My Pool is Losing Water, What Do I Do If I Have a Leak?

Spotting Pool Leaks Before They Become Big Problems

Swimming pools are a great addition to any backyard or property. Not only do they provide a place to cool off during hot summer days, but they can also increase the value of your home. However, owning a pool comes with responsibilities, including maintenance and repair work. One of the most common problems that pool owners face is a leak. In this article, we will discuss how to tell if your pool is losing water, identifying the cause of a pool leak, ways to repair a pool leak, and offer suggestions and advice on how to proceed with repairing a pool leak if you're uncertain about performing the repair work yourself.

How to Tell if Your Pool is Losing Water

Pool water naturally evaporates due to exposure to the sun and wind, but if you notice a significant decrease in the water level, then it could be a sign of a leak.

Identifying the Cause of a Pool Leak

Once you have determined that your pool is leaking, the next step is to identify the cause of the leak. There are several reasons why a pool can leak, including cracks in the pool shell, leaks in the plumbing system, and damage to the pool equipment.

If you suspect that the leak is coming from the pool shell, you can conduct a visual inspection of the pool walls and floor. Look for cracks, chips, or gaps that may be allowing water to escape. If you find any damage, it's essential to get it fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Another common cause of pool leaks is damage to the plumbing system. The plumbing system includes pipes, valves, and fittings that are responsible for circulating water in and out of the pool. If any of these components are damaged, they can cause leaks. To check for leaks in the plumbing system, you can conduct a pressure test. This test involves isolating the plumbing system and pressurizing it to check for any leaks.

Damage to the pool equipment, such as the filter, pump, or heater, can also cause leaks. Check the equipment for any visible signs of damage or wear and tear. If you notice any issues, it's essential to get them repaired or replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Ways to Repair a Pool Leak

The method used to repair a pool leak will depend on the cause of the leak. If the leak is coming from the pool shell, you can use a pool patch kit to seal the crack or gap. If the leak is coming from the plumbing system, you may need to replace damaged pipes or fittings. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire plumbing system. If the leak is coming from the pool equipment, you may need to repair or replace the damaged equipment.

Important Parts of the Leak Detection Process

The leak detection process is a critical step in identifying and resolving leaks in a swimming pool. Here are some of the essential parts of the leak detection process:

Bucket Test: The bucket test is a simple yet effective way to determine if your pool is losing water due to evaporation or a leak. This test involves filling a bucket with water and placing it on the first step of the pool. The water level inside the bucket should be the same as the water level outside the bucket. Leave the bucket in the pool for 24 hours, and if the water level inside the bucket has gone down more than the water level outside the bucket, then there is a leak.

Visual Inspection: A visual inspection of the pool shell and equipment is essential for identifying any visible signs of damage or wear and tear. Look for cracks, chips, gaps, or other visible signs of damage that may be allowing water to escape. Also, inspect the pool equipment, such as the filter, pump, or heater, for any visible signs of damage or wear and tear.

Pressure Test: The pressure test is a more advanced method of leak detection that can help determine if the leak is coming from the plumbing system. This test involves isolating the plumbing system and pressurizing it to check for leaks. A pressure gauge is attached to the system, and if the pressure drops, it indicates that there is a leak.

Dye Test: A dye test can be helpful in identifying leaks in the pool shell or fittings. This test involves adding a dye to the water near the suspected leak, and if the dye is drawn out, it indicates a leak.

Electronic Leak Detection: Electronic leak detection is a more sophisticated method of leak detection that uses specialized equipment to detect leaks in the pool shell or plumbing system. This method can identify leaks that may not be visible to the naked eye, making it an effective way to detect and resolve leaks.

It's important to note that the leak detection process can be time-consuming and requires expertise and experience to conduct correctly. That's why it's best to hire a professional pool service company to perform a thorough leak detection process.

Purpose Pools - The Leading Experts in Pool Repairs in Las Vegas

Whether you think you may have a leak related to your pool equipment or have other pool-related repair problems in Las Vegas, Purpose Pools is the leading expert in pool repairs and provides professional and reliable pool services to homeowners throughout the local area.

Visit our website for all your pool equipment repair needs.