix, there are often temporary steps you can take to reduce the chances of losing water from your pool or injuring people while you wait for repairs. It’s possible to do this without even draining the pool, provided you are willing to put your goggles on and go for a swim yourself.
To perform a quick fix on a damaged pool liner, first purchase a patch kit from your pool products supplier. It should contain a patch and some type of waterproof adhesive. You can then head into the water and affix the patch to the damaged area. Take care to ensure that you check the entire pool for any other signs of damaged lining. You will need to patch them all to keep your pool in safe, functional shape.
Pool Emergency: The Pump Has Failed
Another major problem that can force you to shut down your pool until it’s repaired is a pump failure. If this happens, you may begin to notice problems immediately. For example, the water will quickly become dirty and clogged with debris. You may also notice that the pump is still working but not as effectively or that it’s beginning to malfunction. When this happens, it may make noises (due to wear and tear on the motor) or begin forcing air bubbles into the pool (due to a compromised valve).
Expert Solution: Ask a Professional to Repair the Pump or Replace Missing Parts
Since a pump is a motorized device, there’s usually no easy “quick fix” if it has begun to fail. The expert solution in this case is to simply call in an expert. While the ultimate problem may prove to be a very simple one, such as a damaged or missing O-ring, it’s important that a professional check each part of the pump to ensure that there are no surprises. The last thing you want is to shell out for an expensive repair only to discover that you must then do so again shortly afterward. In some cases, of course, it may also be that the pump has failed entirely and is beyond repair. If this occurs, you will have to purchase a new one and have it professionally installed.
When you have a major problem like a failed pump and you need to contact a professional, you can find the right contractor to perform the work by entering “pool repair near me” into your search engine. However, it’s important to remember to contact a professional who specializes in commercial pool services, like Strong Refuge Pool in the Portland area. This is because there are differences in the pumps and other elements used in commercial pools as opposed to residential ones, and you will need to ensure your pool has the correct parts for the job.
The right professionals will efficiently make the proper repairs, and your patrons will be able to get back to enjoying your pool again before you know it.