On July 4, 2019, our neighbors in Kern County suffered the first of several whopping earthquakes that originated in sunny Trona, CA. While we certainly notice massive quakes and aftershocks, subtle seismic activity can alter our pools slowly over time too. Whether you survived July’s “Freedom Quakes” in Ridgecrest or didn’t feel so much as a shimmy, now is the ideal time to check your pool for damage.
How to Check Your Pool for Earthquake Damage
Take a slow and careful walk around your pool, and do it more than once over a period of a few days! Sometimes seismic damage won’t show up right away. You definitely want to inspect your pool several times before the chilly desert winter hits. Here’s what to look for:
- Big cracks are the obvious sign your pool has suffered seismic damage, but there are other more subtle signs to look for too.
- Tiny hairline cracks in concrete are a forewarning of troubled waters ahead.
- Missing, cracked or damaged tiles.
- Water or moisture anywhere it shouldn’t be. This can be hard to detect in the arid Antelope Valley, moisture evaporates quickly. If you walk your pool a few times you’ll be able to tell where a little water puddled up overnight and then disappeared with the sun.
- Broken pipes anywhere on your property might mean pool damage.
- Unusually high water bills may mean you have a cracked pipe or other leaking issues. You might have other underground issues happening that will affect your pool.
What to do if you see damage to your pool
Contact us! The professionals at Alan Jackson Pools are here to help! “We have the tools and experience necessary to keep your pool looking its best. By investing in pool maintenance, you’ll reduce the chances of encountering a major issue with your pool when you want to use it the most.”
Related Reading & Resources:
US California hit by 7.1 Earthquake