Swimming pools are an integral part of Jacksonville homeowners’ lifestyles. The region’s subtropical climate makes pools a worthwhile investment because they provide benefits like cooling people down, creating recreational spaces, and attracting social gatherings. Luxury homeowners consider inground pools because they boost their property value. These swimming pools need regular maintenance to preserve their value and appeal.
Sometimes, the climate in Jacksonville impacts the functionality of the pools. Under hot and humid weather conditions, water chemistry imbalances and algal proliferation occur rapidly. Chlorine depletion occurs faster under strong sunlight, leading to pool surface deterioration. The structural stability of swimming pools and decking systems becomes compromised when soil contains sand and when ground shifts occur.
Delays in identifying and fixing maintenance issues result in expensive repairs that decrease equipment durability and property market value. This article expounds on seven signals that indicate something is wrong with your pool and requires immediate professional maintenance.
- Unexplained Changes in Water Level
You should investigate quickly if your pool water level has unexpectedly decreased. The warm Florida climate naturally causes pool water evaporation. However, a substantial or rapid decrease indicates a problem.
The “bucket test” enables homeowners to distinguish between normal water evaporation and pool leakages. To perform the test, you first match pool water with the bucket and then mark both points for later comparison after 24 hours of pump shutdown. A leak exists if pool water decreases more than the amount in the bucket. The need to replenish pool water is also a key indicator of irregular water loss.
The leading causes of water loss in inground pools are cracks in vinyl liners, fiberglass, concrete shells, and plaster surfaces. The pool water can leak through various points, including skimmers, return jets, and worn-out seals. Supply and return lines with underground plumbing leaks pose serious challenges since these leaks remain hidden from view. The combination of faulty pump seals and damaged filter components can also cause water leakage.
A systematic method is necessary because pool systems function as integrated units to pinpoint the precise leakage point. Without proper attention, water systems that leak can cause multiple serious problems, including increased water costs and foundation damage. Professional leak detection identifies the accurate location of leaks and provides long-lasting solutions. Addressing leaks early protects your financial assets, property structures, and environmental systems.
- Persistent Cloudy or Discolored Water
Regular pool maintenance cannot resolve persistent cloudiness in water unless the underlying cause is identified. You should differentiate between short-term clouding and more severe water issues. If the filter runs its regular cycles, a filtration system malfunctions, but the water clarity fails to improve.
Multiple factors could cause continuous cloudiness in water systems, for example:
- The primary cause of inadequate filtration is either a clogged or dirty filter.
- A broken pump combined with insufficient water flow will prevent correct filtration operations.
- The improper balance of water chemistry elements, including pH and alkalinity, and sanitizer concentrations leads to cloudiness in swimming pool water.
Because of the warm climate, early-stage algae growth in Jacksonville emerges as green or milky hazy conditions. The environment supports algae development, so persistent cloudiness occurs after filtration or chemical balance systems stop functioning properly. A water supply containing elevated mineral levels tends to trigger these problems.
The situation demands urgent resolution since it generates safety hazards and health threats. The inability to see clearly through the water increases swimming pool accidents, making floor observation difficult. Eye, ear and skin infections emerge when the water supply gets contaminated. The system experiences premature failure because blocked filters and exhausted pumps push it to its maximum capacity.
Most water clarity restoration requires expert intervention. Expert chemical analysis can perform water balance adjustments that suit Jacksonville conditions. Professional inspection of filtration systems enables technicians to detect mechanical problems, which leads to sustainable pool maintenance.
- Unusual Noises Emanating from Pool Equipment
A properly working pool system maintains a constant low-frequency sound. Unusual noises from the pump, filter, and heater require immediate inspection since different sounds point to specific problems. For example:
- Worn-out bearings in the pump motor cause grinding or screeching sounds, whereas trapped air and blockages produce a whining noise.
- The system produces rattling noises when the pump or filter contains loose components or debris. When heaters produce banging or popping sounds, it suggests a gas heater ignition malfunction or heating element scale accumulation.
- Continuous humming indicates that the motor capacitor is failing while the pump is not operating.
Multiple elements create these uncommon noises, including:
- Regular operation of pump motor bearings leads to deterioration due to aging, excessive usage, and insufficient lubrication.
- Leaves and small debris can block the pump’s impeller and filter, restricting water flow and creating excessive strain.
- The pump and heater are affected when electrical problems occur.
- Faulty thermostats and failing heating elements found in pool heaters are known causes of equipment malfunctions.
- Pump cavitation develops because plumbing air leaks generate noisy and unpredictable sounds.
A faulty system component puts pressure on all components, leading to additional damage throughout the system. Unattended pool equipment noises will result in expensive maintenance costs, reduced filtration efficiency, and higher energy expenditures.
- Cracks Appearing in the Pool Shell or Decking
Cracks in your pool’s shell or decking indicate structural issues that require attention. While hairline or plaster cracks are minor and do not immediately impact the pool’s integrity, deeper structural cracks can lead to severe damage. Identifying these cracks early prevents costly repairs and potential pool failure.
Hairline cracks in plaster or tile result from normal wear and tear. However, deeper structural cracks compromise the pool’s foundation, especially in corners, walls, and the floor. Water leakage through these cracks erodes the soil, leading to further settling and instability. This can increase water bills, damage nearby structures, and cause pool collapse if ignored.
Cracks in the pool deck signal stress on the foundation and create tripping hazards. Poor drainage or shifting soil can separate the deck from the pool, leading to costly repairs.
