Owning a swimming pool provides hours of fun and relaxation. All the fun doesn’t come free though. A swimming pool is work, especially as it ages.

Regular maintenance will keep your pool operating well, but from time to time, plumbing issues will occur. While pool plumbing leaks are a part of pool maintenance, repairs can seem intimidating. The off-season is the perfect time to research your issues and to make repairs.

Common Swimming Pool Plumbing Issues

There are a few common swimming pool plumbing issues that should be addressed while we are in the Texas swimming pool off-season.

Air in the Circulatory System

Air in your pool’s circulatory system can develop into a significant problem quickly. Water flow can become restricted.

When this issue goes untreated, something as seemingly innocent as air can cause a burst pump.

Clogs

A buildup of dirt and debris can lead to serious clogs, even working into plumbing valves and covers. When this happens, it becomes nearly impossible for your pool to keep itself clean between maintenance sessions.

Regular maintenance can help prevent this problem. Yet, if a clog occurs, you’ll need a professional to come out and examine your pool’s system.

Other signs of a clog include:

  • An increase in filter pressure is typically caused by dirt or algae blocking the pool’s filter.
  • Flow rate changes

Serious Swimming Pool Leaks

The more serious issue is leaking. A leak that damages property can be costly so leak repair should be done as soon as possible. Leaks must be found and repaired quickly to avoid a chain reaction of issues.

  • Leaks in the plumbing before the pool pump impeller are referred to as suction side leaks. These are the skimmer and main drain suction pipes, valves, and fittings. A leak here will draw air into the pipes when the pump is one then leak water out when the pump is off. Usually, these can be patched with pool putty or silicone temporarily but will need to be replaced for best results.
  • After the impeller, any tiny crack will leak water when the pump is running because the water flows under pressure. These are called pressure side leaks. The glue joints or thread joints are the most common problem on the pressure side. These leaks cannot be patched effectively, therefore they need to be cut out and replaced.
  • Pool pipes that are found underground are not usually the cause of pool leaks, although they can be broken. Tree roots, shifting soil, freezing and settling decking can cause these breaks. If your leak is underground, a pressure test needs to be conducted on the suspected lines. Repair is based on where and how extensive the break is.

Sort Out Your Off-Season Plumbing With Texas Fiberglass Pools

Texas Fiberglass Pools provides quality swimming pool and spa repair for all sorts of problems. We can detect the leaks. We repair cracks, plumbing, and pool systems for fiberglass as well as gunite pools. Contact us today for more details!