Owning a pool is a lot of fun, but it also comes with its fair share of work and upkeep. While doing routine maintenance can help avoid costly repairs, sometimes there are things that happen due to wear and tear and the length of time you’ve owned the pool that just can’t be avoided. Owning a pool is a lot like owning a car. There are some parts that will only last and function well for so long. However, many common swimming pool repairs can be done easily. There are also some that are a bit more complicated.
Common Swimming Pool Repairs for Cracks and Leaks
Cracks in concrete or gunite. Unlike above ground pools with vinyl or fiberglass liners where you can just rip out the liner and replace it if you see a rip, gunite pools require more repair work. If you see a crack it can usually be replaced if it is less than ¼ inch wide and shorter than 2 feet long. That’s the good news. The bad news is that if the cracks are bigger, you may need to resurface your pool. Costs for this start around the $6,000 mark. Depending on your pool’s finish and size, you could pay even more.
Leaks in the pool itself. If the pool is leaking and losing water, you should be able to notice it. When you do, call a professional, like those at Clear Choice Pool Service right away to fix the leak. While some people may tell you that you can take this on as a “DIY” project, that is not advised. Sometimes the source of the leak is more difficult to find and requires a professional. Typically the average cost for a leak repair is around $350. But, if your technician has to play detective to find the source, expect to pay more.
Leaks in pool plumbing. Just as leaky pipes in your home are never a good thing, neither are leaks in pool plumbing. Depending on where the leak is, extensive digging may be required to fix the problem. In some cases, the pool plumbing must be completely replaced. As you can imagine, that can get extremely expensive. Because costs will vary depending on the complexity of the issue, it’s best to get an estimate before any work is done.
Other Common Swimming Pool Repairs
Cracking or chipping of pool deck. Besides cracks and chips on the pool deck posing a danger as people walk on them, they can also be an indication of a more serious problem. Cracks in the deck can be a sign of ground shifting or maybe even a sink hole. The cost for this repair can vary dramatically depending on the severity, so it’s best to call a professional to assess the problem and give you a quote.
Pump problems. One thing you certainly don’t want to happen with your pool pump is for it to start pulling air into the system. If this happens you can be pretty sure the pump will lose power to move water. When the pump is working, but not moving water, the water isn’t getting filtered the way it should. If this is happening, the pump can overheat and possibly burn. Depending on the type of pump you have, the cost to replace the actual pump can range anywhere between $150 and $800 dollars. If you are having a professional do the job (which you should), you need to add on the cost of labor.
Pool filter issues. Changing your pool’s filter is one of those routine maintenance things that can really help to keep your pool in great shape. The cost of a filter cartridge for the entire year will run you under $100. But if you have to replace the entire filter expect to pay at least five times that amount depending on the type of filter system you have.
Less Common Swimming Pool Repairs
Pool heater problems. A heater is a great idea to allow you to extend your swimming season, but like anything else it may need to be repaired. If you call a professional, you may be able to get refurbished parts or a completely refurbished system, depending on what needs to be fixed. Repairs can start in the $400 range to fix parts and go all the way up to $2,000 for a complete heater (refurbished). If that heater is brand new, the cost can practically double.
Hollow spots & “popping” up. We saved the best for last here. Neither hollow spots nor “popping” are good for your in-ground pool. In fact, they are among the worst things that can happen. Hollow spots occur when the substrate separates from the pool. The backfill can shift away and leave a section unsupported. You’ll notice divots or bulges when this happens. In order to fix this problem, the hollow spot needs to be filled in and resurfaced. This can cost anywhere from $700 and up, depending on big the spot is.
If you live in an area where the water table is high, hydrostatic pressure can build up beneath your pool. This pressure can be so severe that it can actually force your pool to pop up off the ground. If this happens, you can pretty much say goodbye to your pool. The cost to repair this problem is in the tens of thousands of dollars. It’s best to start from scratch and have a hydrostatic pressure relief valve put in when the pool is installed. Believe it or not, the cost for one of these valves is under $20! What a deal to avoid such a costly problem!
Finding a Company to Help with Your Common Swimming Pool Repairs
When it comes to common swimming pool repairs, you need a company you can trust to get the job done right. Clear Choice Pool Care & Maintenance have factory trained and licensed professionals on hand to fix your pool problems. Our team of experts is standing by to help you with any of your swimming pool repair needs.
