Results for "plaster cracks"

Water Chemistry Easy 10 minutes 277 👍 0

How Long Do Pool Chemicals Last? Complete Shelf Life Guide

Somewhere in my garage I've got old pool chemicals from last season, but I can't afford to replace them all — is there a way to test if they're still good for under $20?

Specifically looking for technical specifications on how long liquid chlorine maintains potency versus granular forms, and whether chemicals like sodium bicarbonate and muriatic acid have definitive expiration parameters. Storage conditions are controlled temperature and humidity, so assuming optimal preservation environment.…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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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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Product Ranking 10 compared

Best Pool Water Test Kits

4.6 (45,200 reviews)

Leaks Medium 30 minutes to 2 hours 127 👍 0

Can Pool Leaks Be Fixed? Complete Repair Guide 2024

Got a pool that keeps losing water with exposed equipment around the edges — is this dangerous with kids constantly playing in the yard? I've tried those DIY leak detection methods I found online but honestly can't tell if it's the liner, the plumbing, or something else entirely.

Before I throw in the towel and call it quits on pool ownership, I need to know - can pool leaks actually be fixed for good? I don't want some temporary band-aid solution that'll fail again next season. Are there reliable repair methods that will solve this nightmare once and for all, or am I just fooling myself thinking this can be permanently resolved?…more

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Leaks Medium 2-3 hours 126 👍 0

Can Pool Leak Through Plaster? Causes & Detection Guide

Every time I check my pool it's down another few inches, the pool store wants $300 for leak detection, AND they're already pushing a full replaster job. Before I drop thousands of dollars, I need to know - can water actually leak through the plaster itself or are they just trying to make money off me?

I've noticed some hairline cracks and a few rough spots where the plaster feels different, but I'm not sure if that's normal wear or actual leak points. Is there a way I can test this myself instead of paying their ridiculous diagnostic fees? I'm tired of these stores pushing expensive solutions when maybe it's something I can identify and even fix on my own.…more

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Maintenance Easy 30 minutes 126 👍 0

How Long Do Inground Pools Last? Complete Lifespan Guide

Walked into three pool showrooms with my checkbook ready, but now I need the straight truth about which inground pools actually last before I commit. I'm looking at concrete, vinyl, and fiberglass pools, but each one claims theirs is superior.

I don't want to make a $50k+ decision and then have to replace or major renovate in 10 years. I'm willing to do proper maintenance myself to save on service costs, but I need to know realistic lifespans for each type. Which pool materials actually last and which ones are just marketing hype?…more

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Above Ground Easy N/A - informational 126 👍 0

How Long Does an Above Ground Pool Liner Last? Lifespan Guide

After discovering my 24-foot round above ground pool liner needs replacing — would this be covered under any manufacturer warranty or homeowner's insurance? My current 20 mil liner has been in for about 8 years and is starting to show some fading and small tears near the waterline.

I'm trying to decide between a 20 mil and 28 mil liner, but I'm not sure if the extra cost is worth it. I've been pretty good about maintaining proper chlorine levels (1.5-3.0 ppm) and pH (7.2-7.6), and I use a solar cover most of the time to reduce UV exposure. I'm also careful when vacuuming and don't let sharp objects near the liner.

What's a realistic lifespan I should expect from a new liner, and are there specific things I can do to maximize how long it lasts? I'd rather invest in quality upfront if it means not having to replace it again in just a few years.…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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Leaks Hard 2-5 days for permanent repair 123 👍 0

Can Pool Leak Through Concrete? Yes - Here's How to Fix

Woke up this morning to find my pool water level had dropped another two inches overnight and now I'm wondering if water is somehow seeping through the concrete itself. My kids spend hours in the pool every day, and I've noticed the water level dropping more than usual lately.

