The Consequences of Poor Pool Care

As of 2024, a study by RubyHome found there are 10.7 million swimming pools in the U.S. alone, with the average in-ground pool costing around $35,000 to install. And in my area of San Diego and other areas with higher costs of living, that price is easily double that—at minimum. This makes owning a pool a luxury but one that offers endless fun and relaxation and even some envy from your friends and neighbors. However, this envy-worthy luxury comes with the responsibility of regular maintenance to maintain the health and longevity of your pool. Neglecting pool care can lead to a variety of problems, some of which can be very costly to resolve or affect your health. And with the sizeable cost investment pool owners make to have one built, it’s necessary that pool owners know what it takes to maintain them properly.

Inadequate Maintenance

Poor pool maintenance can lead to issues ranging from water chemistry imbalances to structural damage. One of the most prevalent problems pool owners battle is the growth of algae and bacteria, which can turn your pool into a breeding ground for diseases. Without regular cleaning and chemical balancing, pools can also suffer from cloudy water, making it both uninviting and unsafe for swimming.

Structural damage is another significant consequence of neglect. The surfaces of the pool can become damaged due to improper pH levels, leading to costly repairs. For instance, high levels of cyanuric acid, a common stabilizer in chlorine tablets, can cause aggressive wear on pool equipment. This can lead to damage to expensive equipment like pool heaters when inadequate water testing leads to unnoticed high cyanuric acid levels. This chemical imbalance leads to the rapid degradation of equipment like heaters.

The Importance of Chemical Balancing

Balancing the chemicals in your pool is crucial for preventing health risks and structural problems. Imbalances can lead to issues like skin irritation for swimmers and damage to the pool's surfaces. Utilizing the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) to measure water chemistry can help maintain the pool’s integrity by ensuring the water is neither too corrosive nor too scale-forming. Proper chemical management not only extends the life of the pool’s materials but also ensures a safe and pleasant swimming environment.

Early Warning Signs of Pool Neglect

Recognizing the early signs of pool neglect can save pool owners from facing major repairs. Some warning signs include changes in the water's feel to the skin or eyes, alterations in the pool's material or appearance, and unusual wear on equipment. These indicators often go overlooked but can signal significant underlying issues, so take the time to investigate your pool’s condition if you notice these changes. Regular, detailed testing of water chemistry is essential in identifying and addressing these problems early on.

Cost of Neglect vs. Preventative Care

The financial impact of poor pool maintenance is a compelling reason for regular care. For example, the cost of replastering an in-ground pool can range anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000, and replacing damaged equipment like heaters and pumps can cost thousands, far exceeding the expenses of routine maintenance. Professional pool services may seem like an added cost, but they can ultimately lead to substantial savings by extending the life of the pool’s components and avoiding the need for major repairs. Not to mention, you won’t have to sacrifice precious pool time for extensive repairs.

Recommended Maintenance Tasks

To avoid the pitfalls of poor pool care, there are several maintenance tasks pool owners should perform regularly. These include:

• Conducting a visual inspection of the pool: Regularly check for signs of wear and tear, algae growth, and debris. Look for cracks, discoloration, or any other visible damage that may need repair. This is your first line of defense in identifying potential issues before they escalate.

• Monitoring water levels: Ensure the water level is maintained at the appropriate height, typically at the center of the pool skimmer. Low water levels can cause the pump to run dry, leading to damage, while too much water can affect the efficiency of the skimmer in removing debris.

• Ensuring skimmer baskets are clear of debris: Regularly empty skimmer baskets to prevent blockages that can restrict water flow and reduce the efficiency of the pool’s filtration system. Blocked skimmers can also lead to pump and filter problems.

• Checking and maintaining pool filtration system: Clean or replace pool filters as recommended by the manufacturer to ensure proper water cleanliness and circulation. A clogged or dirty filter can lead to poor water quality and increase the risk of algae and bacteria.

• Maintaining proper chemical balance: Test the water’s pH, chlorine, and other chemical levels regularly using a reliable testing kit. Imbalances can cause irritation to swimmers' skin and eyes, damage to pool surfaces, and equipment corrosion.

• Brushing and vacuuming the pool: Brush the walls, floor, and steps of the pool regularly to prevent algae build-up and remove dirt. Vacuum the pool to eliminate debris that the skimmer and filter may miss. This helps keep the water clear and reduces the need for chemicals.

• Checking for leaks: Periodically inspect the pool and its components for leaks. Signs of water loss beyond evaporation can indicate a leak, which can lead to water waste and potentially significant structural damage if left unrepaired.

• Ensuring proper operation of pool pumps and heaters: Regularly inspect and maintain pool pumps and heaters according to the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure they are operating efficiently. Poorly maintained equipment can lead to higher energy costs and decreased lifespan.

• Winterizing and seasonal care: If you live in a region with seasonal changes, properly prepare your pool for winter by following a winterization process to protect it from freezing temperatures. Similarly, ensure it is correctly reopened in the spring to avoid damage and ensure water quality.

Maintaining a pool requires consistent effort and attention to detail, which is crucial to ensure its health, safety, and longevity. Although pool owners like you can perform many maintenance tasks, some tasks, such as detailed water chemistry analysis and equipment checks, require professional expertise. Professionals can offer comprehensive assessments and prevent potentially severe problems, safeguarding against the unpleasant and often costly consequences of neglect.

A pool should be a place of fun and relaxation. Many of my best childhood memories were made in our own backyard pool. Being taught by my father to swim safely grew my confidence and gave me the ability to enjoy many summers of playing in the pool with family and friends. These memories are still with me today, and I treasure them. I want people only to have good memories of spending time in the pool, but to do so, your pool will need good upkeep. By keeping up with regular maintenance, you can keep your pool sparkling and safe for yourself and your guests. Whether you choose to rely on professionals or maintain your pool yourself, you won't regret the money and time spent on maintenance instead of costly repairs.

Austin Gardiner co-founded GL Pools in 2006, bringing a deep-seated commitment to excellence in the pool service industry alongside childhood friend Kyle Lobe. As the President of his local IPSSA chapter and holder of an NPC Startup certification, Austin's expertise ensures GL Pools upholds the highest standards of service and professionalism. His passion and dedication have been instrumental in establishing GL Pools as a distinguished name in the competitive pool service market.