To survive and thrive in the world of business, you must keep your assets in good working order. Assets, of course, can refer to anything, from the building your business operates out of to company vehicles to the critical machinery you need to perform the tasks your industry depends on. If a pool is a part of your place of business, then it is no exception: regular maintenance and care are a critical element of operating a commercial swimming pool.

As the pool equipment specialists Oregon business owners have come to rely on, our contractors at Strong Refuge Pool have offered a few troubleshooting and repair tips below. We’ll cover some of the most common problems and what you can do to fix them. We’ll also help you determine whether it’s time to call in the professionals to perform the repair work for you.

Problem #1: Pool Heater Not Working

A malfunctioning heater is a problem that can quickly scare away potential customers. This one is usually fairly easy to diagnose since you can often tell just by touching the water. If the water is colder than it should be, then the issue is often with the heater itself.

What You Can Do

In many cases, you can troubleshoot problems with a pool heater yourself. Sometimes, it’s a simple fix. The first step you should take is to check the thermostat; it may simply be set too low. It could also be a glitch. Sometimes, shutting the thermostat off and then turning it on again may help to correct the issue.

Less obviously, the problem may lie with the filtration system. If it has become too clogged with leaves, sticks, and other debris, then it may limit the water’s ability to circulate and warm up properly. You may simply need to clean the filter and remove as much debris as possible to get your pool to return to a comfortable temperature.

When to Call a Professional

If the problem lies with the thermostat, then there is also the possibility that it is an electrical issue, which must be repaired by a professional. This is also true if a valve or switch has broken. If you are unable to locate the problem on your own, contact Strong Refuge Pool for a diagnosis.

Problem #2: A Malfunctioning Pump

Like the heater, the pump in your pool is a crucial element in its ability to operate effectively. Every other system in the pool—from heating to cleaning—depends on a working pump. This means that there may be several symptoms of one that is not working properly: a pool that is too cold, for example, is just as likely to be due to a bad pump as it is to a malfunctioning heater. Likewise, if the pool has begun to accumulate debris that isn’t being filtered out, it could be due to a pump that is failing to effectively circulate the water. A loud noise coming from the motor may also indicate a problem with a pool pump.

What You Can Do

There are many reasons why your pool pump may not be operating at maximum capacity, some of which you can diagnose and troubleshoot yourself. A pool pump uses electricity to power a rotating, motorized impeller, and problems are frequently the result of an issue with one of these elements.

If you notice a pool pump that doesn’t seem to be working correctly, check the circuit breakers and other electrical components first. It may simply be that you are dealing with a blown fuse. It’s also possible that the motor itself has stalled due to having debris stuck in it. You might be able to clear it by turning the system off and manually removing the obstruction.

When to Call the Professionals

If turning the system off and on again and clearing the obstructions from the impeller doesn’t seem to fix the issue, chances are it’s something that will require the services of a professional to fix. There may be a deeper electrical issue or a broken mechanical component. Either way, it’s time to call for assistance from your pool equipment specialists.

Problem #3: Damaged or Clogged Filtration System

Your pool will not be very inviting to potential customers if the filtration isn’t working effectively. The filtration system helps to remove all the bits of debris that would otherwise accumulate in the pool, everything from dead insects to leaves to food wrappers and other bits of trash. If the filtration isn’t working, it can compromise the other equipment in the pool. For example, there is a basket built into the pool that is designed to catch medium-sized debris before it reaches the impeller in the pump. If this basket cracks, it can allow that debris through, which in turn can put the pump at risk.

What You Can Do

Often, you can clean filters by hand, and indeed this is something you should do occasionally as part of your pool’s regular maintenance. Filters will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. You can purchase new ones from the pool equipment specialists Oregon has in most major urban areas, including Strong Refuge Pools. You can also order new baskets if the original ones crack or break.

When to Call the Professionals

Sometimes, issues with the filtration system can go deeper than simply being clogged. The system is dependent on a number of valves. These can fail and cause the pool to begin to fill with bubbles or the water to become discolored. If cleaning your filters doesn’t seem to resolve the issue, you may need to contact your pool repair professionals to replace any damaged valves.

If You Have a Problem Not Listed Here

The above problems are the most common ones, as the filter, pump, and heater are the main pieces of equipment that allow your pool to operate effectively. However, if you notice an issue not listed here, or if you have a pool equipment problem that is stumping you in another way, contact Strong Refuge Pool. We’ll be happy to pay your business a visit to offer a diagnosis and perform any necessary repairs.