As Georgia winters fade and temperatures climb back into the 80s, homeowners across the state pull off their pool covers and discover the same thing every year: something needs fixing. Whether your pool sat untouched for a few months or just wasn’t quite right at the end of last season, pre-season pool repair is one of the most important investments you can make before the first swim of the year.
Here are the five most common pool repairs our technicians see from Georgia homeowners each spring, and what you should know about each one.
1. Malfunctioning Pool Pump
The pump is the heart of your pool’s circulation system, and it takes a beating over time. Common signs of trouble include the pump running loudly, humming without starting, losing prime, or shutting off unexpectedly. In many cases, worn motor bearings, a clogged impeller, or a failing capacitor are to blame.
Pool pump troubleshooting should always start with a professional inspection. Attempting DIY repairs on electrical pump components can be dangerous, and what looks like a simple fix may point to a larger circulation issue. Catching pump problems early in the season prevents water quality issues down the line.
2. Torn or Damaged Pool Liner
Vinyl liners are durable, but they don’t last forever. Freeze-thaw cycles, chemical imbalances, and general wear can lead to tears, punctures, or separation at the seams. Even a small liner tear can result in significant water loss and erosion of the ground beneath your pool structure.
If you notice waterline staining, wrinkles that weren’t there before, or an unexplained drop in water level, a liner inspection is a smart first step before assuming the problem lies elsewhere.
3. Leaking Pool Filter
A leaking pool filter is one of the more common pool equipment problems homeowners discover after a long off-season. Cracked filter housings, worn O-rings, damaged multiport valves, and deteriorated laterals can all cause leaks that reduce filtration efficiency and waste water.
Ignoring a leaking pool filter doesn’t just waste money on chemicals and water. It also puts additional strain on your pump and can lead to cloudy, unsafe water. Filter repairs are generally straightforward for an experienced technician and are far less costly than a full filter replacement when caught early.
4. Plumbing Leaks and Cracked Pipes
Underground plumbing leaks are trickier to diagnose but surprisingly common, especially in older pools. Georgia’s clay-heavy soil can shift and settle, putting stress on PVC pipes and fittings. Signs include persistently low water levels (after ruling out evaporation), wet spots in the yard near return lines, or air bubbles entering the pool through the returns.
Professional leak detection equipment, including pressure testing and dye testing, can pinpoint the source without unnecessary excavation.
5. Broken or Worn Pool Fittings and Valves
Skimmer baskets, return jet fittings, and shut-off valves all degrade over time. Cracked skimmer bodies and faulty valves can disrupt water flow, cause air to enter the system, and lead to pump damage if left unaddressed. These are quick repairs when handled promptly but can snowball into more significant problems if ignored through the swim season.
Get Your Pool Swim-Ready Before Summer Hits
Pre-season pool repair doesn’t have to be stressful. The team at Rowell Pools & Spas has been helping Georgia homeowners open their pools with confidence for years. Whether you’re dealing with a noisy pump, a mystery leak, or a filter that just isn’t performing the way it should, we’re here to diagnose it right and fix it fast.
Contact Rowell Pools & Spas today to schedule your pre-season pool repair inspection and get your pool ready before the Georgia heat arrives.
