More Summer Pool Maintenance: Checking the Fence and Foundation
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Last week when we discussed pool maintenance, we looked at the filter, the pump, and the electrical equipment, which definitely covers the “back of the house,” but what about the crowd-facing parts of the pool? Like the decking, the fence, and the pool itself. These need maintenance too! Don’t worry, we didn’t forget. This here’s a two-parter.
Pool Maintenance 101, Part 2
Decking Spacer Maintenance: Those little plastic spacers aren’t just decoration. Much like the spacers you see on sidewalks or expansion joints on your house, they’re placed to allow for the expansion and contraction of the decking. Thus, it’s important to make sure you keep these properly seated so they can a) do their job, and b) not trip people as they’re walking around the pool.
Next, regular maintenance means keeping the spacers clean and free of debris so they don’t crack and peel like the ones in the video. Eventually, they will need replacing due to wear and tear, so watch for this and replace them when the time comes.
Pool Fence Safety: If you have a pool in the backyard, you’re required to have a self-closing and latching fence to prevent accidental access by children or other unauthorized users. For extra safety, many people install an enclosure like a child-safety gate. This can actually increase the value of your home, FYI.
Signs of Foundation Movement: Because your pool is built into the ground just like your home’s foundation, it is subject to the same kind of shifts and potential damage. You can look out for similar signs of movement like cracks in the shell, gaps or cracks in the coping, sinking in the decking or paving, changes in the surrounding soil, or water level irregularities. Usually, a pool repair company can assist you with these problems, though particularly severe issues may require a structural engineer.
