Most Common Pool Equipment Repairs

Having a pool is like having your own private oasis steps from your door. However, taking care of your pool equipment is vital to ensure your pool continues to function well and lasts a long time while keeping the water safe. Regularly maintaining your pool equipment can catch any issues early, help you avoid expensive repairs, and ensure you and your family can always enjoy a sparkling and clean pool.

Pool equipment serves as the backbone of any swimming pool’s functionality—when something goes wrong, it can significantly impact the pool’s performance and usability. Typical repairs involve addressing issues with pumps, filters, heaters, and automated systems, all essential for maintaining a clean, safe, and enjoyable swimming environment. If your pump malfunctions, it can result in poor water circulation and lead to dirty, stagnant water.

Learn about common pool equipment repairs that will help keep your pool a backyard oasis!

1. Common Pool Pump Repairs

One of the most common pool equipment repairs involves the pool’s pump. If you notice unusual, loud noises or vibrations coming from the pump, if it isn’t starting, or if the motor is overheating, the bearings, capacitors, or impellers may need to be replaced. Routine inspection and cleaning of the pump basket helps deter these problems.

If you see water leaking around the pump and a decrease in water flow or pressure in the pool, it may be necessary to replace the mechanical seal. Check for and repair any leaks in the seals or fittings. Proper lubrication and alignment of the seals must be maintained to help prevent this issue.

2. Addressing Filter Issues

Maintaining swimming pool cleaning equipment is crucial for keeping pool water clean and clear. If the water is becoming cloudy or the pressure gauge readings are abnormal, it’s necessary to address the filtration system. One practical solution is to clean or replace the filter media, such as sand, cartridges, or diatomaceous earth (DE) grids, to restore proper filtration. Additionally, performing routine backwashing for sand and DE filters can help prevent these issues from occurring in the future.

3. Heater Malfunctions and Fixes

Is your pool heater not turning on, having trouble maintaining temperature, displaying error codes, or making unusual noises? A few common repairs can address these problems. One option is to replace any faulty thermostats, sensors, or igniters that may be causing the malfunction.

Additionally, inspecting and repairing any issues with the gas lines or electrical connections can be beneficial. Regularly checking and cleaning the heater elements, ensuring proper ventilation, and examining the gas supply can help prevent these issues.

4. Automated System Problems

Since the early ’80s, the introduction of automated pool systems has transformed the home pool experience. These high-end systems offer increased convenience through remote control and scheduled operations, energy efficiency by optimizing energy use, and enhanced safety with high-end child safety features and alerts. Water quality improves through consistent chemical levels and effective filtrations, and enjoyment increases with customizable features such as lighting, water features, and temperature control.

If you notice your automated systems aren’t responding, behaving irregularly, or working correctly with connected equipment, it’s essential to address the issue. Begin by reprogramming or resetting the control units, and then consider replacing any faulty sensors or actuators. Ensure the system’s software and firmware are consistently updated to prevent malfunctions and inspect the wiring and connections for signs of wear and tear.

5. Recognizing Early Signs of Trouble

Detecting equipment issues early is crucial to preserve your pool and prevent minor problems from becoming major, costly repairs. Addressing minor issues promptly helps maintain optimal pool performance and prolong the life span of the equipment and pool upgrades. This ensures the water remains clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. Early detection also prevents safety hazards, such as electrical malfunctions or leaks, that could put you or your home at risk.

Here are some actions you can take to recognize early signs of pool trouble and keep everything in tiptop shape:

• Remember to frequently check the skimmer and basket to ensure they are not cracked or broken, which can cause poor debris collection. 
• If you notice leaks and water loss, find where it’s coming from and seal any leaks in pipes, fittings, or the pool structure. 
• Make sure the valves are working well and not leaking. 
• If the water flow has decreased significantly, clean out the debris from the suction line. Use a plumbing snake or high-pressure water jet to restore proper water flow.

Common Early Signs of Pool Equipment Malfunctions or Failure

Watching for early signs of pool equipment malfunctions, regular maintenance, and prompt attention are crucial for preventing more serious issues and expensive repairs down the line. Some common early signs to watch for include:

• Unusual noises. Grinding, whining, or screeching sounds from pumps, motors, or heaters may indicate an approaching mechanical failure or the need for lubrication and appropriate maintenance.
• Higher energy bills. A sudden increase in energy consumption may suggest your pump or heater is working harder than it should due to inefficiency or malfunction.
• Air bubbles in the pool. Air bubbles from the pool’s return jets often indicate a suction side leak, which might involve the pump lid, plumbing, or skimmer.
• Dirty or cloudy water. If the pool water appears cloudy or dirty despite routine cleaning, it may reveal a malfunctioning filter or a pump losing efficiency.
• Tripped breakers. Frequently tripping circuit breakers may mean an electrical issue within the pool equipment, such as a short circuit or faulty wiring. 

6. The Value of Regular Maintenance

Frequent maintenance on your pool’s equipment ensures it stays in good working order for years to come. Neglecting repairs can turn your pool into a safety hazard—that’s why minor maintenance and upkeep are essential to prevent it from becoming a swamp and help reduce overall repair costs.

When one of the pool lights flickers for the last time or if water has found its way inside, don’t let it sit and cause further damage. Replacing the bulb, gasket, or the entire light fixture is easier than allowing it to deteriorate in your pool. If the chlorine levels are not maintained and the salt chlorinator keeps showing error codes, maintenance may be needed. Clean or replace the salt cells, check for wiring issues, or consider replacing the control unit.

Uncommon Pool Equipment Repairs To Watch for

Most pool owners are familiar with common equipment problems such as pump failures, filter clogs, and heater malfunctions. However, some unexpected pool equipment repairs might just surprise you. Keep an eye out for these less common issues:

1. Automated pool cover mechanism repair. Automatic pool covers offer great convenience but may encounter motor or track failures that require specialized maintenance.
2. UV sanitizer unit malfunction. Pools that utilize UV sanitizers to minimize chlorine usage may experience problems such as lamp failures or issues with the quartz sleeve.
3. Chlorine generator replacement. In saltwater pools, chlorine generators may malfunction, requiring electronic controls or cell replacement.
4. Ozone generator repair. Ozone generators help clean pool water, but the cells inside can wear out or become damaged, requiring repair that often involves replacing these internal parts.
5. Pool water-feature pump issues. Water features like fountains, waterfalls, deck jets, spillover spas, bubblers, and more often have dedicated pumps that can fail due to blockages or motor burnout.

These kinds of repairs, however, usually require the expertise of a skilled pool technician who specializes in handling complex pool systems, as they go beyond traditional pool maintenance.

Rely on SPS PoolCare for Pool Equipment Repairs, Cleaning, and Maintenance

Regular upkeep of your swimming pool cleaning equipment, including the establishment of a pool maintenance and cleaning schedule, is crucial for its longevity and cleanliness. By routinely cleaning the filter and promptly addressing issues with the pumps, filters, heaters, and automated systems, you can significantly extend your pool’s life and ensure it remains a clean and enjoyable space for your family.

From ensuring your pool heater is ready for fall to routine upkeep on automated equipment, SPS PoolCare offers top-of-the-line pool cleaning and maintenance services to pool owners with locations across Arizona, Florida, Nevada, and Texas. Make owning a pool a joy. Find professional pool equipment installation and pool care near you today, or explore our blog for helpful tips!