Sometimes things don't go so smoothly after you open your pool. Here are some common problems and what actions you should take:

Obvious drips coming from filter tank, pump or visible pipes.

 Try tightening the fittings. But easily. Remember, most pipes and fittings and filters are plastic. Be careful.

Sand in pool under or near the return jets.

This may mean the pool has an underground pipe leak or, if you have a sand filter it could mean that something in the sand filter is cracked. If you are not losing water, then take apart the sand filter and look for a cracked part.

DE in pool under or near the return jets.

This means that there is something in the DE filter that is ripped or cracked. Take the filter apart and look for cracked part or ripped element.

DE filter isn't putting out enough water pressure and/or isn't effectively filtering the pool.

You should backwash the filter immediately.

Add new DE.

If problem persists, filter may be in need of an "acid wash".

Sand filter isn't putting out enough water pressure and/or isn't effectively filtering the pool.

You should backwash the filter immediately.

If problem persists, filter may be in need of a sand change.

You notice many air bubbles mixing with the water coming out of the return jets.

Probably means that there is a suction line leak, usually under or by the skimmers.

You notice settled or wet dirt/You see bricks or patio blocks around the skimmers or return jets settling or sinking into the ground.

Probably means an underground pipe leak at that point.

Pump makes a loud squealing noise; it heats up or is not running to its full capability.

This indicates that the pump is in need of professional service.

Either remove it and bring it to a pool store or pump shop for repair, or replace the pump.

You notice that your pool is losing water...

If the pool water level goes down to the bottom of the skimmer and stops, this usually means that it is a suction line leak, most likely directly under the skimmer.

If the pool water level goes down to the bottom of the return jets and then stops, this usually means that it is a return line leak, most likely directly by the wall jet return fitting, but it could be anywhere in the return line.

If the pool water level goes down to the top, middle or bottom of the light unit, this usually means that the light is leaking. This is usually the fitting in the light niche where the metal or plastic conduit pipe is attached to the metal niche.

If the water level goes down to any other level on the side walls and then stops, this usually means that the leak is in the liner on the pool side wall or possibly in the step unit gasket. Inspect the pool visually around the water level and check to see if you can see a hole. Check the area where the ladder comes in contact with the liner. This is a very common leak point. If you cannot clearly see a leak hole, we suggest contacting a local pool professional to locate & repair the leak.

If the water level goes down past the sidewalls, then it usually means that the leak is in the pool floor. You do not want all the water to drain out of the pool as it is bad for the liner and very bad for the pool walls - you do not want the pool to fall in! If you see that you are quickly losing all the water in your pool, put a hose in the pool, start to refill it and contact a local pool professional to locate & patch the hole.