Swimming is one of the most popular sports. Across the world, there are millions of both residential and public swimming pools, proving that swimming is in our DNA. Owning a swimming pool comes with loads of benefits, but they don’t come without maintenance. Many problems are associated with swimming pools and can be a source of discouragement to the owners. If you are among the people facing issues related to swimming pools, don’t get discouraged. These problems are bound to happen; all you need to know is how to avoid them. Below are some of the difficulties experienced and the different ways of fixing them.
Yellow Algae
Yellow Algae is one of the most identified problems in a swimming pool. As much as its name is yellow Algae, its coloration usually is greenish-yellow. This problem is prevalent, and at some point, every swimming pool is bound to experience it. Many factors cause yellow algae, but the common ones are lack of chlorine and filtration.
The two factors are greatly influenced by; the speed at which water is pumped, bather load, sanitation method, and weather. For instance, the more the pump run time, the clearer the pool becomes. Another major cause of yellow algae is leaking. Leaks make the maintenance of proper amounts of chlorine nearly impossible. Unbalanced levels of chlorine affect its effectiveness in the sunshine and heat. Leaks also wash away the salt needed in the pool system to produce chlorine, thus leading to yellow algae.
How To Get Rid Of Yellow Algae In Your Pool
You do not need specialized chemicals or equipment beyond the normal pool service kit for moderate or mild cases. You only need to do the following;
- Test your chemistry balance using the pool service kit. The most important things to find out at this point are the stabilizer and free chlorine levels.
- Use a hose and spray nozzle to clean the filter cartridge. If you notice that the cartridge’s outer bands are ripped off, you should replace them immediately.
- Shock the pool. Pools are shocked by increasing the levels of chlorine.
- Net any debris present in the pool.
- Brush the pool’s surface.
- Open all the main drains of the pool.
- Allow the pump to run for 24 hours.
- If the case is severe, an algaecide might be required at the end of the brushing process.
Worn O-ring
A pool has two O-rings; the filter o- ring and the pump o- ring. The two o- rings should be checked occasionally for wear. The most vulnerable o- ring to wear is the large one between the filter body and the filter head. When cleaning the filter, you should check this part. Check for rips, tears, wear, and any signs of cracks.
A defective O-ring will cause expensive damages to the pool by allowing water leakage from the filter. When replacing an o- ring, it is advisable to apply a silicone-based lubricant to increase its life. To minimize costly repairs in your pool, it is always good to be careful with maintenance. If you stay for an extended period without maintaining the pool, many problems might occur. O-rings will tend to wear and tear very fast. Once you replace your O-ring, it is good to take the preventive measures needed to maintain it for an extended period. Be protective and don’t allow minor problems to mount into significant issues.
Safety
Safety should be your highest priority when considering your pool. Adding a pool fence is a great way to reduce the risk of accidents occurring around your pool and to add value to your home. A fence provides a useful barrier of safety to prevent young children or pets from falling in and drowning. This also includes adults, old and young, preventing serious injuries or death, as accidents do happen. Because of the risks associated with owning a pool, the addition of a fence is a great investment and insurance policy for increasing home value and protecting those you love.
Extreme pH Levels
Extreme levels of pH can cause significant adverse effects on the skin of the users. One of the effects is irritation to the eyes, throat, and skin. The required pH range for swimming pool water is 7.2-7.6. You can determine if the pH level is moderate by testing the water. If it is above or below the normal range, you can balance it using the pool chemicals. The last thing you would wish to happen is for pool party guests to leave while complaining about the burning and redness of their skin. Therefore, ensure that the water pH levels are normal.
From the above information, it is clear that it is normal for swimming pools to experience problems. However, the issues are not long-lasting, and each one has a solution. Do not hesitate to build a swimming pool due to the fear of facing some of the problems listed above. Every problem has a solution.