10 Signs Your Pool Needs Repair: Don’t Ignore These Warning Signs!

Owning a swimming pool is one of life’s greatest pleasures. There’s nothing better than breaking the pool surface as you dive into the crystal-clear waters, feeling the refreshing ripple of the waves against your skin. Humans are naturally drawn to water, and having a pool or hot tub on your property is a true joy. But when things go wrong, and your pool needs repair, you could feel like you’re treading water in the deep end. Swimming pool repair services can be expensive, but there’s a few ways to keep the costs down when dealing with pool care.

Having a regular pool service is the number one defense against costly pool repairs. This way, you can prevent problems from happening before they even occur. A second line of defense is knowing the signs your pool needs to be repaired. Thankfully, our team of experts at Piscinévo in the Montreal area, have years of experience rescuing pools from their untimely demise.  Here are the top 10 signs that your pool or spa may be in trouble:

Sign #1: Rapid Water Loss

Rapid water loss in a pool is often a sign that there’s a leak somewhere in the pool system. While all pools lose some water due to evaporation and splash-out, if you’re noticing that you have to refill your pool more often than usual, it could be a sign of a more significant problem.

Leaks can occur in various parts of the pool system, including the pool shell (in the case of concrete or fiberglass pools), the liner (for vinyl-lined pools), the plumbing system, or even around the fittings for pool accessories like lights and skimmers. A leak can lead to higher water bills and, if left unchecked, can cause further damage to your pool or even to the surrounding area.

A persistent leak could mean that the water level in your pool is frequently too low beneath the waterline, which can cause problems with your pool’s circulation system and even damage your pool pump. If you’re experiencing rapid water loss, it’s usually a good idea to consult with one of our knowledgeable pool experts at Piscinévo who can help identify and repair the source of the leak.

Sign #2: Cracks in the Pool Shell

Cracks in the pool shell are a serious issue that definitely signifies the need for repair. The problem’s severity depends on the crack’s type and location.

1. Surface Cracks: These are often small, superficial cracks in the plaster or surface coating of the pool. They may not cause leaks, but can become larger over time if ignored, leading to more significant structural issues.
2. Structural Cracks: These are cracks in the concrete or fiberglass shell of the pool itself. They are a serious concern as they can lead to leaks, and if left unaddressed, can worsen over time, causing substantial damage to the pool structure and possibly even the surrounding area.

Cracks not only pose a risk to the pool’s structure but can also lead to injury for those using the pool. Sharp edges from a crack can cut or scrape swimmers.

Repairing cracks as soon as they’re spotted is crucial to maintaining the structural integrity and safety of your pool, and to avoid more costly repairs down the line. Depending on the type and extent of the crack, repairs may involve patching, resurfacing, or in extreme cases, substantial structural repair or even pool replacement. Such tasks are best left to professional pool technicians.

Sign #3: Pool Equipment Making Strange Noises

There may be many noises around a pool, especially if you have kids! Most noises are nothing to worry about, but if you hear strange noises emanating from your pool equipment, that is often a sign that something is amiss. Here are some common scenarios:

1. Pool Pump: The pool pump is responsible for circulating water through the filter and back into the pool. If it’s making unusual sounds such as humming, rattling, or grinding, it could indicate a problem with the motor, bearings, or impeller. If not addressed promptly, this can lead to inefficient operation or even complete failure.
2. Heater: If your pool heater is making unusual noises, it may be due to a number of issues, including a malfunctioning fan motor, blocked vents, or a failing heat exchanger.
3. Automatic Pool Cleaner: Strange noises coming from an automatic pool cleaner could indicate problems with the gears, drive belts, or other internal components.
4. Pool Filter: Unusual noises from your pool filter could indicate that the filter is clogged, or there might be a problem with the backwash valve.

No matter the source, unusual noises are a clear sign that your pool equipment is not functioning as it should and may require repair or replacement. Ignoring these warning signs could lead to more serious (and costly) damage, so it’s wise to call in a pool professional to diagnose and fix the problem as soon as possible. Regular maintenance can also help to prevent such issues and extend the lifespan of your pool equipment.

