Results for "emergency repair"

Pump Problems Easy 15 minutes 200 👍 0

Can You Run Pool Pump Without Filter? Risks & Solutions

Somewhere between my husband questioning why our pool pump is running without a filter cartridge and my growing panic, I'm wondering if I'm actually damaging something. My filter cartridge is completely clogged and I need to replace it, but my kids are asking to swim this afternoon. I'm wondering if I can just run the pump without any filter for a few hours until I can get to the pool store.

I know this probably isn't ideal, but would it cause any serious damage to the pump or create unsafe water conditions? I don't want to risk my children's safety, but I also don't want to damage our equipment if there's a way to manage this temporarily.…more

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Filters Medium 4-6 hours 193 👍 0

Can You Shock Pool Without Running Filter? Safe Method

Spent years shocking my old above-ground pool without running the filter and it worked perfectly, but now I'm questioning if it's actually safe for this new setup. I need to shock my pool but I'm wondering if I absolutely have to have the filter system running while I do it? The pool store mentioned something about circulation being important, but they weren't super clear about whether that meant the filter specifically or just water movement in general.

I'm trying to figure out if there's a safe way to shock the pool even if my filter isn't running - maybe by brushing or using the return jets? Any guidance would be really appreciated since I don't want to mess this up!…more

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Above Ground Medium 1-2 hours research 181 👍 0

Above Ground Pool Liner Cost & Replacement Guide 2024

The previous owners left me with an above ground pool liner that's completely trashed with sun damage and tears scattered everywhere. I'm starting to see some wrinkles and fading that's making me think it's time for a replacement.

I'm trying to figure out what I should realistically budget for this project. Should I attempt to tackle the installation myself to save some cash, or is this one of those jobs where it's worth paying the pros? I've got a decent-sized pool but nothing huge, and I'm wondering what the total damage to my wallet might be.…more

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Product Ranking 5 compared

Best Solar Pool Skimmers

4.4 (8,400 reviews)

Winterizing Medium 4-8 hours 177 👍 0

Do I Need to Winterize My Pool? Complete Regional Guide 2024

My 20,000 gallon inground pool looked fine yesterday, but walked out this morning and spotted ice crystals forming around the edges that definitely weren't there last night. I live in central Pennsylvania where we definitely get freezing temperatures, but I'm trying to figure out the right strategy.

I've been maintaining my pool chemistry pretty well - chlorine stays around 2-3 ppm, pH is balanced at 7.4, and alkalinity is good at 100 ppm. The pool has been crystal clear all season. But now that October is here and nighttime temps are starting to drop into the 40s, I'm wondering what level of winterization is actually necessary for my climate zone.

Do I need to drain the pool, blow out all the lines, and do the full winterization process? Or are there different approaches depending on how cold it gets in my area? I want to make sure I protect my equipment and plumbing from freeze damage, but I also don't want to do more work than necessary if my climate doesn't require it.…more

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Maintenance Medium Planning phase - 1 hour assessment 172 👍 0

How Long Can a Pool Be Empty? Safe Duration & Risks

Replaced my old above-ground pool with this inground concrete setup that needs major repairs, but I've never dealt with draining one before and I'm worried about structural damage. The pool will be without water for potentially several weeks while contractors complete the work.

What are the specific time limits before hydrostatic pressure becomes a concern? Are there differences in safe empty duration between inground concrete pools versus above ground pools with vinyl liners? I want to avoid any structural damage or liner issues during this extended maintenance period.…more

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Maintenance Easy varies 170 👍 0

Do You Need a License to Clean Pools? Requirements by State

Somewhere in the paperwork mess the previous owner left behind, I discovered they were running an unlicensed pool cleaning business right out of this house. But I'm completely lost on the legal side of things and don't want to get shut down before I even start.

Do I need some kind of special license just to clean pools? What about when I'm adding chemicals or fixing pumps and filters? I've heard different things from different people and I'm getting conflicting information about business permits too. Really hoping someone can break down what's actually required because I'm ready to make this career change happen!…more

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Above Ground Medium Assessment: 15 minutes, Prevention: ongoing 165 👍 0

Can Pool Liners Shrink? Causes, Prevention & Solutions

Finally asking what's probably a dumb question, but why does my vinyl liner keep pulling away from the pool walls, especially after this cold snap we had? Is this normal shrinkage or something else?

What causes pool liners to shrink? Want to know if I can prevent this or if I need professional help.…more

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Above Ground Medium 15 minutes 154 👍 0

How Long Do Inground Pool Liners Last? Complete Guide

Replaced my inground pool liner three years ago — before I start tearing into another replacement would this failing liner be covered under my home warranty? The pool store mentioned that I'll eventually need to replace the vinyl liner, but they didn't give me much detail about timing.

