If you’re a pool owner in Cape Town, keeping your swimming pool in top shape is essential—not just for appearance, but for safety, water hygiene, and property value. However, many signs of damage or wear go unnoticed until they lead to costly repairs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 5 urgent signs that your swimming pool needs professional repairs, why acting fast matters, and where to get expert pool services in Cape Town.
1. Cracks in Pool Walls or Flooring
Cracks in your fibreglass, marbelite, or concrete swimming pool may be early signs of serious structural damage, often requiring professional pool repair services in Cape Town. Small hairline cracks can eventually lead to water loss, pool shell separation, or structural instability.
What causes pool cracks?
- Ground movement
- Poor installation
- Harsh Cape Town weather
- Age-related wear
Solution: Book a Cape Town pool inspection with a specialist who can assess whether you need crack repair, relining, or structural reinforcement.
Learn more about fibreglass pool repairs
2. Persistent Pool Leaks
Unexplained drops in water level could indicate hidden leaks. Swimming pool leak detection is essential to prevent water waste, high bills, and potential damage to the foundation.
Signs of a leak include:
- Needing to top off water often
- Wet spots near the pool deck
- Algae growth despite chemical use
Solution: Get a pressure test or dye test from a leak detection specialist in Cape Town to confirm the source. Often, cracks behind tiles or faulty plumbing are to blame.
How to detect and repair a pool leak
3. Cloudy or Discoloured Water
Murky, green, or discoloured pool water is a common issue among Cape Town homeowners and usually points to faulty swimming pool circulation, damaged filtration systems, or poor water treatment practices.
Potential causes:
- Imbalanced chemicals
- Algae build-up
- Broken or clogged filters
- Inefficient pumps
Solution: Schedule a full system clean, water treatment, or pump replacement service to restore crystal-clear conditions.
Guide to cleaning and servicing pool filters
4. Damaged or Missing Tiles & Coping
Loose tiles or cracked coping can signal long-term water damage, common in aging swimming pools in Cape Town—especially those with marbelite or mosaic tiling.
Why it matters:
- Tiles protect the pool structure
- Gaps allow water to enter and cause erosion
- Sharp edges can injure swimmers
Solution: Consider professional pool tile repair or full cosmetic renovation for improved aesthetics and longevity.
Swimming pool tile repairs and design options
5. Unusual Noises from the Pump or Filter
If your pool pump makes unusual noises or your filtration system underperforms, you may need urgent swimming pool equipment repair or filter system upgrades by a Cape Town pool technician.
Common symptoms:
- Grinding, humming, or screeching sounds
- Reduced water circulation
- Pump turning on and off erratically
Solution: Don’t wait for a complete failure. Book an inspection for possible motor issues, seal replacements, or a new energy-efficient pump.
Common pool pump issues and solutions
Fibreglass Pool Blistering & Fungal Surface Damage: What You Need to Know
Blistering and fungal growth on fibreglass swimming pool surfaces are common problems that develop over time—especially in older pools across Cape Town. These issues not only affect the aesthetics of your pool but also indicate deeper issues within the fibreglass shell that require urgent attention.
What Causes Fibreglass Blisters?
Blisters are caused when water penetrates the gel coat layer of a fibreglass pool and reacts with the resins beneath the surface. This chemical reaction forms osmotic blisters, which appear as raised, bubble-like formations on the pool walls or floor. If untreated, they can cause delamination, surface cracks, and lead to water leaks.
Signs of Fibreglass Pool Blistering:
- Raised bumps or blisters on the pool surface
- Soft spots when pressed
- Surface peeling or bubbling
- Discolouration near the blisters
What About Fungal Growth?
Fungal infestations can develop beneath the fibreglass layers, especially in pools with poor drainage, improper maintenance, or compromised surfaces. These fungi often appear as dark spots or discolouration and are notoriously hard to eliminate without professional treatment.
Solution: Solution: A full fibreglass resurfacing or professional blister repair service is recommended. This ensures the pool is safe, hygienic, and maintains its structural integrity.
At Pools Reno, we offer specialised services to:
- Sand down and remove damaged gel coat and blistered areas
- Apply anti-fungal treatment to kill root-level fungal infections
- Re-coat the pool with a new high-performance fibreglass lining
- Restore waterproofing and aesthetic finish
Learn more about fibreglass pool resurfacing
⚠️ Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Blisters and Fungal Damage
Ignoring blistering or fungal signs can compromise your pool’s structure and increase the cost of future repairs. In worst-case scenarios, untreated fibreglass damage leads to full relining or shell replacement. Timely repair not only restores your pool’s look but also protects your investment.