Sign #4: Persistent Cloudy or Murky Water

The appeal of a pool is its clear, sparkling water. There’s no bigger Debbie Downer than a pool with murky water or bits of debris. Persistent cloudy or murky water in your pool can be a sign of several issues that might require attention or repair.

1. Poor Filtration: If your filter isn’t working correctly, it might not be removing small particles from the water, leading to cloudiness.
2. Chemical Imbalance: Pool water chemistry is delicate, and imbalances can cause cloudiness. High pH, high alkalinity, high calcium hardness, or high chlorine levels can all contribute to cloudy water.
3. Algae Growth: If the water chemistry is not properly maintained, especially with inadequate levels of sanitizer (like chlorine), algae can bloom in the pool, causing the water to become green and cloudy.
4. Poor Circulation: If water isn’t circulating well, it can become stagnant and cloudy. Poor circulation can be due to issues with the pool pump or plumbing.
5. Environmental Factors: Sometimes, the environment can contribute to cloudiness. Heavy use, lots of sunscreen, pollen, dust, or even heavy rains can add contaminants to the pool that cause cloudiness.

In all these cases, the root cause of the cloudy or murky water should be addressed to restore the pool to its clear, sparkling state. This might involve repairing or cleaning the filter, adjusting the water chemistry, treating for algae, fixing circulation issues, or in the case of environmental factors, simply giving the pool a good cleaning and possibly shocking the water to help restore clarity.

Sign #5: Algae Growth

Algae is a natural part of our environment; you see it blooming in lakes around the world, but it is a definite unwelcome guest if you own a pool. Algae growth in a pool does not directly indicate a need for repair but signals problems with the pool’s maintenance or functioning. Algae thrive in water bodies when the pH, temperature, light, and nutrient conditions are favorable, often reflecting inadequate sanitation.

This can be due to malfunctioning equipment like the filtration system or the chlorinator or wear and tear on pool surfaces, creating areas difficult to clean or reach with disinfectant. Persistent algae problems can be a symptom of underlying issues such as leaks in the pool that affect water balance and chemical levels, or structural damage promoting algae growth.

Sign #6: Ineffective Heater

Pools are meant to be refreshing, but in certain climates, a pool heater is a necessity. So if your pool heater is acting up, you may want to contact a pool contractor ASAP. A malfunctioning pool heater directly impacts the enjoyment and usability of your pool, particularly in colder seasons or climates. When a pool heater is ineffective, it can indicate several possible issues that require repair.

1. Mechanical Problems: If your heater is not heating the pool water effectively, it might indicate a mechanical issue, such as a damaged heat exchanger, burner problems, or issues with the ignition system.
2. Power Supply Issues: If an electric heater is not working properly, it could point to an electrical problem, including faulty wiring, circuit breakers, or internal components.
3. Gas Supply Issues: For a gas heater, inefficiency could stem from issues with the gas supply line or valve.
4. Thermostat Malfunctions: If the pool’s temperature doesn’t match the heater’s settings, the thermostat may need replacing.
5. Blocked or Leaking Pipes: Blocked or leaking pipes can cause inefficient heating. Blockages prevent water from reaching the heater, while leaks waste the heated water before it reaches the pool.
6. Inadequate Heater Size: If the heater is too small for your pool’s size and volume, it will struggle to raise the temperature effectively, indicating a need for replacement with an appropriate model.

Inefficiencies in a pool’s heating system can increase energy usage and costs, potentially damage the pool’s infrastructure, and disrupt the enjoyment of your pool. It is crucial to address these issues promptly through professional inspection and repair to avoid more significant, costlier problems in the future.

Sign #7: Frequent Clogging or Poor Filtration

Debris, leaves, even sunblock, and skin can get trapped in your pool’s filter, making it very unpleasant to spend time in your pool. Frequent clogging or poor filtration in a pool can indicate several possible issues, each suggesting that a repair might be needed.

