If you couldn’t tell by the high temperatures and aroma of sunscreen in the air, summer is just around the corner. This means shorts, sunglasses, and days spent by the pool trying to cool off. To make this possible, you need to make sure that your pool plumbing is up to date and ready for use for the summer. Checking for broken valves, damaged water lines, or any possible leaks that may defer your from your swimming experience. You want your pool to be as clean and functional as it can be before it gets too warm outside, so here is a checklist of 10 things you should check your pool for before taking a dip this month:
Pool Plumbing Checklist:
1. Does Your Air Valve Open?
Your air relief valve or air bleeder that’s found on top of your filter will sometimes gets stuck and needs to be disassembled and lubricated to work properly again. The air bleeder needs to be opened to restart the motor, so having a broken pool valve won’t allow you to refill the tank and can damage your other pool equipment by producing excessive pressure.
2. Is Your Tank Pressure High?
When back washing your pool, your water’s flow rate is supposed to increase. If it doesn’t and your tank pressure is still high, you have to backwash your pool again, but make sure your strainer is clean and that your pump is primed beforehand.
3. Is Your Cartridge Clogged?
When your cartridge is clogged or is not straining properly, take out the filter element and replace it with a clean set, or soak the cartridge in a de-greaser to get rid of the unnecessary gunk.
4. Is Your Caulking Too Thin?
If your waterproof seal is showing cracks or was applied too thin the first time, make sure to remove the old caulking and clean the joint before reapplying new caulk. Caulking a pool expansion joint is a simple DIY task that can save your coping and tile band from water damage.
5. Circulation System Malfunctioning?
Some of these pool plumbing systems lose prime over time or get their filters and strainers clogged. Backwashing, changing or cleaning cartridges and strainers as well as examining your pool chart of how to address the lack of prime issue is the best way to keep the components of your pool capable of creating clean water flow.
6. Are Any of Your Pipes or Ports Leaking?
Using leak detection services, determine why your pipes and ports of your discharge are leaking and how to fix them. This will involve removing PVC pipes and fittings and resealing the discharge as to prevent future problems. Sometimes this can be fixed by tightening the discharge but should be handled by a professional technician for your own safety.
7. Is Your Flow Meter Stuck?
You may notice this by the inaccurate reading that it’s giving, and can simply be repaired by tapping the meter lightly until the indicating needle is dislodged. If you can’t determine your flow meter’s reading because the numbers are old and faded, replace the unit immediately so that you are always aware of the gpm rate that the water is passing through in each pipe.
8. Are Your Chlorine Levels Normal?
Whether the pump tube is wearing out or the strainer is clogged, you should always make sure your chlorine levels are normal to avoid damage to those swimming in it. This can be fixed by cleaning the strainer, replacing cartridges, or replacing the tubing of the chlorinator if it’s leaking.
9. Is Your Main Drain Functioning?
Certain single drains or non VGB approved drains can be an entrapment hazard and should be replaced with a dual drain conversion system so that your circulation system functions properly. This is crucial pool plumbing that can truly affect the health and safety of young children you may have in the pool. There have been several instances where a drain with too much suction has caused potential drowning accidents.
10. Pressure Gauges Corroding?
Some pressure gauges are made with metal components that deteriorate because of chemical fumes in the pump room. The best thing to do is replace the gauges with ones that don’t “zero out” when the system is shut off.
Getting Your Pool Ready For Summer
When it comes to pool plumbing, there are numerous things that need to be inspected before you decide to hop in. Damaged pool plumbing can be harmful to those who are swimming or are around the pool, so it’s best to ensure that your pool is in great condition before anyone puts on their swimsuit. Working with a reliable AZ plumber from Deer Valley Plumbing can help you look over and maintain your pool so that you can stay cool and refreshed during the summer. They can also assure that your pool’s components are following protocol to protect you and your family’s well being when it comes to pool safety.