In Ground Swimming Pool Problems
With summer approaching, kids, adults and the occasional canine will be running to open water. For some, that run is only a couple of feet out the back door. Backyard swimming pools offer conveniently located cool water and games; they are also an investment. An in-ground pool is installed with pumping, heating and cleaning systems that you have to maintain. A well-maintained pool ensures clean, clear water.
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History
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Western civilization has had a fascination with manmade pools of water ever since the 2nd century B.C., when Greek and Roman bath houses first became prominent. Bath houses were used for recreation, being part of the gymnasium, but they were also used to maintain hygiene. During the middle-ages, bathing was a privilege of the wealthy. Recreational swimming, and thus the development of the swimming pool, began in England. In 1869, the British Amateur Swimming Association was created, and the Oxford Swimming Club was founded in 1909. Competitive, or club, swimming, while still popular, was met by the introduction of the home swimming pool around the middle of the 20th century.
Types
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For an in-ground swimming pool, problems can occur with the pool structure and the auxiliary devices that create clean, warm, and fresh water. The surfaces of a fiberglass or concrete pool can crack, or coating, such as sealant or paint, can wear away. A swimming pool has a filter, which is located along the sides of the pool. The purpose of the filter is to collect dirt, leaves, bugs, and any type of foreign object, and the filter can of course break. A pool pump, which is located under the water line, either on the sides or bottom of the pool, acts as the drain, and is responsible for pumping water in and out. A pool also has a cleaner, which acts as an external filter. A pool cleaner is a self-propelled device which moves throughout the pool, collecting dirt and sand. Some pools have a heater, located outside the pool, that is similar to a water heater. All of these mechanisms can malfunction.
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Identification
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One common pool problem, is the constant appearance of sand, dirt or algae along the pool surface or bottom. If this problem persists for more than two days, there are three culprits: the filter, the cleaner or the chemical composition of the water. The main deterrent of algae is chlorine. The chlorine content in the water can fluctuate with pool usage; if algae appears, the pool needs more chlorine. Common problems with a pool cleaner are twisted hoses and a lack of range (the cleaner will not climb the sides or steps). If the filter is not working properly, it is likely clogged with large debris. A pool pump can be checked while you are in the pool. If you hear the pump motor running, check if the pump outlet in the pool has pressure, inward or outward. If no pressure, and the motor is running fine, then the pump filter is likely clogged with dirt or sand. A pump heater, being similar to a house water heater, has similar problems. If the water does not heat up, check for leaking water around the water tank. If not water is present, check the heater's pilot light.
Considerations
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A pool filter and pump can be assisted with a weekly, or daily, manual pool cleaning. Do this cleaning with a skimmer. Also, scrub the sides of the pool with a brush once a week.
Warning
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The water in your pool may appear clean, and yet still contain unwanted elements. Algae and bacteria can be present and not visible. To check for these invisible agents, perform a weekly chemical test called a shock treatment.
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