Have a Pool Leak?

Are you suspecting that you have a pool leak? The best way to confirm your suspicions is by hiring a pool professional. The thought of having a pool leak can be daunting to homeowners. Luckily, you can always fix this issue. There are many techniques used to repair the problem. Loss of pool water can be one of the major signs of a pool leak. But it would be best to get the opinion of a pool professional before jumping to conclusions.

How do you find out you have a pool leak? The Bucket Test

One of the cheapest ways to find out if you have a pool leak is by conducting the bucket test. The bucket test helps you know whether the water lost in the pool is caused by evaporation. If you wish to conduct this test, follow the steps below:

• The first thing to do is to ensure you have the right water level in your pool.
• Take a bucket and fill it with the pool water.
• Put the bucket on the pool’s steps (preferably on the second step of the pool). If possible, use a calibrated bucket to read the results easily.
• Use a permanent marker to mark the water level in the bucket. The pump should be off at this time.
• Switch on your pump and leave the bucket in the pool for approximately 24 hours.
• When the day is over, compare the water levels of the bucket and that of the pool. If the pool’s water level drops more than the bucket, this could signal a leak. However, if the two water levels drop the same, it is unlikely that your pool leaks.

The bucket test is a great way to find out whether your pool has a leak. The best thing about this test is that it consumes less time, effort, and money. However, hiring a pool service pro is always advisable to examine whether you have a pool leak.

Most common causes of a pool leak

Swimming pools are always prone to wear and tear after several years of use. Although you may observe great pool maintenance techniques, your pool will eventually need repair. One of the most common problems that affect pools is a pool leak. Let’s look at some of the causes.

Mechanical Issues

More often than not, it can be hard to identify a drop in your pool’s water level. However, a rise in your water bills can signal a problem. Also, constantly having unbalanced water chemistry can be an indication of a leak. This is because there will always be less pool water to dilute the chemicals. You will always notice that the pool water level will significantly drop when the pump is off. Also, if you see air flowing into the pump basket, this may indicate a pool leak.

Structural Damage

Another major cause of a pool leak is structural damage. When your pool has structural cracks, your pool could have a leak. Structural cracks can occur anywhere on the surface of the pool and can be hard to spot. Nevertheless, note that not all cracks in your pool signal a pool leak. Some cracks only occur to ruin the aesthetics of your pool. Whenever you notice a crack in your pool, take the initiative to fix it immediately. Otherwise, you increase its chances of widening and causing a leak.

Keep in mind that leaks tend to occur around pool lights and skimmer lines. So, try your best to examine these areas from time to time. You can do this using the dye test. If you suspect you have a leak around these areas, call in a professional.

Plumbing

Pool leaks also occur due to a damaged plumbing system. Underground plumbing systems are more vulnerable to punctures and tears. If you think that your plumbing system has a leak, hire a reputable pool contractor. They will confirm the leak using sonar equipment. It would be best to fix the leak immediately. Failure to do so would lead to extensive damage to the pool.

Broken Pipes

Another major cause of a pool leak is broken pipes. At times, your skimmer lines may rupture or tear, hence leading to pool leaks. Hire a professional to monitor your piping system constantly. This way, you’ll avoid common pool leaks.

Conclusion

At one point in time, your pool will develop a pool leak. Fixing the problem requires you to know the source of the problem. There are many causes of pool leaks. Some include damaged plumbing and piping systems. At Fox Pools, we have the best contractors who help you detect and fix a pool leak. Often, they focus on finding the primary source of the problem and repairing it immediately.