Inspecting and maintaining your pool regularly can help identify potential issues like leaks before they wreak havoc on your pool. The good news is that you don’t have to be a pool expert to diagnose a water loss problem. Instead, by simply observing your pool water levels or inspecting the plumbing system, you can identify possible causes. This article will help you learn how to manage leakages in your pool system.
Determine The Actual Issue
Sometimes what you think a leaking pool can be an entirely different problem. For instance, on a sunny day, if you assume your swimming pool has leaks (because the water level is lower than usual), you might be overlooking evaporation as a contributing factor. The average pool is estimated to lose up to two inches of water per week due to weather conditions. Your pool’s water level is likely to drop rapidly if exposed to extreme temperatures and low humidity in the environment. So, before you conclude that your pool’s dwindling water level is due to a leak, it’s worth examining the kind of weather conditions that your region is experiencing presently.
Conduct A Bucket Test
Concerning pool maintenance, it is worth pointing out that even the tiniest leak can lead to severe problems. Not only does a leaking pool waste a lot of water, but it can also cause severe structural damage to your home if not caught early enough. Therefore, you will need to conduct a bucket test to check whether your pool is leaking. Here is a simple guide on how to perform this test:
- Fill up a regular bucket with water from your pool.
- Position the water-filled bucket on one of your pool steps and adjust the water level inside the bucket to match the water level inside your pool.
- Make a mark of the water level inside and outside the bucket so that you can see and track the water levels in your water bucket and inside your pool.
- Compare the water levels inside and outside the bucket to see whether evaporation is happening consistently or your pool is losing water quickly, possibly due to a leak.
While this test won’t help you get to the bottom of the problem, it can clue you in on the fact that your pool is losing water due to a structural issue.
Get To The Root Of The Problem
If you’ve already ascertained that evaporation isn’t the cause of the water loss, try to figure out why and where the pool might be leaking. For example, if your pool is quite old, it might have structural defects, such as damaged piping, which can cause it to leak. Likewise, if your pool wasn’t plumbed in correctly, some pipes may be leaking due to loose fitting. Finally, if your pool was correctly installed by a professional, you might want to contact them to request an inspection of your pool lines and systems.
Take Precautionary Measures
One of the most effective ways to prevent pool leaks is by conducting an annual pool and plumbing system inspection. While general inspections and maintenance work often requires the expertise of a professional, there are other potential pool leak areas that you can quickly troubleshoot on your own. Some leak-prone areas you can check include the skimmer and return interfaces.
Rule Out Plumbing As a Potential Cause
Often, pool leaks can arise when the plumbing related to the pool is damaged or not fitted properly. Therefore, it is always a good idea to include annual pool plumbing inspections in your home maintenance practice. This is especially important if you live in a region that experiences adverse weather since your pool’s plumbing is more likely to experience structural damage or wear and tear.
Be On The Lookout For Signs Of Leaks
Several signs can clue you in on a pool leak problem. While some of these signs may not be immediately obvious, others are pretty easy to detect. Here are some of the things to look out for:
- An inexplicably high rate of pool water loss that can’t be attributed to normal evaporation
- Shifting of pool tiles
- A sudden increase in your water or energy costs
- An increase in algae growth inside and around your pool
- Presence of puddles of water in your yard or on your property
Hire A Pool Service Professional
If you are worried that your pool is losing water due to a leak, you can call pool service professionals immediately. Not only will they fix the leak and save you tons of money on water and energy bills, but they will also clean and treat your pool to prepare it for your swimming pleasures. Moreover, as mentioned above, leaving a leaking pool unattended for prolonged periods can lead to severe structural damage over time. So get in touch with our team at Mokupuni Pool Service & Repair to find out whether your pool might have a leak. We are a full-service pool maintenance company offering pool cleaning and chemical treatment to Oahu residents. Call us to book an appointment today.