Swimming Pool Repair: Common Issues and How to Fix Them

It was the summer of the staycation. In May 2020, Google searches for in-ground and above-ground pools spiked as families realized they weren’t going anywhere for the summer and sought to make the most of their backyards. Across the U.S., pool manufacturers and vendors reported record sales and exhausted inventories of residential swimming pools.

Jon Foshee, president of Concord Pools & Spas, a Latham Pool dealer, expects further growth with consumers moving from big cities to more suburban areas.

“They have land and room for a pool in their yard, so demand will continue to rise,” he says.

Among all those new pools and a whole lot of older ones, maintenance issues are bound to happen. While some pool repairs and malfunctions require professional intervention, you can save a bundle by doing some repairs yourself.

Here’s a look at some common swimming pool problems with DIY solutions. Note that we’re limiting this discussion to leaks, tears and clogs, rather than mechanical issues or chemical imbalances that affect water quality.

Common Swimming Pool Problems to Watch Out For

Pool liner or cover tears and holes

Commonly seen with above-ground pools and occasionally with in-ground pools, vinyl liners are among the more economical choices for a swimming pool surface. While a vinyl liner can be durable, it can also tear, especially if accidentally pierced by garden tools, sports equipment or other sharp items. Pool covers may also tear if tree branches or other objects fall on them.

DIY fix

For liner tears above the waterline as well as vinyl cover tears, you can make a decent patch as long as the vinyl is clean and dry. This fix won’t last forever, but it will buy you time until you replace your liner or pool cover. Keep the following products on hand for vinyl repairs:

• Clear, waterproof duct tape;
• Vinyl pool patches;
• Vinyl patch kit.

For tears to covers made of canvas, mesh or textured vinyl, try a self-adhesive patch made specifically for pool covers.

For liner tears under the water level, grab a pair of goggles and get busy with a patch kit that can be applied underwater. Matt Giovanisci of Swim University recommends, when possible, to set a weight over the underwater area that’s been patched. But where this isn’t possible—such as on a pool wall—just make sure that all the air bubbles are pressed out under the patch and leave the area undisturbed for 48 hours.

For INTEX brand or similar inflatable pools, INTEX Wet Set repair patch, despite its name, has to be used on dry vinyl. That means you’ll need to drain your pool to repair a patch below the waterline.

Concrete pool leaks

Jason Hughes of River Pools and Spas says that leaks in concrete pools are one of the common pool problems that result from issues with the pool structure, fittings or plumbing.

The Fix

Leaks around fittings are the easiest for a DIYer to tackle. Hughes says that gaps around jets, lights and skimmers can be sealed with silicone caulk specially made for use underwater. Main drain leaks, he says, require professional replacement.

Plumbing leaks can be among the most complicated and expensive. They may involve excavating around the pool until the leak is found, then possibly replacing pipes. Some pool experts suggest trying a stopgap measure first, a product called Fix A Leak Pool Sealer. It’s poured into the pool skimmer and targets and seals leaks in the plumbing.

Note: Read the manufacturer’s directions carefully or risk doing more harm than good. If this product doesn’t fix your leak or you’re not willing to try it then it’s time to call a pro.

Clogged Lines or Skimmer

Water intake and outtake lines in your pool become clogged with leaves, hair and other debris. Left unattended, these clogs can make your pool’s pump work harder and eventually cause it to break down.

DIY Fix

You can blast the clogged line with water using a Drain King nozzle or similar tool attached to a garden hose. The Drain King’s expanding bladder keeps water from backflowing and blasts high-pressure water through the line to clear the clog.

For a clogged skimmer, uncover the skimmer, shut off the pool pump and insert the Drain King nozzle as far into the intake line as it will reach—close all other valves so that water can only travel to the skimmer. Turn on the hose at full blast, then watch the skimmer box for a big blob of debris to come out.

For a clogged main drain line, turn off the pump, close down all valves and remove the drain cover from the bottom of the pool. Insert the Drain King nozzle at the pump and blast water through the main drain line. You’ll see debris blast out of the pool drain. Keep running the hose until the water runs clear. Then run the pool vacuum before all the debris returns to the drain.

Regular Pool Maintenance Checklist

Keeping your swimming pool in great shape isn’t just about crystal-clear water — it’s about preventing costly repairs down the line. Use this weekly checklist to stay ahead of problems before they start:

1. Test and balance the water chemistry
   If your pool is in daily use, check the pH level every 2–3 times per week. Get the levels for pH (7.2–7.8), chlorine (1–3 ppm), alkalinity, calcium hardness, and cyanuric acid. This is essential because unbalanced water can cause skin irritation, corrosion, algae and liner damage.
2. Check the water level
   Water should be halfway up the skimmer opening. If the water is too low, your pump may suck in air. Too high? Skimming becomes ineffective.
3. Skim and brush
   Skim out leaves, bugs and surface debris on a daily basis. Further, you must have a weekly schedule. In that clean up, brush pool walls, steps and corners to prevent algae buildup.
4. Vacuum or use an automatic cleaner
   Manual or robotic vacuuming helps keep the pool floor clean. Word of advice: do this after brushing so you catch the loosened debris
5. .Clean the filter
   You have to rinse the cartridge filter with a hose every two weeks. Plus, backwash when the pressure gauge rises 8–10 PSI above normal sand/DE filter pressure.
6. Inspect pool equipment
   Look for leaks, unusual sounds, or weak returns. Additionally, check the pump, heater, chlorinator and lights.
7. Shock the pool (as needed)
   It is one of the crucial practices, especially after heavy use, rainstorms, or signs of algae. Thus, chlorine-based shock or non-chlorine alternatives should be used.

Protecting your pool in the off-season

Take care of your pool during the off-season. Here’s how:

• Before shutting down, clean and balance the water. This stops algae, stains, and corrosion from happening when the pool is closed.
• In cold climates, partially drain your pool for passive winterization by lowering the water level below the skimmer and emptying pool equipment to prevent freezing. Read how to drain a pool for passive winterization.
• A strong, well fitting pool cover will keep out dirt, keep the water from evaporating and keep the sun out.
• Check on your pool periodically — clear off pooled water, tighten the cover if needed and inspect for signs of wear or leaks.
• Put ladders, skimmers, hoses, and other tools and accessories in a dry, safe area.

FAQ

How do I know if my pool leaks?

If the water level in your pool drops faster than usual, it might be a leak. You can test it by placing a bucket on the step, filling it with water and checking if the pool water level drops more than the bucket’s level.

What should I do if my pool equipment stops working?

Check the pool filter, pump and skimmer for blockages or debris. If everything looks clear but the issue persists, it might be time to call a professional for troubleshooting.

About the Experts:

• Jon Foshee is the President and CEO of Concord Pools & Spas, a leading pool dealer and installer. With great experience in the pool industry, Jon provides insights into the growing demand for residential pools, especially in suburban areas. 
• Jason Hughes is a professional pool technician at River Pools and Spas. Specializing in concrete pool repairs and leak detection, Jason provides valuable advice on identifying and fixing leaks around pool fittings and plumbing. 
• Matt Giovanisci founded Swim University, a platform dedicated to simplifying pool and hot tub care. With over 30 years of experience, Matt gives his expert guidance on pool maintenance, like repairing liner tears and addressing circulation issues. 

Sources:

• River Pools and Spas: “How to Winterize a Pool”
• Intec America: “How to Identify and Fix Common Pool Leaks”
• SC Pools Inc.: “How to Identify and Fix Common Pool Leaks”