After Arizona's hottest summer on record, Valley homeowners are discovering the consequences in their backyards. Scottsdale-based Optimal Pool Care reports that repair and cleanup requests have increased since August, driven primarily by failed pumps, algae-filled pools, and scaled or cracked surfaces.
The heat arrived early and persisted well into the season. Phoenix recorded 100 degrees as early as March 18, the earliest such reading in 20 years, and set a daily record of 114 degrees on August 25. Statewide, the summer averaged 2.7 degrees above normal temperatures.
"Most homeowners think of a pool as something that sits there all summer. In reality, the pump, filter and water chemistry were working overtime for six straight months. By October, a lot of that equipment is worn out, and the damage usually doesn't show until something fails," said Santos Castro, owner of Optimal Pool Care.
Optimal Pool Care technicians report that this summer's damage generally falls into three categories: overworked equipment, algae and unbalanced water, and surface and tile damage. Pumps operate longer hours to keep hot water circulating and clean, causing motors to overheat and bearings to wear. Sun and heat deplete chlorine faster than many homeowners replenish it, allowing pools to turn green within days. Constant evaporation deposits calcium from the Valley's hard water, building scale on tile and plaster, while extreme temperature fluctuations crack coping and loosen tile.
To help homeowners assess damage, Optimal Pool Care recommends looking for five warning signs this fall: a pump that sounds different, such as grinding or loud humming, or trips the breaker; water that won't stay clear and returns to cloudy or green days after treatment; a white crust at the waterline from calcium scale; rough, stained or flaking plaster that feels like sandpaper; and cracked coping or loose tile that can allow water behind the tile and lead to more extensive repairs.
Fall is the time to fix it, according to the company, which advises homeowners to have their pump, filter, water chemistry, and surfaces inspected before minor heat damage becomes a significant repair heading into next summer. Optimal Pool Care provides weekly pool cleaning and full repair service across Scottsdale, Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Cave Creek, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, and Chandler, with written pricing provided upfront before any work begins.
"Weekly service is the best protection against a summer like this one. When someone checks your chemistry, cleans your filter and listens to your pump every week, small problems get fixed before they turn into a $1,000-plus pump replacement," Castro said.
Homeowners can schedule pool cleaning or repair service by visiting optimalpoolcare.com.
