Pools are a great way to enjoy your outdoor space, but they can also become a serious maintenance headache if left unchecked. Keeping your pool well-maintained and free of leaks is essential to keeping the cost of ownership low.
There are many different things that can cause a pool to leak, from broken or cracked pipes to a torn vinyl liner. When your pool starts to leak, it can be very costly to repair – not to mention the potential damage it could do to your yard or other parts of your home.
How to Diagnose and Repair a Leaking Pool
The first step is to determine where the leak is located. There are a variety of ways to do this, but one of the best methods is to use dye testing.
This method is a great way to confirm where the leak is coming from, and it will also let you know whether or not it is located in the plumbing or pool structure.
If your pool leaks when the pump is running, but not when it’s off, that means it may be a suction-side leak. This happens when air is drawn in by the pump’s vacuum and escaping through a crack or hole in the piping.
These can occur anywhere in the pump system, including the skimmer, the filter valve, or the backwash or return lines. The cracks in these piping systems expand under pressure and can cause water to leak out of them.
Once you’ve identified the leak’s location, it’s time to begin repairing it. A pool leak can be expensive, so it’s important to do this quickly.
Start by taking a close look at the surface of your pool. The surface of your pool can be prone to cracking, especially if you have a fiberglass or concrete pool. If you see cracks, this is an indicator that your pool may be leaking.
It can be difficult to find a leak on the surface of your pool, as it is usually hidden by the tile line. However, if you are able to see cracks in the surface of your pool, it is worth repairing them to prevent further damage.
Another common way to identify a leak is to perform a bucket test. If you are using a bucket, fill it with water and place it over the area where you think there might be a leak.
Then, drop a small bottle of food coloring in the water and squirt it out next to the area. The color should bleed into the area that is leaking, so you can see exactly where it is coming from.
You can repeat this test a few times to get a better idea of the location of your leak. If you are still unsure where your leak is, it’s time to call a professional.
A leaky pool can be a huge expense, and it can even lead to mold, mildew, and other problems. A good contractor will know how to handle all the different aspects of a pool leak and make sure that it is properly repaired.