📍 Serving all areas across Cape Town including Bellville, Durbanville, Somerset West, and Stellenbosch.
Marbelite Pool Surface Corrosion: Causes, Risks, and Repairs
Marbelite pool surfaces are known for their durability and smooth finish, but over time, they can suffer from corrosion and surface deterioration. This is especially common in Cape Town pools exposed to chemical imbalances and weather extremes.
What causes marbelite corrosion?
- Low pH or acidic water
- Inconsistent calcium hardness levels
- Harsh or frequent acid washes
- Aging or unbalanced pool chemicals
Warning signs to watch for:
- Rough, pitted, or flaking surfaces
- Discolouration or stains on pool walls
- Exposed aggregate beneath the plaster layer
Why it matters: Corroded marbelite weakens the pool shell, increases the risk of injury, and can make cleaning and maintenance more difficult.
Recommended solution:
We offer professional marbelite pool resurfacing in Cape Town, including surface acid neutralisation, smoothing, and cosmetic reapplication. In some cases, a full conversion to fibreglass relining may be more cost-effective.
Learn about marbelite and fibreglass resurfacing options
Why Early Pool Repairs Save You Money
Neglecting minor issues leads to major repair costs, potential safety hazards, and even water loss fines. Whether you’re in Durbanville, Bellville, or Somerset West, we recommend scheduling a professional pool inspection if you notice any of these signs.
Call Pools Reno for Expert Swimming Pool Repairs in Cape Town
Whether you have a fibreglass leak, malfunctioning equipment, or cloudy water, our team at Pools Reno delivers fast, affordable, and professional solutions.
We also specialise in:
- Fibreglass relining & resurfacing
- Swimming pool renovations
- Leak detection and repair
- Pool filter and pump installations
- Weekly and monthly pool servicing
- Green pool recovery
- Salt chlorinator installations
- Marbelite crack repair
📍 Serving Cape Town, Bellville, Durbanville, Somerset West, Strand, and surrounding suburbs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do I know if my pool is leaking?
If you notice your water level dropping consistently despite no visible splashing or evaporation, it could be a leak. Wet patches around your pool, unexplained algae growth, or needing to top up often are signs.
Read our full guide to pool leak detection
2. Is cloudy pool water always a chemical issue?
Not always. While poor chemical balance is common, cloudy water may also indicate filter blockages or pump malfunctions.
Check out how to clean your pool filter properly.
3. Can cracked tiles be fixed without a full renovation?
Yes. We offer individual tile and coping repairs, which is more cost-effective than full resurfacing—especially for minor damage.
4. What causes a noisy pool pump?
Grinding or humming sounds often mean the bearings are worn out, the impeller is blocked, or the pump motor is failing.
Find out more in our pool pump repair article.
5. Do you offer emergency swimming pool services in Cape Town?
Yes, at Pools Reno, we offer fast-response services for urgent pool problems including leaks, filtration issues, and structural concerns.
Contact our emergency repair team
6. How much does professional pool repair cost in South Africa?
Costs depend on the issue, but small repairs can range from R2000 to R6,000, while major renovations may be more.
Visit our pricing page for pool services for estimates.
7. How long do fibreglass pools last before needing repairs?
With proper maintenance, fibreglass pools can last over 20 years. Minor gelcoat issues or cracks may appear over time and are repairable.
More info: Fibreglass Pool Relining Guide
8. What pool equipment problems need urgent attention?
Strange pump noises, poor water circulation, and inconsistent filtration all require urgent repairs. Damaged pool equipment can lead to water quality issues and higher energy costs.
Diagnosing and repairing pool filter problems
9. Can you also help with pool renovation or resurfacing?
Absolutely. In addition to repairs, we offer complete swimming pool renovations, cosmetic upgrades, and fibreglass resurfacing throughout Cape Town.
Explore our marbelite pool resurfacing services
10. What areas do you serve around Cape Town?
We provide professional pool repair and renovation services across:
- Bellville
- Durbanville
- Somerset West
- Strand
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
11. Are cracks in my fibreglass pool a serious problem?
Yes. Even small cracks in fibreglass pools can expand over time, causing leaks and structural issues. Professional fibreglass pool repair can restore strength and prevent further damage.
Fibreglass pool shell repair and relining services
Call to Action: Book a Pool Inspection Today
Don’t wait for a small pool problem to become a major headache. Our Cape Town-based experts are ready to assess your pool and provide affordable, fast repairs that last.
➡️ Contact Pools Reno now for a free quote or professional inspection:
Request a Quote | 📍 Serving Cape Town & Surrounds
Pools Reno – Your Trusted Partner for Pool Repairs, Renovations & Installations in Cape Town.
