Having a swimming pool, no matter the size or type, is always a commitment. There’s never not a chance that there could potentially be a leak in your pool. Whether it be from lack of care or general wear and tear, you bet that your pool isn’t immune from a leak of some sort.
Here’s a quick guide on dealing with swimming pool leaks.
Look for Changes in or Around Your Swimming Pool
When you suspect, but aren’t sure, that your pool is leaking, the first thing to do is look for any noticeable changes or signs of damage surrounding or within your pool.
Signs of a pool leak might include a soggy lawn, cracked pool tiles, or alterations to the ground or flooring around your pool. A higher water bill may also signify a leaking pool, that is, if the pool has automatic water-leveling technology.
Confirm the Leak with the Bucket Method
When you’ve noticed the latter signs around your pool, it’s time to figure out if it’s actually a pool leak that you’re dealing with. The bucket method is a popular tactic for testing a leaking pool.
Start by filling a bucket of water with pool water. Keep the water level a few inches from the top of the bucket. Put the water-filled bucket on a step inside your pool; the water level outside the bucket should reach about two-thirds of the way up the bucket. Mark the top of the water lines with a permanent marker on the inside and outside of the bucket.
For the bucket method to work, this test must be conducted when there’s no rain in the forecast and with nobody swimming in your pool for 24 hours.
24 hours after collecting the bucket of water, check both of the water lines. The water lines should have decreased about the same amount if there isn’t a water leak.
Repeat the test one more time to be sure.
Find Where the Leak is At
If the bucket method fails, it may be time to be on the hunt for the source of the prospective leak, which can be done in many different ways.
From checking pool equipment, to performing an under-water pool inspection for pool cracks, to trying the dye method, these are all things you’re going to want to try to diagnose the leak.
Leave it to the Pool Professionals
Finding the source of a leak, let alone confirming that there’s a leak and resolving the leak if there is one, can be a lot to handle. To say the least, it can be stressful, confusing, and time-consuming.
If you want to speed up the process of resolving your pool issue, it may be best to leave the work to a professional Pool Service expert. This way, you can get the leak confirmed, found, and resolved much quicker. Not to mention, a professional can help with other pool-related repairs and maintenance tasks your pool might need.
Conclusion
Figuring out if your pool is leaking isn’t as easy as it might seem. Even if you are successful in verifying the leak and finding where it’s at, it’s not always easy resolving the leak properly. In this case, it’s a good idea to reach out to an expert who specializes in pool repairs and maintenance to get the best job done.