Your Newport Coast home was made for  southern California  living. Whether it is a restored bungalow or a Mediterranean villa, most of our homes feature outdoor entertaining areas. These may contain an outdoor barbeque, pool, spa or hot tub.  Have you ever wondered if these amenities add value to your home?

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission the answer is “Yes”.  They find that a pool can add value, especially if you live in Arizona, California, Florida, or New Mexico. In these climates, the National Association of Realtors estimates that a pool can increase your property value by over 7%. However, the condition of your pool, spa, or hot tub is a key factor in the amount of value it adds to your Newport Beach home. It only makes sense to make sure it is well-maintained and that repairs are done properly.

Do It Yourself versus Professional Pool and Spa Repair

Some pool and spa repairs can be do it your self projects. If you are handy and have the time, you can make some pool and spa repairs yourself. Only you can be a judge of your knowledge, skills, and capabilities.  Don’t let your desire to save money by doing it yourself end up having a negative impact on the value of your pool or spa.

Spa/Hot Tub Cover Repair. For example, if the cover to the spa at your Newport Coast home is cracked, it is possible to repair the crack with a vinyl patch. All you need to do is:

• Purchase a piece of vinyl from the hardware or automotive store that is similar in thickness and grain to your existing cover. Then cut a patch one inch larger than the crack.
• Clean the area around the crack with a commercial grade vinyl cleaner. Be sure to remove all dirt, grime, and oils or else your patch will not stick properly.
• Sand the area to be patched with a fine grit sandpaper and remove all dust.
• Apply a think layer of vinyl adhesive to the area to be patched (be sure not to use too much)
• Place your vinyl patch over the adhesive and smooth out any bubbles
• Wait 24 hours and paint the patch with vinyl paint that has been matched to the exact color of the existing vinyl; and
• Hope that you did a good job and were able to get an exact paint match, that you purchased the proper grade and type of vinyl, that the surface was prepared properly and that your patch is not only invisible but will last.

Or, you can call the experts at Beachside Pool Service for a replacement cover that will cost much less than you think. The do it yourself job just might end up looking like Frankenstein’s hot tub cover and will actually detract from the value of your property. A professional cover made by Beachside will not detract from the value of the home.

Pool Pump Repair. There are many reasons your pool pump may not operate properly. The impeller may be clogged, the bearings may be worn, the seal may be deteriorating, or it may be caused by a problem with the breaker or timer. If the pump does not turn on at all:

• First check the breaker. Is it in the off position? If so, return to on position. If the breaker continues to be thrown you need to call in an expert (unless you are an electrician)
• If the breaker is in the correct position, then check the timer. Is it set correctly? Is the timer operating correctly?

Maybe the problem is with the pump itself. Is the impeller clogged? To clean the impeller, you will need to take the pump apart. To do this:

• Relieve the pressure in the pump, by turning the pressure valve in the filter.
• Remove the pump from the pump housing
• Remove diffuser from pump
• Inspect impeller. If it is clogged remove debris.
• Reassemble the diffuser and pump and reattach to the housing. Make sure all gaskets are in place and all connections are tight so that system will re-pressurize.

 The better idea is to just pick up the phone and call Beachside Pool Service at (949) 939-0023 and let the experts troubleshoot the problem. Estimates are always free. Plus, you can trust Beachside to tell you when it makes more sense to repair or replace pool or spa equipment.

There are many things you do well. Pool and spa repairs to your Newport Coast home don’t have to be one of them.

Images courtesy of Pixomar@Free Digital Photos