ABC Blog

Why Is My Pool Pump Leaking From the Top?

a pool pump leaking from the top

“Why is my pool pump leaking from the top?” This is a question many homeowners with pools ask certified pool professionals when they find their pool pump is leaking. Discovering a leak in your pool pump can be frustrating, but these leaks are actually very common.

Pool pumps have many different components, including a motor and housing as well as various gaskets, clamps and o-rings. If any of these parts breaks or wears out, it can cause a leak. Having too little water in your pool can also lead to a leak, since it can allow air into the pump. Of course, low water levels in the pool can also be the result of a pump leak, not the cause of it. In these cases, it can be helpful to learn your pool’s evaporation rate.

Whatever is causing the leak needs to be fixed as soon as possible. Some pump leaks can … Read Full Post »

Why Do I Have Foamy Pool Water?

foamy pool water

Foamy water is good when you’re relaxing in your bathtub. But it’s not something you want to see in your pool. Foamy pool water can happen overnight, which can alarm homeowners who want to take a morning dip. Normally, foam comes from phosphates that have gotten into the water. Unlike bath bubbles, pool foam is dense and doesn’t pop when you touch it. That’s because it’s organic material, not air.

The organic material oversaturates the water, explaining why it won’t dissolve. That results in a cloudy-looking pool. You don’t have to worry too much because it won’t harm you. But it does make your pool look less than desirable, and your swimming experience won’t be as enjoyable.

There are some methods you can try to fix this issue, but it’s best to contact pool technicians. They will clear up your foamy pool water so you can return to your swimming routine.

Why Is … Read Full Post »

My Pool Is Still Green After Shock and Algaecide

A pool with green water

Nothing is more refreshing than taking a dip on a blistering hot day. But the excitement can turn to frustration when you see that your swimming pool has turned green overnight. It can happen for various reasons, but algae are the most likely culprit. The best thing you can do is to shock the pool or use an algaecide. However, it can remain green even after these treatments. Let’s go through some possible reasons for this issue and what you can do to prevent it from happening again.

Why Pools Turn Green

It can be a puzzling experience when your pool turns green seemingly overnight, but it is likely due to a chemical imbalance. Here are some explanations behind the mysterious change in your pool’s color.

Algae Overgrowth

Algae is the most probable reason for your pool’s green hue. These organisms are usually kept in check by proper chemical balance, transitions to colder weather … Read Full Post »

There’s Black Algae in My Pool: What Can I Do?

black algae in a pool

Having a pool at home is an amazing way to enjoy your backyard, entertain guests and cool off. Unfortunately, the environment around swimming pools also provides a breeding ground for the kinds of guests you don’t want, such as algae. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to get rid of algae and keep it from coming back to your pool in the future.

One of the most frustrating invaders in swimming pools is black algae. This type of algae is also known as blue-green algae. Despite its name, black algae is actually a type of bacteria that looks like black or dark blue-green mold. Not only can black algae make your pool look dirty and uninviting, but it can also be dangerous for anyone who gets in your pool. Swimming in or accidentally drinking pool water that’s infected with black algae can lead to serious health issues like liver damage.

The … Read Full Post »

How to Paint Trim Without Tape and Other Tips

a homeowner wearing red and yellow painting gloves with a paintbrush in hand getting ready to paint trim without tape

Updating a room with a new coat of paint is an inexpensive and relatively easy way to redecorate the whole house. Painting is a great home project—with just a roller, a can or two of paint and a few hours of your time, you can freshen up your space. But many people decide to forego painting the trim, since it seems like more of a detailed project requiring lots of precision and attention to detail. The mere idea of taping it all off is enough to turn some people off! The good news is, it’s actually fairly simple to learn how to paint trim without tape and make it look great. All you need is a few simple tips and tricks to make sure you’re doing the job right. If it turns out to be too big of a job, you can call in a professional to ensure that it … Read Full Post »

How to Clean Gutters From the Ground

A light blue and brick one story home

Cleaning your gutters is a necessary task, but it’s not something the average homeowner is excited to do. From handling dirt and debris to making sure you are using your ladder safely, the whole process can easily turn into a lot more than you bargained for. If you clean your gutters yourself, it can be tempting to put it off for quite some time.

