Whether you're opening for the year or closing for the colder temperatures, these moments are great opportunities to assess your pool's health – and whether it needs renovation.
Over years of use, pools can start to break down and become less and less safe to swim in. It's important to ask yourself the following questions to see if your pool is signaling that it's time for a renovation.
How old is your pool?
This is a crucial question. Hopefully, you'll know exactly how old your pool is, whether you built it yourself or have a hard date from any previous owners. If not, it's even more important to get a professional opinion on your pool's age (and health).
Plastered pools typically need to be replaced once every ten years or so. And if you have a vinyl liner, our team recommends you replace it even sooner, around every 5-8 years. Besides outside liners and finishes, you should consistently check your pool equipment to ensure it's still working properly and doesn't need to be replaced. This includes your heater, filters and other pool mechanisms.
So yes, making sure your pool gets renovated consistently is a necessary step for safety. But sometimes, your pool's design is just outdated and needs a facelift. Today's contemporary selection of tile offers timeless color options that will brighten up any pool. In addition, this wide variety of styles allows you to add your own touch with custom mosaics or unique materials.
If you wish your pool reflected your style, it could be time for a renovation.
Are you seeing cracks in the tile?
If you're less and less happy with your tiles every time you open your pool, they made need replacing.
Cracked or damaged tiles in your pool can be more than just unpleasant aesthetically. They can be indicators of more significant issues within your pool or cause safety hazards for your swimmers. Cracked tiles should be replaced in a timely fashion to ensure your pool is safe to utilize for the entire summer.
When planning your retiling project, you have lots of options to choose from to make your pool look and work just the way you want. For example, many pool owners have started installing glass tiles, as they are harder to crack than your standard ceramic.
Is your pool leaking?
Leaks in an inground pool can be difficult to spot. The lining and pipes of your pool could even be leaking internally without you knowing it. This can lead to constant water refills or even expensive damage repairs.
To assess if your pool is leaking, we suggest watching how much water you're losing from day or day or use to use. Many pool owners attribute any water loss to evaporation, but your pool should only be losing about 1" to 1-1/2" of water each week.
Keep an eye out for algae growth, as leaky pools will cause your water's chemicals to go out of balance quickly, resulting in you needing to add chemicals more often than you should. Finding and repairing leaks quickly will save you money on excess chemicals and prevent further cracks that lead to additional leaks.
And if you're still not sure, here's what we suggest. Switch off everything on your property that uses water – indoors and out. Then, check your water meter. If you don't have a leak, it won't be running. However, if the meter is still running, it's a sign that water is still flowing somewhere. You'll want to call your pool maintenance company to have them check for leaks.
Is your pool lacking important safety features?
This is an especially important question if you've got an older pool on your hands. Inground pools that lack modern safety features can be a hazard for everyone – adults, children and even pets.
Yes, you can buy some accessories to help amp up your pool safety. But further than buoys and life hooks, your pool should have internal safety features that can help prevent problems before they occur.
These features include:
- Anti-entrapment covers
- Safety vacuum release systems
- VGB-compliant drain covers
- Motion sensors and adequate pool lighting
- Secure ladders and steps to get in and out of the pool safely.
And while this may not be a pool feature, we also suggest securing your pool by placing a fence with a locked gate between your pool and your home. If your backyard's fence has seen better days, it's worth looking into the renovation to avoid additional accidents.
Time for a Change
Once your pool is renovated, it's up to you to keep it in good condition. This includes checking for damage, keeping your pool covered appropriately and consistently testing your water's chemical levels. If you don't keep up with these maintenance routines, chances are your pool will need to be repaired earlier than you would like.
If you think it's time to update your inground pool, or you need a hand keeping up with weekly pool maintenance, contact our team today.
