If you’re a pool owner, at some stage you have suffered with a pool leak.  It’s a confirmed fact that leaks make up the vast majority of swimming pool repairs.

If you own a swimming pool, you know what I’m referring to.  Who among us have not experienced the aggravation that arises from a swimming pool that will not stop leaking.

Here are the top four maintenance tips to help you stop the leak:

Swimming Pool Repairs Tip #1: Figure out if you actually have a leak.

Here is what you do:  perform the bucket test.  You’ll need to fill a pail with water and set it on the steps of your swimming pool using the top of the pail above water level. This will make sure that the water in and out of the pail will be the same temperature.   After several days you ought to compare the water loss in the pail compared to the swimming pool. If there is a difference, then you clearly have a leak.

Swimming Pool Repairs Tip #2: Check the plumbing.
Should you seem to be losing water using the filter system running, the leak is more than likely in the plumbing.   The first thing to do is examine where your backwash line comes out.  You are able to do this one of two ways. First, you can perform a pressure test on the lines, then dig, following the dripping line till you find it. Otherwise, you can phone in your local leak detection service. We’d highly recommend the latter, unless of course you like to dig. Professionals will utilize “geophones” to listen for the leak and only dig where necessary!

Swimming Pool Repairs Tip #3: Examine the vinyl liner.
A leak can be a little tougher to find and repair in a vinyl swimming pool, but it is not out of the question. We’d recommend that you simply first check around all the things that pierce the liner (main drain, returns, lights, etc.). Should you discover that the liner has broken free or is leaking behind a fitting, we would Highly advise that you call in your community pool specialist at this stage. Should you mess this repair up you could easily be looking at a new liner!  Should you do not identify a leak close to the fittings, you will need to investigate the liner itself.

Swimming Pool Repairs Tip #4: Check the concrete structure.
You will need some food coloring for this, and you’ll want to turn off the pump at least an hour in advance. In a concrete pool, any cracks in the shell are generally evident. By squeezing out the food coloring near the crack, you will see the crack pull the food coloring in. That will show you exactly where the pool is leaking.  Once the leak is found, it is simple to repair utilizing a patching substance. Most of them will work under water. After patching, check again with your food colouring to make certain you plugged the leak. Please take note that if you patch close to a fitting, you’ll want to leave the pump off while it cures, so the flow of water does not wash the patch away.

Conclusion:  

There are numerous reasons why we love our swimming pools, and the reasons are as diverse as individuals who own them.  One thing is constant however, they have to be looked after.  It’s a fact that if installed and maintained correctly they can supply decades of household fun.  Nevertheless, it’s important to pay attention to the maintenance to ensure the ongoing use of this fantastic asset.

Here are more helpful tips on how to squeeze the most enjoyment out of your pool:  Swim Pools.  Please check it out.