However, it’s possible to simplify gutter cleaning at least a little. Specifically, it’s not always necessary to climb a ladder to clean your gutters, particularly if you recently had gutters installed or do keep up with regular cleaning. In fact, you may be able to remain on the ground the whole time if you have the right equipment. You have a few options for cleaning the gutters from the ground, depending on what tools you already have or are willing to rent or purchase.

Use Your Hose

The first … Read Full Post »

My Hot Tub Is Not Heating Up: What Is Going On?

A hot tub that is not heating up correctly

Hot tub owners often look forward to the end of the day when they can unwind and relax as they step into the warm water. If you turned your hot tub on hours ago and it still feels lukewarm, you are likely left wondering why your hot tub is not heating up. What might be going on with your hot tub and how can you fix it?

There are a few reasons why your hot tub may not be working properly: clogged parts, broken switches, a malfunctioning thermostat, a broken pump or a faulty heating element.

Clogged Pipes Or Filters

Dirt, debris and leaves can make their way into your hot tub either because of the wind or sometimes on the bottoms of your feet. The filters throughout the hot tub help to keep the water clean and the experience enjoyable. But, if too much dirt enters the filters, there won’t be any … Read Full Post »

Types Of Textured Walls And Other Painting Techniques

Types of textured walls

Many homeowners reach a point when they feel the urge to freshen up their interior living space. This might occur when you first purchase your home and want to update the colors of your walls before moving in, or it might not seem necessary until you’ve lived there for years and slowly arrived at the realization that you want a new look and feel for your home. Either way, making changes not just to the colors of your walls and ceiling but also their texture can be a great way to give your home a truly unique appeal. There are many types of textured walls to choose from in order to create the aesthetic you want, and each type is applied in a particular way, using certain tools and techniques.

The most popular options for wall textures include popcorn, orange peel, comb, slap brush, stomp brush, rose bud, sand swirl or … Read Full Post »

Can Power Washing Damage Concrete?

Power washing tips

One of the most satisfying, but time-consuming, outdoor tasks you can take on is power washing your driveway and walkways. While you know that using a power washer can almost magically erase built-up dirt, debris and stains from practically any surface, you might wonder: Can power washing damage concrete?

The quick answer is yes, power washing can degrade a concrete surface.

You can notice visible damage from water pressure at the level at which even light-duty power washers can operate. Therefore, if you aren’t careful, you can cause irreversible damage to your driveway or patio. Also, some concrete is weaker than others, making some areas more vulnerable to developing lines, pitting or other surface imperfections, not to mention the deterioration to joints if mortar or joint sand is washed away during the process.

The top reasons for pressure washing damage are using the wrong nozzle, excessive pressure, spraying too close to a concrete … Read Full Post »

How To Vacuum A Pool Using A Skimmer

How to vacuum a pool using skimmer

Most pool owners keep their chemicals balanced and use a hand skimmer when necessary to fish out leaves, twigs and other yard waste. But sometimes, big storms can bring all sorts of dirt and debris that can end up in a pool.

After one of these major weather events, or even after an infestation of algae, you may hope that your skimmer system can get your pool water clean again. But what if a few days go by, and it isn’t happening? Does this mean it’s time to manually vacuum your pool?

If you want to clean the bottom of your pool using your skimmer, you’ll need to gather the following materials:

  • A vacuum head—otherwise known as a vac head.
  • A telescopic pole that is long enough to reach even the deepest parts of your pool.
  • A vacuum hose that also can reach every part of your swimming pool.

You may want to use a skimmer … Read Full Post »