Swimming Pool Repair Questions & Answers

Question submitted by user "Tim G.":

I was told by my pool guy that I need to have a new coping put in to hold the liner in place. I have another estimate that does not think that the coping needs to be changed. How do I know which is the better option?

Great question Tim. First of all let me say that I am happy that you sought the opinion of more than one pool company, but it sounds like a third quote might have helped to answer this question also. Let's look at the possible pro's and con's to your situation.

If you replace the coping now, you are going to be out of pocket some hard earned money - which is important. If you do not replace the coping then you will save a few hundred dollars, but assume a huge amount of risk.

If you skimp on the coping now and four or five years down the road you develop a problem with your coping, you will be looking at another new liner in addition to a new coping installation. Every professional has their own unique way of pricing a selling a liner job, but in most situations, the coping and coping installation cost is relatively low in comparison to the cost of the liner. Your new liner should last from 20-30 years, but if your coping only lasts 8...well.

The only time I would recommend to use the existing coping is if you have aluminum coping which has not corroded, stretched or distorted, then you may consider keeping it. If you have PVC coping - forget it. Get a new coping installed if at all possible. Some PVC coping styles are part of the poured cement deck surrounding your pool and can not be changed without breaking the deck open. This design gives no forethought to the longevity of the pool unfortunately so a coping change of this style of vinyl pool can be costly.

Conclusion - Spend a little more, and sleep a lot better.



Question submitted by user "Sarah J.":

My pool was just replastered and I had a new salt water system installed. They told me to put in the salt right away when the pool is full of water, but I have read online that you should wait before putting salt in. How long should I wait?

This is a question that I encounter all the time. What amazes me most is that so many pool builders do not read the literature that come with the products they sell. Do not put salt into a fresh plaster pool for a minimum of 30 days. At best, adding the salt before the concrete has cured and balanced its PH you will be wasting the salt as your SWG or salt water generator will not be able to turn on until the PH has balanced.

In the worst case you can cause damage to fresh plaster as it is still "green" or soft and is susceptible to damage during the first 30 days as the concrete continues to cure and harden underwater. Adding the salt early can cause pitting in your smooth plaster finish which is a real shame for someone who just spent thousands of dollars having it installed.

Conclusion - Wait a minimum of 30 days before adding salt to a fresh plaster pool


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