Why Pool Valve Service is a Key Component of Seasonal Pool Maintenance

Nothing beats the feeling of jumping in your own pool at the end of a stressful day or during a weekend with friends and family!

If you're a pool owner, even if you just got one, you are probably already aware of pool valves. More specifically, how important they're to the general functioning of the poll. Let's take you through the more vital aspects of pool valve maintenance and what you need to do.

Understanding Pool Valves

To put it simply, pool valves are the mechanical components of the pool circulation system that keep water flowing and control it.

Its function is to direct water to appropriate sections of the system like filters, heaters, and pumps.

Think of pool valves like gates and how they can effectively form paths for water to flow through.

Reasons for Regular Pool Valve Servicing

1. Proper Water Circulation

The most obvious reason you need to keep your pool valves clean is to prevent blockages.

Clean valves ensure that water flows in a balanced manner without straining your water pump too much. Proper flow is also important for filtration and better chemical distribution.

2. Avoid Costly Repairs

Badly maintained valves can fail in a number of ways. One of the most common problems is when they crack or become blocked.

Valves that haven't been maintained properly also result in cracked or even broken pipes which can cost a fortune to fix.

3. Improve Equipment Lifespan

Professional valve servicing ensures that your pool equipment lasts long. A clean and well lubricated valve ensures that there is no strain on your water pump or pool filter.

It also results in less stress on the pool heater. Well-maintained valves are a vital part of a clean and sparkling pool!

4. Better Resilience Against Weather

In places where weather can be a bit extreme, you need to take extra care of your pool valves.

Ensure that you have proper insulation in place that can protect your pipes against the heat or cold. The seals need to be UV-protected to prevent leaks and thermal expansion.

During winters, winterizing the pool valves protects it against cracking or breaking due to freezing water.

Things You Can Do To Help

1. Regularly Inspect the Valves

As a pool owner, a part of your ownership also includes checking the health of your pool.

Once a month, ensure that you check for leaks and test the movement of the valve. It should open and close smoothly without any groaning or creaking noises.

It also helps to keep track of the water pressure in the pool. Low or high pressure can be a giveaway that there's something wrong with the pool components.

2. Cleaning and Lubrication

If you're handy with tools, you should consider cleaning and lubricating your pool valves once in a while.

Depending on the complexity of the valve, it might be easy to disassemble it, clean it, and lubricate it.

While cleaning, take care to remove all the debris and salt built up over time. Don't use your general purpose or petroleum-based lubricant as it can damage your valve.

Reassemble it carefully taking care to ensure everything is in the right place.

3. Replacing Worn Out Components

Like every mechanical device, pool valve components can also wear down with enough time and use.

One of the most tell-tale signs of bad pool valves is improper water pressure in your pool.

Stiff handles and odd sounds coming from your pool are also indicators that something might be wrong with your valves.

4. Winterizing Pool Valves

Are you in a place where the winters can get below freezing? Then you should learn about winterizing your pool valves. Don't worry - it's not too difficult!

Drain water completely throughout the system to ensure it doesn't ice doesn't form in the pipes and cause it to explode.

There is also the option for antifreeze if your valve supports it. Ensure that you lubricate your valves once before sealing them for the winter.

Call In the Professionals

The easiest thing however would be to call in the professionals! We are Refresh Pool Company, a full-service pool service provider based out of Dallas, Texas.

Pool maintenance can be overwhelming and we totally get it. If you're a pool owner looking for excellent service at a great price point, reach out to us for a free appraisal.

We promise to make it worth your while!