Common causes include soil movement, temperature fluctuations, poor construction, and tree root intrusion. Florida’s sandy soil shifts over time, stressing the pool shell. Expanding and contracting materials, subpar construction, and aggressive tree roots also contribute to cracking.
Regular inspections, proper drainage, reinforced construction, and keeping trees at a safe distance help prevent cracks. Repair methods include epoxy injections, resurfacing, and reinforcement. Addressing cracks early maintains your pool’s integrity and ensures long-term safety.
- Visible Signs of Wear and Tear on the Pool Surface
The condition of the pool’s interior surface reveals significant information about potential problems. For example, the pool liners and finishes should be checked for signs of staining, blistering, chipping, and rough textures.
Staining in green, brown, and black tones suggests specific pool problems. Blisters and bubbles on vinyl liners or plaster finishes indicate deterioration of the materials. The surface will eventually start to chip or flake off, while rough textures will cause discomfort during contact.
The signs of liner wear in vinyl pools include a faded appearance and the gradual reduction of liner material around the edges. The color changes in tile grout between tiles signal that the pool’s surface requires inspection.
Calcium, iron, and copper minerals, which lead to staining and algae growth and produce difficult-to-remove green or black marks, are elements resulting in surface deterioration.
Prolonged sun exposure and chemical usage cause permanent damage to a pool’s surface material. Surface degradation intensifies when water contains imbalanced chemical levels. A pool without proper routine cleaning develops discoloration because debris accumulates. The combination of dirt accumulation with chemical interactions with pool water causes the grout to become discolored. The powerful sunshine combined with mandatory chemical applications in Jacksonville creates extreme conditions that accelerate pool surface degradation.
Not addressing these warning signs will result in uncomfortable pool surfaces and structural damage and may cause liners to leak. A deteriorated swimming pool will decrease the market value of your property. The pool’s aesthetics can be enhanced through professional work, including resurfacing and liner replacement or acid cleaning, which provides comfort and stops future damage.
- Malfunctioning or Inefficient Pool Heater
As a swimming pool owner, you should ensure that the pool heaters function well so that you can enjoy swimming even in cooler seasons. You aim to detect operational failures while controlling energy waste to maintain pool comfort and heating costs.
A heater malfunction becomes evident when the unit fails to reach set temperatures while heating occurs slowly. The water heater either fails to perform its heating function or requires excessive time to get the required temperature level. The heater requires inspection when it maintains a steady temperature while turning on and off repeatedly. Modern heaters display digital information that detects malfunctions by displaying error codes to users. Equipment failure and inefficient operation lead to a total absence of heating signals.
Heating performance suffers because an incorrect thermostat fails to measure water temperature correctly. Gas heater operation also faces problems when the pilot light goes out often, gas supply stability decreases, or electrical connections fail.
The performance of your pool heater becomes limited when pipes get blocked and filters become obstructed. A defective heating element is the main failure point in electric heaters. Water circulation to the heater becomes obstructed when plumbing valves fail to function correctly. These complex heating systems develop issues due to several potential causes.
- Persistent Algae Growth Despite Regular Cleaning
You could face algae growth problems frequently in Jacksonville because of its hot climate and abundant sunshine. Regular cleaning prevents algae growth, but persistent algae indicates a fundamental problem. The combination of high humidity in Jacksonville enhances algae growth, leading to pools in this climate being more prone to algae problems than pools in different geographical areas.
Adding to the climatic conditions, other elements resulting in the continuous growth of algae include the development of algae spores that thrive when water sanitization levels remain too low. Another cause, the absence of proper water flow due to pump malfunctions or blocked filters, forms stagnant zones where algae will multiply.
The improper pH, alkalinity, or calcium hardness levels decrease pool sanitizers’ efficiency. Rainwater and organic debris bring phosphates and nitrates, which are nutritional sources of algae. The problem worsens when cleaning is not done regularly or correctly. Systemic maintenance and equipment problems are the leading causes of persistent algae growth instead of insufficient cleaning practices.
Algae’s appearance leads to green or black slimy growth that makes swimming areas unappealing for visitors. When algae infest the pool water, it causes various health problems, including skin conditions, breathing problems, and potential infections. Equipment blockages caused by algae growth lead to performance declines and equipment breakdowns. The development process of algae creates unpleasant odors.
Persistent algae growth requires expert help to find a solution. Pool repair experts will identify algae types and provide correct treatments and chemical water balance solutions to prevent additional algae development. They also recommend implementing cleaning modifications and improving circulation with preventive algaecides for control.
Find an Experienced Swimming Pool Repairs Expert Near Me
A swimming pool requires a significant financial investment to achieve relaxation, offer an entertainment venue, and add value to your house. The upkeep of inground swimming pools demands continuous maintenance for their proper functioning. The combination of hot weather, high humidity, and intense sunlight in Jacksonville, Florida, speeds up pool degradation, requiring regular proactive maintenance procedures. You should never ignore early warning signs since they will lead to costly repairs that could harm your pool structure.
Pool maintenance issues can be prevented by identifying seven warning signs, including unexplained water level changes and persistent cloudy water, unusual equipment noises, shell or decking cracks, surface wear, heater malfunctions, and persistent algae growth. Early intervention leads to safe swimming conditions and a longer pool lifespan.
If you see these warning signs, immediately contact Oak Wells Aquatics in Jacksonville at 904-619-3281. Book a pool visitation with our pool installation experts to receive our expert pool repair and maintenance services.
