Nothing ruins a beautiful day faster than when the pool equipment ceases to function and the water looks like a swamp. The good news is that many of the most frequent issues are actually easy to prevent if you know which maintenance tasks to perform.
The Pump Must Stay Prime
The pump is usually the first thing to cause trouble. A burnt-out motor is a very expensive fix that can easily cost hundreds of dollars. Many times, a motor fails because the pump basket gets so full of leaves and twigs that the water can’t flow through the system. This causes the motor to work way too hard. Over time, this leads to overheating and eventual failure. You can prevent this by checking the basket every few days, especially after a big storm has blown through your neighborhood. If you notice a small drip near the pump, you need to call a professional to replace the shaft seal immediately before that water gets inside the motor and ruins the bearings.
Filtering Out the Future Trouble
Filters do an excellent job at keeping debris out of the pool. However, they can lead to significant pressure buildup when pool owners neglect them. If you notice that your pressure gauge is giving off higher readings than normal, you likely have a clog in your filter. If the pressure gets too high, the filter housing can actually crack, or a seal can blow. Then, you’ll have a huge mess on your hands. To prevent any sudden surprises, clean your filter once a week. Spray down your cartridges with a garden hose or backwash your filter if it relies on sand to do the job.
Heating Up Your Savings
Pool heaters provide a lot of comfort on chilly evenings, but they are very sensitive to the chemicals in your water. If your pH level is too low, the water becomes acidic and eats away at the copper heat exchanger inside the unit. This leads to leaks that are often impossible to patch. You might have to replace the whole heater just because the chemicals were out of balance. To prevent this, test your water at least twice a week and keep your levels in the safe zone.
Staying Ahead of the Wear and Tear
Small rubber O-rings and gaskets might look unimportant. However, they have a big job to do as they keep your system airtight. When these rings dry and crack, your pump can lose its prime and stop pulling water entirely. Keep these parts soft and functional by applying some pool-safe lubricant once or twice a year.
Taking care of these chores today means you can focus on making memories with your family instead of worrying about the next mechanical breakdown. You can also keep money in your wallet and ensure your pool lasts for years to come. If you have concerns or require pool equipment repair services, contact Landi Pool Service in Vineland, NJ.
