Think Your Pool Is Leaking? Don’t Panic!
Whether your pool is losing water incrementally or at an alarming rate, “pool” and “leak” are never two words pool owners want to hear in the same sentence! And rightly so. Pool leaks can be costly in the short term with added costs for water, pool chemicals and in the long term can even cause damage to pool equipment, plumbing, pool liners, even structural damage.
After years of providing leak detection services, we have found that even considering the high cost of water bills or the anticipation of a costly repair, pool owners worry more about how they can accurately locate the leak in order to repair it and go on enjoying their pools for the rest of the season.
If you are visiting this page, then it is likely you or someone you know suspects their pool is leaking. Think twice before digging up your pool area, or worse, breaking up a concrete deck!
ReedPool can usually find an underground leak within a foot or two using sophisticated sonic equipment and the latest leak detection tools. If your leak is in the pool shell or liner we have divers on staff who are also experts in underwater repairs.
Before we go any further, let’s determine whether your pool is indeed leaking.
Are you losing more than ¼ inch of water in a 24 hour period?
While it is normal for a pool to lose a moderate amount of water due to evaporation and splash out, any amount greater than a 1/4 inch per day may indicate that you have a leak!
Are your water or pool chemical bills higher than normal?
If you are still not sure, here’s a test to better determine whether the water loss is only evaporation or something more.
Be Your Own Leak Detective!
In order to do the bucket test, fill a plastic bucket with pool water. Place the bucket on the pool steps. Mark the water level inside the bucket with a marker. Mark the water level of the pool on the outside of the bucket. Check the bucket after 12-24 hours. If the water loss on the outside of the bucket is greater than the water loss on the inside of the bucket, you have a leak.
Now let’s try to narrow the location of the leak down a bit. Repeat the test but this time shut off the pool pump. Is the water loss over the same time period more, less, or the same? If water loss is the same, the leak is probably in the liner, or main drain. If water loss is greater when the pump is off, the leak is probably in a suction line. If water loss is less when the pump is off, the leak is probably in a return line.
Note: If you have an “autofill” feature, please shut off for duration of test to ensure you achieve proper results.
When To Call the Leak Detection Experts
Occasionally pool owners can identify a leak on their own. Most often, they still need a little professional help! Here’s what you can expect when you contact us about our leak detection services.
