If you are reading this, I assume you are either a pool owner or just thinking about getting one. I have a three-part guide for you today, where we will cover everything you need to know about pools and how to stop washout effectively.
Table of Contents
Why Does It WASH OUT?
The most common reason why your pool water gets so dirty is because there is not enough suction causing the water to flow over the pool deck surface and into the pool itself. The water level in the pool rises as the result of evaporation (rainfall) and any spillage from the pool. When the water level gets high enough, it starts flowing over the pool deck surface and into the pool. This is called “washout”.
You can avoid this problem by maintaining a certain minimum water level in your pool by either adding more water or changing the speed at which the water recedes when pumped out. Changing the pump can also help, as some pumps are more efficient than others when moving the same amount of water.
What ARE The Different Signs That You Are At Risk Of WASHOUT?
In order to stop washout effectively, you need to know what is happening and when it is happening. There are several signs that can help you determine if your pool is at risk of washing out. Keep in mind that some of these signs can be quite subtle and require a bit of an expert eye. Let’s take a look:
- Water level rising quickly and consistently
- Dirt on pool deck surface
- A skimmer with a large amount of debris in it
- Leakage or evidence of leakage in or around the pool area
- Gunk (debris) in the pool or near the water line
- A lack of oxygen in the water
- Fish or algae growth in the pool
- Pools with a history of problems
If you see any of these signs, it is time to call a professional to assess the situation before it gets worse. Don’t worry, we will discuss how to stop washout in more detail later on in this article.
How Do YOU Fix WASHOUT?
Now that you know what causes washout and the various signs that it is happening, let’s discuss how to stop it effectively. The first thing you need to do is contact your local pool equipment provider or backyard plumbing expert and schedule an appointment to have your pool inspected. During this visit, the professional should be able to tell you what is causing the problem and how to stop it once and for all.
While some signs of washout can be quite obvious (e.g. high water level or large amounts of debris in the skimmer), others may require more subtle observations (e.g. oxygen levels or a dirty pool deck surface). Make sure to ask the professional if they can replicate the problem or if it is only seen under certain circumstances (e.g. certain weather conditions or water levels). This way, you can be sure that it is not an issue with your equipment but rather something else entirely.
Once you have confirmed this with the expert, it’s time to figure out what is causing the problem. Was it a hole in the pool deck surface or an underground river that now needs to be pumped out? Is there an area around the pool that needs cleaning off or is it just the surface that gets dirty? These are all questions that you need to ask yourself, so that you can take the appropriate next steps. Remember: there may be more than one contributing factor to your problem, so be sure to ask the expert for assistance in figuring out what is causing this situation.
How DO YOU STOP WASHOUT EFFECTIVELY?
If you are lucky enough to have found the root cause of your washout issue, you can now take steps to fix it. First, shut off the pump that is responsible for drawing the water in the pool. If the pump is still running when the water level gets high enough to start flowing over the pool deck surface, then it is a sign that you are drawing your pool water too fast for the available outlet. Switching off the pump will help solve this problem. If the pump is electric, then don’t forget to unplug it before you turn off the power source. This will prevent any accidents.
Once the pump is off, the next step is to lower the pool water level by either adding more chemicals or altering the pH balance of the water. To add more chemicals, you will need to purchase either a chemical dispenser or an automatic pool cleaner. To alter the pH balance of the water, you will need to contact an expert plumber who can properly install a pool control valve (pH adjustment valve).
With the pump shut off and the water level lowered, it is time to assess the situation. Is the water clear? Are there any signs of debris in the pool water? If so, then it is time to clean the pool! If everything is clear and there are no signs of debris, then it is time to open the pool up for the season.
Installing and using a pool vacuum is also an effective way to stop washout. A pool vacuum is much more effective than simply drawing the water down manually because it is connected to a strong suction source that will remove even the smallest particles of debris from your pool surface. It is also worth noting that using a pool vacuum will help maintain healthy oxygen levels in your pool water. Most importantly, using a pool vacuum will be a lot more convenient than having to clean the pool manually.
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Thank you for taking the time to read this article on how to stop washout on above ground pools. We hope it was helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave us a note below. We look forward to helping you preserve the value of your pool!