How long do these liners typically last before needing replacement? Is it something I should be budgeting for in the next few years, or is it more of a long-term expense? I want to make sure I'm taking proper care of it so it lasts as long as possible.…more

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Leaks Medium 2-4 hours for inspection and testing 152 👍 0

Can Pool Leak Through Tile Grout? Expert Detection Guide

Woke up to my pool losing another 3 inches this week from my 20,000-gallon inground — before I jackhammer the tile grout, will homeowner's insurance cover this mess? I've checked all the obvious spots like the skimmer, return lines, and pump connections, but haven't found any obvious leaks.

What's got me wondering about the grout is that I've noticed some areas where it looks cracked or slightly deteriorated, especially on the north side of the pool where we get the most freeze-thaw action during winter. The tile and grout are probably 8-10 years old now. My water chemistry has been pretty stable - chlorine around 2-3 ppm, pH 7.4, alkalinity 120 ppm - so I don't think chemical imbalance is causing rapid deterioration.

Is it actually possible for pool water to leak through damaged grout at the waterline? I'm trying to figure out if I should focus my leak detection efforts there or keep looking elsewhere. The water level seems to stabilize when it drops below the tile line, which makes me think the grout theory might be on the right track.…more

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Leaks Medium 2-4 hours for DIY repairs 145 👍 0

Can Fiberglass Pools Leak? Yes - Here's How to Fix It

Looked like just a minor water drop in my fiberglass pool last month but now it's become a massive leak draining faster than any evaporation. I've heard people say fiberglass pools don't leak like other types, but that can't be true, right?

I'm wondering if there are common spots where fiberglass pools develop leaks? I'm hoping this is something that can actually be fixed without having to tear the whole thing apart. Has anyone dealt with this before and found a solution that actually works?…more

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Heaters Medium 15 minutes 143 👍 0

How Long Do Pool Heaters Last? Lifespan by Type & Maintenance

Found out after calling three different pool supply stores that each one gave me a totally different answer about how long my heater should last. I've been looking at gas, electric, and heat pump options, but I'm finding conflicting information about how long each type typically lasts.

My pool gets heavy use from April through October, and I'm pretty good about maintaining proper water chemistry (pH around 7.2-7.6, chlorine 1-3 ppm, alkalinity 80-120 ppm). I'm wondering if the heater type makes a significant difference in longevity, and whether factors like usage patterns and water balance really impact lifespan as much as some dealers claim.

What should I realistically expect for lifespan from gas vs electric vs heat pump heaters? I want to factor replacement costs into my decision since this is a long-term investment for our family.…more

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Best Pool Chemical Starter Kits

4.5 (18,700 reviews)

Above Ground Medium 30 minutes 141 👍 0

How Long Do Pool Liners Last? Lifespan & Replacement Guide

Staring at my pool liner that I replaced last summer, wondering if I chose the wrong thickness — did I mess this up or how long should this thing actually last? My above-ground pool is about 4 years old now with the original vinyl liner, and I want to know what kind of lifespan I should expect before needing a replacement.

I've been pretty good about maintaining proper water chemistry - keeping pH between 7.2-7.6 and chlorine around 1-3 ppm. The pool gets full sun most of the day during summer, and I'm wondering if the UV exposure will shorten the liner's life significantly. Are there things I can do now to extend how long it lasts, or is replacement just inevitable after a certain number of years regardless of maintenance?…more

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Leaks Medium 2-4 hours for assessment 140 👍 0

Can Pool Leaks Cause Sinkholes? Soil Erosion Prevention

Looked at my water level gauge showing 2 inches lost per week, but my pool guy insists that's impossible with just surface evaporation. I keep telling myself it's just a small amount of water loss, but now I'm wondering if I'm being naive about what could actually happen to my property.

The thing is, I've noticed some soft spots developing in the ground around my pool area, and it's got me thinking - could all that leaking water actually wash away enough soil to create a sinkhole? I know it sounds dramatic, but I'm genuinely concerned about whether continuous water leakage could undermine my pool's foundation or create dangerous voids in my yard. Is this something that actually happens, or am I overthinking a simple repair job?…more

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Maintenance Medium 15-20 minutes to read, 30-60 minutes to complete weekly tasks 125 👍 0

Weekly Pool Maintenance Checklist: Complete Expert Guide

Weekly pool maintenance involves testing and balancing water chemistry (pH 7.4-7.6, proper chlorine levels), cleaning skimmers and equipment, brushing walls, and vacuuming debris. Consistent weekly care prevents expensive repairs and keeps your pool safe for swimming year-round.…more

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Cloudy Water Medium 15-20 minutes 121 👍 0

Cloudy Pool Water: Causes & Solutions - Complete Fix Guide

Cloudy pool water results from poor filtration, chemical imbalance, or contaminants. Fix by testing chemistry, shocking to proper FC/CYA ratio, and running filtration 24/7 until clear.…more

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