tips for keeping a clean, healthy pool

Having a pool is a wonderful luxury, especially when it comes to keeping cool during the hottest months of the year. Having a pool also provides you with the added benefit of having an excellent space for outdoor entertaining. Of course, all pools come with some important care and maintenance responsibilities. All pool owners should be on the lookout for a few common "red flags" that could indicate the need for swimming pool repair.

1. You Can't Get Your Chemicals Balanced

Testing your pool's chemical levels daily is one of the most important aspects of swimming pool maintenance. However, if you're finding that you aren't able to get your water properly balanced (especially when you didn't have these issues before), you could be looking at an equipment problem. A bad pump or filter could be preventing the chemicals you've been adding from properly dispersing.

2. Your Liner Is Torn or Damaged

Many pools have vinyl liners, which are both durable and come in a wide range of styles/colors. Unfortunately, they can also be prone to tearing if they come into contact with something sharp, such as a rock or stick. Even a small tear in your pool's liner can lead to serious problems, but if you catch the damage while it's still minor, it can likely be repaired rather than needing to replace the entire liner.

3. Your Water Level Is Dropping Rapidly

Some evaporation is common, especially on sunny days. However, if you're noticing that your pool's water level seems to be quickly dropping (even if there aren't any obvious signs of a leak), it's important to call a pool repair professional immediately to assess the situation. A drastic loss of water is never normal in any pool.

4. You See Cracks or Chips (Even Small Ones)

If you have a concrete or plaster pool, be on the lookout for surface cracks and chips. These should be repaired as early on as possible to prevent them from growing into major cracks that can cause leaks. Cracks and damage to pool steps should also be addressed sooner rather than later, as they could become an injury hazard otherwise.

If you've noticed any of these swimming pool "red flags," now is a good time to call a pool repair professional for an assessment. He or she will be able to take a closer look at your pool and provide you with a quote for any necessary repairs. For more information, contact a company like All-American Pools.