Now that the weather is going to start warming up for spring in the valley, it’s a good time for pool owners to assess their pools so they are ready for to make a splash with the season! One of the most common issues that pool owners deal with at some point is pool flow issues that are caused by a leak. Leaks actually are responsible for many pool repairs that are needed.
The good news is that there are some things the professionals at Aquaman Pools suggest to prevent a leak and to address leaks when they happen to reduce additional damage to the pool.
Due Some Due Diligence — If pool water levels seem uncharacteristically low, performing a simple and easy “bucket test” can help pool owners determine if they have a leak. Place the bucket on the steps of the pool and fill it with water to the very top. Make sure the bucket is placed above the pool’s water level. Stay out of the pool while doing this experiment, which should last about three or four days. On the fourth day, assess and compare the amount of water loss in the bucket as compares to the pool level. If there is a noticeable difference, it’s quite possible that the pool does have a leak.
Check the Pipes — If the pool does have a leak, it’s very possible that the leaks are to blame if the pool seems to be losing water when the filter system is running. To test whether the leak is in the pipes, a pressure test should be run on the lines. The professionals at Aquaman Pools are skilled in doing this type of test and also to pursue the lines that are leaking to find the source of the leak (and ultimately to fix it).
Check the Lining — For those with a vinyl pool lining, a leak or water flow issue can be a little more difficult to detect. If a pool’s vinyl lining is leaking behind a fitting or has broken free, this is a job for a professional. Once again, Aquaman Pools techs are here to help! It’s much more cost-effective to have a professional do the job right than for a less-than-skilled person to inadvertently cause more damage in trying to fix the leak, and that can lead to the need for an entirely new liner, which can get pricey.
Check the Concrete — Another way to assess whether the pool has a leak is to check the concrete. Another simple experiment can be done with another household item that most people have in their kitchen — food coloring. First, turn off the pool’s pump and wait at least an hour before starting this experiment. Then dive in and squeeze out a bit of food coloring near any cracks that could be possible leaks. A crack will suck the food coloring in — a tell-tale sign of a leak. These cracks are fairly easy to fix with a patch once the source of the leak is discovered. Most pool owners can manage a concrete leak by using patching materials. After the crack has been patched, do another food coloring test to ensure the leak has been properly patched.
If a pool owner suspects a leak, give these suggestions a try. Or feel free to call Aquaman Pools at any time — their technicians are skilled in all types of pool repairs, including leaks!
