Results for "leak-detection"

Filters Medium 1-3 hours 181 👍 0

Can Pool Filter Pressure Be Too Low? Diagnosis & Solutions

Found out from my wife that our pool filter pressure gauge has been stuck at a weirdly low 6-7 PSI all week and now I can't stop obsessing over it. My 20,000 gallon inground pool has been running fine otherwise, but I'm wondering if this low pressure is something I should be concerned about.

I've heard people talk about high filter pressure being bad, but nobody ever mentions if pressure can be too low. The pump seems to be running, but I'm not sure if the water flow looks as strong as it used to be. Water chemistry has been balanced - chlorine at 2.5 ppm, pH at 7.4, and alkalinity at 110 ppm. Should I be worried about this low pressure reading, and what could be causing it?…more

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Above Ground Easy N/A - informational 181 👍 0

How Long Does an Above Ground Pool Liner Last? Lifespan Guide

After discovering my 24-foot round above ground pool liner needs replacing — would this be covered under any manufacturer warranty or homeowner's insurance? My current 20 mil liner has been in for about 8 years and is starting to show some fading and small tears near the waterline.

I'm trying to decide between a 20 mil and 28 mil liner, but I'm not sure if the extra cost is worth it. I've been pretty good about maintaining proper chlorine levels (1.5-3.0 ppm) and pH (7.2-7.6), and I use a solar cover most of the time to reduce UV exposure. I'm also careful when vacuuming and don't let sharp objects near the liner.

What's a realistic lifespan I should expect from a new liner, and are there specific things I can do to maximize how long it lasts? I'd rather invest in quality upfront if it means not having to replace it again in just a few years.…more

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Maintenance Medium 15-20 minutes to read, 30-60 minutes to complete weekly tasks 170 👍 0

Weekly Pool Maintenance Checklist: Complete Expert Guide

Weekly pool maintenance involves testing and balancing water chemistry (pH 7.4-7.6, proper chlorine levels), cleaning skimmers and equipment, brushing walls, and vacuuming debris. Consistent weekly care prevents expensive repairs and keeps your pool safe for swimming year-round.…more

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Product Ranking 8 compared

Best Variable Speed Pool Pumps

4.5 (12,400 reviews)

Leaks Hard 2-5 days for permanent repair 169 👍 0

Can Pool Leak Through Concrete? Yes - Here's How to Fix

Woke up this morning to find my pool water level had dropped another two inches overnight and now I'm wondering if water is somehow seeping through the concrete itself. My kids spend hours in the pool every day, and I've noticed the water level dropping more than usual lately.

I always thought concrete was completely waterproof, but now I'm wondering if that's actually true. Can pool water actually leak through the concrete shell itself? I'm worried about what this might mean for water quality and whether it's safe for the kids to keep swimming if there are structural issues with the concrete.…more

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Above Ground Medium 3-4 hours for initial winterization 166 👍 0

How Long Do Above Ground Pool Liners Last in Winter?

This Saturday I'm winterizing my above ground pool — should I have a replacement liner ready given how these brutal Northeast winters destroy them faster than the typical 15-20 years? I've heard that above ground pool liners typically last around 15-20 years, but I'm concerned that our harsh winters here in the Northeast might be shortening that timeframe significantly.

We've been pretty good about winterizing - maintaining proper water levels, balancing chemicals before closing, and using a solid winter cover. However, we still get some pretty brutal cold snaps and ice formation. I'm curious if anyone knows how much winter conditions actually impact liner longevity compared to pools in milder climates. Should I expect to replace my liner sooner than the typical 15-20 year range due to winter stress, even with proper winterization?…more

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Above Ground Medium 45 minutes 149 👍 0

When to Replace Above Ground Pool Liner - Signs & Diagnosis

Already patched my above ground pool liner twice this season for faded edges and tears, but we're still losing water and I'm done guessing what's causing it. The liner is probably around 8-10 years old now.

With summer here and the kids wanting to swim every day, I need to know what warning signs mean the liner needs to be replaced versus what can be safely patched. I'm especially concerned about water quality and whether a deteriorating liner could affect the safety of the swimming environment. What should I be looking for to determine if we need a full liner replacement?…more

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Pump Problems Medium 30 minutes 146 👍 0

Do I Need to Prime My Pool Pump? Complete Priming Guide

My pool tech wants $150 just to prime my pump and I'm wondering if this is something I can tackle myself instead. My neighbor says you need to prime every time you turn the pump on, but that seems like overkill?

I'm wondering when priming is actually necessary versus when I can skip it. Like after I clean the skimmer basket or do basic maintenance, do I always need to go through the whole priming process? And what about if the pump's been off for a few days - does that matter?

Just trying to figure out the real deal here because priming is kind of a pain and I don't want to do it more than I have to!…more

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Maintenance Easy 5 minutes 145 👍 0

How to Say Pool in Spanish - Complete Swimming Pool Terms Guide

Tried explaining basic pool maintenance to my Spanish-speaking neighbors after last week's rain flooded everything, but I'm completely lost on swimming pool terminology. I want to be able to talk about the pool properly when they visit.

I've heard different words used - sometimes 'piscina' and other times 'alberca.' Are these both correct? The pool store mentioned there might be regional differences, but I'm not sure which one to use. I'd love to know the most common way to say it, plus if there are any other terms I should be aware of depending on where people are from.…more

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Heaters Medium 45 minutes 139 👍 0

Can Pool Heaters Catch Fire? Safety & Prevention Guide

Already found the perfect pool heater online but these fire horror stories have me second-guessing — am I overthinking this or dodging a real bullet? The pool store guy was trying to sell me on some expensive professional installation package, claiming heaters can be dangerous if not done right. Of course he's pushing the pricey option.

But seriously, can these things actually catch fire? I'm handy with DIY stuff and tired of getting gouged by pool stores, but I don't want to mess around if there's real fire risk involved. What are the actual dangers with gas vs electric heaters, and what should I watch out for to prevent problems? I'd rather know the facts than get sold another overpriced service.…more

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Winterizing Medium 45 minutes 134 👍 0

Can You Cover a Pool Heater? Complete Winterizing Guide

Three different "experts" just gave me three different answers about covering my pool heater for winter — my neighbor says always cover it, the pool store says never, and YouTube is all over the place. My pool heater is a significant investment, and I'm concerned about potential damage from winter weather, debris accumulation, and moisture intrusion during the months it won't be operational.

What's the recommended protocol for covering pool heaters during winter storage? I need to understand the proper materials and methods to prevent condensation issues while still providing adequate weather protection. Are there specific cover types designed for pool heating equipment, or should I avoid covering altogether to prevent moisture-related problems?…more

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Heaters Hard 6-8 hours 102 👍 2

How to Install a Pool Heater: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Getting quotes for a pool heater installation and they range from $2,500 to $6,000 depending on the contractor. Trying to figure out if I can tackle this myself to save some money. Got decent plumbing skills and already ran the gas line for our grill last year — is a pool heater install realistic for a handy homeowner?…more

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Product Ranking 8 compared

Best Salt Chlorine Generators

4.3 (6,200 reviews)

Equipment Easy 15 minutes 33 👍 0

How Pool Pumps Work: Complete Guide to Pool Circulation

My pool pump has been running louder than usual lately, and I'm starting to wonder if I actually understand how this thing works. Ever since we had that power outage last month, the pump seems to be working harder but the water circulation doesn't look quite right. I can see water moving through the return jets, but I'm not really sure what's happening inside the pump itself or how it's supposed to move all that water through the filter system. Is there a simple way to understand the mechanics so I can better troubleshoot when something goes wrong?…more

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