Warmer weather is on the way (we promise). For anyone in the area who owns a pool, the excitement of higher temperatures in the future is twofold. Soon enough, the pool covers will be coming off and you’ll be diving into summer fun and relaxation. Here’s the thing, though: Many pool problems show up on opening day if you aren’t proactive, and that can really sour the excitement. That’s why a pool inspection and other forward-thinking solutions are vital to a successful summer opening. Last month, we talked about winter pool maintenance, so it’s time we look ahead.
Early inspections can work wonders for spotting small issues that would otherwise go unnoticed until they grew in size (and price). Our region has some pretty substantial temperature swings throughout the year, meaning pool equipment has likely taken a beating over the cold winter.
With proper inspections and the expert pool opening service from Aquatic Solutions at your service, you can save time, money, and stress (as well as open on your own schedule). Here’s what you should be on the lookout for in advance.
Common Signs Your Pool Equipment Needs Professional Attention
Does your pool need a closer look? The likely answer is “yes,” whether your pool looks healthy at a glance or not. Bundle up and give everything a real examination so you can determine if a pool inspection is in the cards. Signs to look out for include:
- Your pump is making unusual noises or struggling to prime
- Filter-pressure issues or visible leaks near your tank
- Your heater is shutting off unexpectedly or not making the water warm enough
- The water is cloudy or not properly circulating, even when the chemicals are balanced
Thorough examinations paired with professional pool service can extend your equipment’s lifespan by several years. If you fail to do this, premature failure becomes a real possibility.
Pool Equipment Components That Should Be Inspected Each Spring
Anyone can inspect anything, but not everyone can do it right. That’s what makes professional pool service so valuable. Our technicians are trained to carefully evaluate every aspect of your pool to ensure efficiency and, more importantly, safety.
Pool pumps and motors
- Check for general wear and tear
- Make sure seals and o-rings are intact
- Evaluate the efficiency and performance of motors
Filters
- Sand/DE levels and cartridge condition are assessed
- Cracks and pressure irregularities (if any) are identified
- Ensure proper backwashing function
Heaters
- Inspect gas/electric systems
- Check on heating and ignition performance
- Extensive tests of safety shutoff features
Valves and plumbing
- Inspect for freeze damage after winter
- Leak and air infiltration inspection
- Proper water flow confirmation
Such inspections from our experts are doubly important if your pool was recently winterized or if you just moved into a home that has a pool. Getting familiar with your system is something we highly recommend!
DIY Checks vs. Professional Pool Equipment Inspections
So we’ve gone over some basics and explained what our experts look for when conducting inspections, but what can you do? Keep an eye out for the following issues and let us know if you spot any that need to be addressed:
- Visible leaks or pooling water around your equipment
- Cracked hoses and loose fittings
- Odd noises when you run the system
- Visible rust and corrosion
That’s the DIY part, but many problems we come across are internal, popping up inside filter systems, heater assemblies, and motors. Such cases need to be handled with care, and when we conduct a pool inspection, we perform testing, calibration, and various performance checks that require more than standard knowledge.
While our pool opening service may catch many of these issues, waiting until that occasion can throw your summer plans into disarray. Not only that, but issues could potentially become more serious and expensive by this time of year. Instead, getting a visit from us early on is much better in the long run! But when exactly should the service be scheduled, then?
When to Schedule a Pool Equipment Inspection
The sooner, the better! Late winter/early spring is a great time window for scheduling a pool inspection. Demand hasn’t yet spiked and there’s plenty of time to make substantial repairs should the need arise. If you wait until June or even May, however, the process could take longer and you won’t be able to take a dip until much later than planned.
Early scheduling offers plenty of advantages:
- Avoid peak-season delays in service
- Spot and address issues prior to your pool opening service
- Ensure heaters are ready to support comfortable early spring swims
If you’ve recently moved into a home with a pool or have an older pool system, a proactive pool inspection is especially recommended. Pair it with your pool opening service and you ensure you can dive into a stress-free swimming season.
A Pool Is Best When You’re Not Stressed
A pool is a big investment that’s often at the heart of plenty of summer memories. Being proactive means you can minimize the stress and costs associated with it, keeping those memories close to you for all the right reasons.
For a professional pool inspection that provides the peace of mind you deserve, contact us and we can come up with a plan.
Happy swimming!