I always thought concrete was completely waterproof, but now I'm wondering if that's actually true. Can pool water actually leak through the concrete shell itself? I'm worried about what this might mean for water quality and whether it's safe for the kids to keep swimming if there are structural issues with the concrete.…more

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Leaks Medium 2-4 hours for inspection, varies for repair 122 👍 0

Can Pool Lights Leak? Detection & Repair Guide 2024

Wondering if I should be concerned about water pooling around the light fixture in this rental's inground pool since I've never dealt with pool lights before. My pool has been losing water steadily for months now, and I've checked everything I can think of - the skimmer, return lines, you name it. But I just noticed the water level seems to drop more when the pool light is on, and there's some discoloration around the light fixture.

Is it actually possible for pool lights to leak? I never even considered this could be the source of my problem. If they can leak, what parts typically fail and how much water are we talking about? I'm really hoping this might finally be the answer to my water loss mystery!…more

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Above Ground Easy 15 minutes 120 👍 0

Do Fiberglass Pools Need Liners? Complete Guide

Called three different pool companies this year about whether my fiberglass pool needs a liner and got three different answers—I'm done with the confusion. With vinyl pools, I understand you need a liner that eventually needs replacement every 8-10 years. But what about fiberglass pools - do they also require some type of liner system to hold the water?

I'm specifically looking at installing a 16x32 fiberglass pool (approximately 24,000 gallons) and want to understand all the long-term maintenance requirements. The sales rep mentioned something about a gelcoat surface, but I want to make sure I'm not missing any liner costs in my budget planning. Do fiberglass pools need liners installed, or is the structure itself sufficient to contain the water without additional waterproofing materials?…more

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Product Ranking 8 compared

Best Pool Heaters

4.4 (8,900 reviews)

Leaks Medium 2-4 hours 120 👍 0

How to Find Pool Leak: Complete Detection Guide 2024

Got my pool water level dropping a massive 2-3 inches this week and there's definitely something wrong beyond normal evaporation. My water chemistry is balanced (chlorine at 2.5 ppm, pH 7.4, alkalinity 120 ppm), so I don't think it's a chemical issue causing excessive evaporation.

I suspect there might be a leak somewhere but I'm not sure how to pinpoint the exact location. Should I be checking around the skimmers and return jets first? I've heard about using food coloring to detect leaks but I'm not sure of the proper technique. Also wondering if there's a way to test whether it's a structural leak versus something in the plumbing lines.

What's the most systematic approach to track down where exactly the water is going? I'd rather diagnose this myself before calling in a expensive leak detection service if possible.…more

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Leaks Medium 2-4 hours 117 👍 0

How to Detect a Pool Leak: 5 Fast Methods That Work

Halfway through getting quoted $800 to find and fix my pool leak, I'm wondering if there's a way to detect it myself since it's losing water faster than normal evaporation. The pool store told me it's probably a leak but didn't really explain how to find it.

I've heard about something called a bucket test but I'm not sure how that works exactly. And once I confirm there's actually a leak, how do I figure out where it's coming from? Are there specific places I should check first, or some kind of method to trace where the water is going?

Any guidance would be really appreciated - I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed with all this pool maintenance stuff!…more

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Above Ground Medium varies by finish type 112 👍 0

Do Concrete Pools Need Liners? Complete Guide to Finishes

Somewhere between a few tiny wet spots around my concrete pool's shallow end last month and now watching my water level drop daily, I'm wondering if I need a liner system. Unlike vinyl pools that use liner systems, concrete pools appear to use different waterproofing methods, but I want to understand the technical specifications.

What type of waterproof finish is required for concrete pools to prevent water loss and provide proper surface functionality? I'm particularly interested in understanding the different finish options available and their performance characteristics for long-term water retention.…more

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Leaks Medium 2-4 hours 111 👍 0

Pool Leak Detection: How to Find & Diagnose Pool Leaks

Water level drops about an inch every two days and I can't tell if it's evaporation or a leak. Already did the bucket test twice with mixed results. Spending $50 a month on extra water bills and my wife is convinced there's a crack in the shell somewhere.…more

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