1. Clogged Skimmer Basket or Pump Basket: If debris builds up, it can block the passage of water, reducing the pool’s filtration and circulation.
2. Worn Out or Damaged Filter: Over time, the filter elements can wear out or become damaged, reducing their ability to trap and remove debris.
3. Incorrect Pump or Filter Size: If the pump or filter is too small for your pool, it might not be able to handle the volume of water effectively, leading to poor filtration.
4. Pump Issues: If the pump is not functioning correctly, it can impact water flow and filtration. The problem could be with the impeller, motor, or seals.
5. Plumbing Problems: Blocked, leaking, or incorrectly sized pipes can hamper water flow, leading to inadequate filtration.
6. Pool Overcrowding: Too many swimmers or too much debris can overload the filtration system, leading to clogs.

All these issues impact the pool’s water clarity, hygiene, and overall health. Addressing them promptly through professional inspection and pool equipment repair is essential for maintaining a clean and safe swimming environment. Ignoring these signs can lead to larger, more expensive problems and even potentially cause damage to the pool structure or equipment.

Sign #8: Increasingly High Maintenance Chemical Levels

Increasingly high maintenance of chemical levels in a pool often suggests underlying issues that require repair.

1. Leaks: High chemical usage may indicate a leak, as the water loss can also carry away pool chemicals, requiring more to maintain balance.
2. Equipment Malfunction: If equipment like the pump, filter, or chlorinator is malfunctioning, it could disrupt the chemical balance, necessitating additional chemicals to maintain safe swimming conditions.
3. Surface Degradation: Damaged pool surfaces can absorb chemicals like chlorine more rapidly, increasing the need for additional chemicals.
4. Heating System Issues: An inefficient pool heater can cause water temperature variations, affecting chemical efficacy and potentially increasing chemical usage.
5. Improper Circulation: Issues with water circulation can cause chemicals to be unevenly distributed, leading to parts of the pool being over or under chlorinated.

These issues not only affect the pool’s water quality and safety, but can also accelerate wear and tear on pool equipment and surfaces. Increased chemical costs, combined with potential damage to the pool and equipment, make it crucial to identify and repair the root cause promptly.

Sign #9: Unusual Smell or Skin Irritation

Bad smells coming from a swimming pool can make a lovely summer day extremely unpleasant. Unusual smells or skin irritation from a swimming pool often point towards a chemical imbalance or inadequate sanitation, potentially indicating equipment failure that requires repair.

A strong chlorine smell isn’t from chlorine itself, but from chloramines, which form when chlorine interacts with contaminants like sweat or urine. This can signal inadequate chlorine levels, possibly due to a malfunctioning chlorinator. Skin irritation can also result from chemical imbalances, suggesting issues with the pH controller or chemical feeder.

Algae blooms causing foul odors can point towards an ineffective filtration system or a faulty pool cleaner. Additionally, leaks in the plumbing system could lead to chlorinated water seeping into the ground, causing a chlorine smell around the pool.

All these instances denote possible failures in the pool’s sanitation system, signaling a need for inspection and potential repair. Timely intervention is essential to maintain a safe and healthy swimming environment, as these issues, if left unattended, can escalate and result in larger, more expensive repairs.

Sign #10: Damaged Pool Lights

If you like swimming after dark, pool lights are a necessity for safety and ambiance. Damaged pool lights can hint at several repair needs.

1. Safety: Non-functional lights pose safety risks, hindering visibility for night-time swimming.
2. Electrical Faults: If multiple lights frequently fail, it may suggest underlying electrical problems, including issues with wiring or circuit breakers.
3. Leaks: Pool lights are sealed units. Water intrusion can lead to malfunction, indicating possible leaks around the light housing, which, if ignored, can result in structural damage.
4. Corrosion: Aging or corroded lights may compromise seals, allowing water in and causing potential electrical faults.

Given the potential risks of water and electricity, it’s critical to involve a professional to diagnose and fix these problems. Timely pool repair helps maintain safety, prevents more severe damage, and ensures the pool remains a pleasure to use.

Expert Pool Repair Services With Piscinévo 

Whether you are looking for a swimming pool repair, or pool cleaning service, our experienced technicians will do an excellent job for you. We’re certified pool experts, who can repair or replace all swimming pool equipment, from pool heat pumps to pool leak detection, to equipment installation; our crew will service your pool with efficiency and professionalism.

At Piscinévo, we take pride in providing the best pool services to our customers. Call us today to discuss your pool needs if you live in the Montreal area – our premier customer service team is waiting to serve you!