How to Prevent Pool Water Loss Caused by Broken Pool Hoses
By Mark J. Donovan
|
|
I’ve owned two above ground pools over a 12 year period and have inevitably found myself replacing pool hoses each year. Sometimes I replace them as a standard maintenance task and other times I’ve found myself replacing them due to a sudden broken hose. Pool hose problems abound with above ground pools.
The main reason is due to poor quality pool hoses being sold by the pool manufacturers. The hoses are made of extremely thin plastic that is highly susceptible to ultraviolet light, which leads to cracking. Another key reason is the fact that the pool hoses hang off the side of the pool at nearly 90 degree angles. |
Due to the constant on/off water pressure through the hose, as the pool pump is turned on and off throughout the summer, the pool hoses are stressed. Finally, if the pool hoses are not outright cracking or breaking, they sometimes simply disconnect from the water outlet or filter connections.
| In each case, thousands of gallons of water are drained from the pool. Replacing the water can cost hundreds of dollars and you may go without your pool for days. No fun on a hot summer day with children wanting to swim in the pool.
There are a number of recommendations that I can make to avoid pool hose problems and prevent pool water loss. First, make sure to buy the highest quality pool hoses you can buy. Throw away the standard ones that come with the pool kit. They’re garbage and will end up costing you a lot of money when you least expect it. |
  |
Second, make sure to install shutoff valves on the pool filter and/or outlet and filter assembly. This way you can easily shut off the valves in the event of a pool hose problem and more easily change out the broken or cracked pool hose.
| Third, go very sparingly on the Vaseline. The pool manufactures recommend applying Vaseline to the hose or the adapter that it slides over. Though this makes sliding the pool hose over the adapter easy it also increases the possibility of the pool hose sliding off once it’s under pressure, even if a hose clamp is firmly fastened to it.
Lastly, apply duct tape near the end of the pool hose and then wind the duct tape up onto the other end of the pool valve assembly, basically forming a type of bra. |
 |
Though it may look slightly less than beautiful and sound a little funny, the duct tape can help to reinforce the hose at the tight bend and prevent the hose from simply falling off of the adapter, which I’ve seen happen before.
By following these few basic precautions you can avoid unexpectedly spending hundreds of dollars on adding fresh water to your pool and going without your pool in the peak of the hot summer.
Dress Up Your Home’s Exterior with an Arbor – If you’ve always wondered what to do about a side door entrance to your house or garage to make it more appealing, or just wanted to simply spice up the backyard, building an arbor may be your answer. The “How to Build an Arbor Ebook” provides detailed, step-by-step instructions and pictures on how to build an entrance-way arbor for your home. Order and Immediately Download today!. 100% Money-Back Guarantee if you are not satisfied.
Planning to have a Brick or Paver Walkway Installed by a Landscaping Contractor but not sure what questions to ask to ensure you hire the right one? See HomeAdditionPlus.com’s Brick and Paver Walkway Bid Sheet. The Brick and Paver Walkway Bid Sheet will help ensure that your walkway project goes smoothly and you get the finished walkway you are looking for.
Additional Landscaping Resources from Amazon.com
  |
  |
Free Home Addition Price Quotes with No Obligation!
Fill out our 3-5 minute quick and easy form, and receive a free price quote on a house addition from one of our prescreened and licensed home addition contractors. This process is free and there is no obligation to continue once you receive your house addition price estimate.