21 Aug Have a Backyard Pool? Beware of Water Damage to Your Home
A refreshing dip in your own backyard pool is an excellent way to end the day. A pool is a nice convenience, especially during the scorching hot summer months. It’s great for entertaining guests and lounging around on the weekend. A pool is a nice addition to your home, but it requires regular maintenance and upkeep. Damage requiring expensive repairs can result from neglect or not addressing problems in a timely manner. Here are some of the best ways to keep your pool from falling into disrepair and causing water damage to your home.
General Maintenance
General maintenance of your pool includes keeping the water clean and chemicals balanced. Try to test the pH and chlorine levels at least once a week. Treatment with chlorine should be done on an “as needed” basis. You may need to do it more often under certain circumstances, such as heavy rains, extreme temperatures, or a large number of people using the pool. Your pool pump should run for about 8 hours every day to circulate the water. This is necessary to keep the water clean and chemicals distributed evenly. The flow of water through the filter aids the removal of pollutants in your pool. It also helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and algae. Periodically, you should remove leaves and other small debris from the water surface and drains. This will keep your filters clean from possible clogging, resulting in flooding, or damage to the plumbing, resulting in leaking. If where you live experiences regular heavy rainfall, consider installing a fence with a concrete berm to direct any possible flooding from the pool away from your house.
Finding Leaks, Cracks, or Damage
Leaks can occur in the pool structure itself or its plumbing fixtures. The pool may develop cracks from shifting the earth around the surrounding area. Any noticeable fracture should be dealt with as soon as possible to minimize damage. Regularly check for cracks to avoid extensive damage and costly repairs. One way of testing for leaks is to gauge leakage when the pump is on versus when it’s off. Leaking when the pump is off can be caused by an issue with the pipes that supply water to the pool. If leaking occurs when the pump is on, it may be an indication of problems with the pressure-side pipes. Continuous leakage could be a sign of a crack in the tile or plaster.
Your pool is a fun recreational tool, and it adds value to your home. General maintenance will provide a clean and safe environment for you and your guests. It will also prolong the life of your pool and all of its components. Keep your pool in top-notch shape by fixing cracks or any other damage promptly. This will protect your property value and provide a lifetime of enjoyment for you and your family.
Have you suffered water damage from a leak in your pool? Let us help you get your life and home back in one piece.