Swimming pool Q&A

This time of year when the leaves are falling, pool pipes can get clogged.

The pipes usually can handle a small amount of leaves, but when homeowners try to vacuum their pool or when automatic cleaners suck up too many leaves at one time, the debris can become lodged in the underground pipes. The clog greatly reduces water flow to the pump and starves the pump for water. Without adequate water flow, the pool does not circulate or filter properly.

This problem can be avoided by using an in-line leaf basket with your manual or automatic cleaner. The in-line basket traps the leaves and debris before it gets to the pool pipes. The in-line baskets are available at any pool-supply store and cost about $65, which is less than a repair call to unclog the line.

If an underground pool pipe does become clogged, it can be problematic to clear out the debris. A plumbing “snake” usually won’t work on pool pipes because the pipes use 90-degree elbows.

Also, for sanitary reasons, you would not use a plumbing snake that has been used on sewer lines. Pool pros usually use water pressure to clear the line.

“Portable pool pumps are also used to suck the clog out of the pipe,” says Steve Bludsworth, owner of All-Pool Service & Supply in Orlando, Fla. A portable pump is set up on the pool deck, and a short hose is used to vacuum the pipes. This is a job for a licensed, trained and insured professional, Bludsworth says.

To prevent problems, make sure any pool vacuum has an in-line leaf basket, or manually remove the leaves from the pool using a net or leaf bagger that attaches to a garden hose before vacuuming the pool; then you are vacuuming only the dirt.

Also, make sure all the strainer baskets in the pool are in good shape and don’t have any cracks. This includes the pump, the skimmer and the in-line leaf baskets.