If your pool isn’t looking or working the way it should, you can be sure that the problem won’t fix itself. Small issues like cloudy water, strange noises from the pump, or chronically low water levels will undoubtedly turn into expensive repairs—it is only a matter of time. At Blue Science, we’ve come to the aid of many pool owners who didn’t pick up on the signs of badly needed repairs. Here are some signs that you should address a pool issue before it becomes an expensive problem:
1. Water Level Fluctuations
A little water loss is totally normal. Evaporation from heat and wind—not to mention splashes from cannonballs—will do that. But if you’re refilling your pool more than usual, you might have a leak. In addition, if you notice wet spots around the pool, sinking deck areas, or cracks forming, don’t ignore them, as these may be signs of a leak as well.
While costly in terms of padding the water bill, wasted water is actually the least of your worries if you have a leak. Your pool’s foundation may be cracked, which will produce significant leakage as well as lead to worsened structural damage. If your pool’s foundation damage is extensive, you may be on the hook for totally replacing it, which is akin to buying a new pool.
2. Cracks or Structural Damage
Related to the above, cracks are a massive red flag, as they can indicate or lead to severe foundation damage. Tiny surface cracks, while innocent-looking and nearly unnoticeable at first, can spread. As they spread, they grow bigger and connect with other cracks, making the problem worse. Eventually this will lead to leaks, unstable decking, and the need for more intrusive repairs than what would otherwise have been necessary.
If you notice cracks in the plaster, tile, or surrounding deck, don’t just shrug it off; these could be signs of shifting soil, poor construction, or underlying foundation issues. Some cracks are cosmetic, while others are serious, and the only way to know for sure is to have a pro take a look.
3. Pool Equipment Malfunctions
Your pool equipment should run smoothly and quietly in the background, so trust your gut (and your ears) if you’re starting to wonder about it.
If your pump is sputtering or whining, your water circulation feels weak, or your heater can’t keep the temperature steady (or at the correct level), it’s almost a guarantee that you have an equipment problem. Faulty pumps and clogged filters can also allow dirt, algae, and debris to take over, leading to health hazards for swimmers in addition to noise and uncomfortable water temperatures.
Ignoring these issues won’t make them go away, and waiting too long could lead to full equipment failure that cannot be simply repaired. If you notice or hear any faltering equipment, call the professionals at Blue Science so we can come out and test it.
4. Unexplained Algae or Cloudy Water
Persistent algae growth or cloudy water usually means your pool chemistry is out of balance, your filtration system isn’t doing its job, or both. When chlorine and pH levels aren’t where they should be, bacteria and algae get the green light to take over. A clogged filter or weak pump circulation, as we mentioned, only makes things worse, trapping debris instead of clearing it out.
Sure, you can dump in more chemicals and hope for the best, but a guessing game with chemicals is a sure route to water that irritates skin and hair when swimming, with that strong chlorine smell to boot. And besides, if the problem keeps coming back, there’s a deeper issue at play. The pool maintenance professionals at Blue Science can test your water and pinpoint what’s actually going wrong.
5. Issues with Pool Lights
Another sign your pool needs repairs is if your pool lights flicker, dim, or refuse to turn on. It might seem obvious, but electrical issues and water don’t mix, and a malfunctioning light can be a real safety hazard. Loose wiring, water infiltration, or faulty connections could put swimmers at risk, and this isn’t something you want to DIY. Professional pool light repair is well worth the peace of mind that your pool is safe. Beyond that, your pool will also look great at night again, and who wouldn’t want that?
Professional Pool Cleaning and Repairs from Blue Science
Small pool issues can turn into big, expensive problems if you ignore them. If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, call Blue Science Pools to get your pool back in top shape before things get worse.