Emergency pool repairs can come out of nowhere. If you have a swimming pool, you will almost certainly require the services of a professional pool repair expert at some point in time. Repairing a swimming pool can be a simple task that entails little more than just replacing a skimmer or a filter. This is why it is strongly advised that you engage a professional, experienced pool repair service to come out and assess whether your pool repair is a quick and simple low-cost fix, or a more involved pool repair project.
Hiring a Pool Repair Company
Hiring a skilled pool repair expert like the Pool Surgeon enables pool owners in the Dallas / Fort Worth are to safeguard an important investment in their backyard: their pool! Our expert pool repair technicians take great pride in being able to perform all sorts of repairs that can get your pool back to swim worthy condition.
Pool repairs that are deemed an emergency can be equipment malfunctioning, water pressure issues, safety concerns, or any other issue the homeowner deems to be dangerous to people or to the swimming pool itself.
Even mundane pool maintenance tasks can go sideways if performed incorrectly. Consequently, hiring the proper pool repair professional from the start is critical. Failing to do so can wind up costing you thousands in repairs to your swimming pool and your home.
Billing For Emergency Pool Repairs
Recognize that the price for pool repair service is determined by a number of factors. These are just some examples of variables that can influence the price of repair work to your swimming pool:
- The amount of time required to finish the project.
- The number of technicians are working on your project.
- How complicated your pool repair is in nature.
- The location of the repair work needing to be performed.
- Availability of replacement parts needed to perform the repair work.
Beware of Hidden Fees
With a slew of other factors that could raise or lower prices for repair work; always remember that a firm that offers a low rate may not be the best fit for you. Some pool contractors may advertise low hourly rates but then demand additional "fees" in order to complete the service. The Pool Surgeon always provides an accurate estimate before performing any actual repair work and will make recommendations based off our diagnosis.
You should also keep in mind that almost every pool businesses in town will charge a premium for if your emergency requires overtime, weekends, holidays, or emergency calls.
Getting bait & switched from a low-ball contractor is never a pleasant experience in your home and certainly not when it comes to your pool. The best advice for pool owners in the Dallas / Fort Worth area is to request an itemized quote from a local pool repair expert like the Pool Surgeon so you know exactly what to expect.
Questions To Ask A Pool Repair Company
Here are the top 3 questions you need to ask a poor repair company as well as some ancillary questions you can ask to help you decide who to hire.
- Are you licensed to perform pool repairs?
- Inquire about all business licenses required by state and municipal law.
- Who will be in charge of the pool repair?
In our opinion #3 is the single most important deciding factor in choosing which pool contractor to hire. Some pool repair businesses outsource their work. Regardless of who you hire, be sure you know who will be arriving to complete the repair.
Do you carry adequate insurance to perform pool repair work?
If the pool contractor you're thinking of hiring cannot provide proof of general liability insurance, walk away fast. Pool repair service may not seem like a big deal, but it can be if performed incorrectly! Every day, homeowners flood social media groups to discuss shoddy repair work. Choosing to hire an uninsured and unlicensed pool contractor is a recipe for disappointment and repair failures. Do you honestly believe that a business that lacks sufficient liability coverage will return to pay for any damage to your pool if you have a problem?
How responsive are you to customers?
Was the pool repair company's phone answered by a polite, knowledgeable person? Was your call returned in a timely manner if you had to leave a message? Did the technician arrive on time? These are all questions to ask yourself before choosing to hire a pool repair company.
How professional is the pool repair technician?
First impressions are everything in life. How do their technicians speak to customers? How do they dress and carry themselves? If any of these facts are in doubt... perhaps seek out another estimate from a more professional pool company that impresses the importance of these things to their employees.
Be wary of "cheap" pool repairs!
If something appears to be too good to be true, it most likely is! The market value for pool repairs is currently known by the majority of professional pool repair businesses. Pool repair businesses that are significantly less expensive are most likely cutting corners.
Common Pool Repairs We Perform
Pool Heaters Not Heating
This can be caused by a variety of factors, the most common of which could be low gas pressure, insufficient air supply, or poor venting. All of these scenarios can limit how effective your pool heater performs. A professional repair diagnostic can tell you if your pool heater is on it's way out.
Air in Pump Basket:
A void on the suction side of the pump, prior to the impeller, will leak or attract air into the pump. If the pump lid is not properly installed, air can be drawn in around it, or from a loose or filthy o-ring, or from a band that is not tight enough.
Filter Replacement:
If you are backwashing twice as frequently as previously, it is possible that you need a new cartridge or filter sand. On a well-sized pool filter, DE grids last around 10 years, And lasts about 7 years, and a Cartridge lasts about 5 years.
Leaking Skimmer:
The first thing to look for when there is a leak in the pool is the skimmer. It is a common point of separation in concrete pools, and the skimmer faceplate in vinyl pools might leak if the gaskets break. If there has been frost damage, skimmers can potentially leak via fractures in the sidewall.
Clogged Pool Cleaner:
It occurs — something becomes lodged inside the pool cleaner and drags it around the pool, or the pool cleaner stops moving entirely.
A leaking pool filter is problematic because it is on the 'pressure side.' Filter tanks with pin holes in the stainless steel body should be replaced. A tank that is leaking from the belly band should be turned off, and another attempt at cleaning and sealing the belly band o-ring should be made.
Clogged Pump Impeller:
The pump must be opened at the seal plate to expose the impeller. The vanes can be ream out with a piece of curved wire.
Pool Heaters
This can be caused by a variety of factors, the most common of which is a filthy filter or clogged impeller. Both of these scenarios can limit flow to the point that the pressure switch prevents the heater from turning on.
Pump Leak:
Because the pump lid and drain plug are under vacuum on the suction side, they normally do not leak water. As a result, it will not leak water from the pipe leading into the pump, but it may leak from the pipe leading out of the pump. Pumps that leak through the back bottom of the seal plate have typically blown a shaft seal.
If the threads on this PVC fitting have heated up and shrunk, no amount of Teflon tape will close it up; it must be taken out and replaced. This frequently occurs after the pump has been running without water for a few hours.
