Pro Tips: End of Summer Pool Maintenance

It’s been one of the hottest summers in a long time. If you’re fortunate enough to own a pool, it probably took a beating this staycation season. Here are some helpful tips on maintaining your backyard oasis once the kids return to school.

1. Check for Pool Leaks

Concrete pools can leak through a crack in the shell, most commonly in the tile line, or through small voids surrounding pipes that come through the wall. Another common pool issue is the skimmer leak, at the interface of the plastic skimmer and concrete pool wall.

Checking for leaks also can save money. Having a professional leak detection company could save you time and water. If your water bills have suddenly risen and you’re not using more water than usual, the increase in consumption could be due to a water leak. Keep track of your usage and pay attention your meter. If you are not using any water in your home and the meter continues to tick, you could have a leak.

As little as one inch of pool water loss a day could result in thousands of gallons lost in a season. Having to replace water, chemicals, heating and damaged equipment resulting from low pool water levels can add up quickly.

2. Cover your Pool

It helps children to be safe if left unattended. Not only does this help when you have little ones running around, it also helps to prevent creatures from crawling in. If a raccoon, opossum, or other furry animal falls in your pool, they could leave claw marks, damaging the interior lining of the pool.

3. Check Your System to Prevent Winter Freeze

Before the temperature begins to drop, remember to check your pipes and all motorized parts. Drain all the water from the pump, filter, and/or pool heater. This small amount of water can do a lot of damage as the water inside them expands, it gets close to freezing, and this causes an increase in pressure inside the pipe. If that happens, the pipes can crack, which can cost serious money in the long run.

Tony Dugas, owner of Leak Quest Leak Detection, has decades of experience with plumbing and detecting leaks in pools and water features. Call Leak Quest at (337) 288-4287 to get expert advice and quick service when diagnosing hidden leaks that can drain your wallet.