Do you notice that water is disappearing from the pool, and you do not know what is happening?
Perhaps the level of your pool is going lower and lower, or you find yourself refilling it more than normally?
Okay, it is alright to say we will discuss how to notice the signs in time and how to repair leaks in a pool with no hassle.
Leaks in swimming pools are normal, but once you understand where to locate them and what to do to fix them, it will not bother you for long.
Why It is Good to Catch Pool Leaks Early
Timely repair of problems with leaks in pools will not only preserve resources and prevent structural damage to your pool but also ensure that you have a pleasant swim.
In addition, an in-shape pool enhances the aesthetics and comfort of your house.
Checking and cleaning now and then will also enable you to maintain everything in good running condition.
Signs That Your Pool Might Be Leaking
Some leaks are easy to notice, and some are a bit sneaky. You just have to pay attention to small changes.
Look out for these signs:
Water Level Drops Without Splashing
Then there is the case when you do not even use the pool that much and see that the water level continues to decrease. It might not be only evaporation.
It is normal to lose a little water through natural evaporation over a short period, but not a lot of water. When it falls over 1/4 inch in a day, then it is time to check.
Wet Spots Around the Pool
Perhaps when you have not even used the pool, you may step on it on soft or wet ground, and it may be possible that the ground is leaking water. This may imply that something has leaked in the plumbing lines or structure.
Air in the Pump
Bubbles in the return lines or inside the pool could be a sign that air is getting into the system due to a leak in the suction side of the plumbing.
Cracks or Gaps
Pay attention to your tiles, swimming pool surface, and all around the lights or drains. Even tiny cracks or spaces can allow little-by-little leakages of water out. These may be small, but they may cause crashes in case they are not considered.
How to Do a Simple Leak Test at Home
Here’s a quick method called the bucket test. It’s simple and works well for most pool owners.
Bucket Test Steps:
- Fill a bucket with pool water and place it on the pool step so that it’s partly in the water.
- Mark the water level inside the bucket and also the pool water level outside.
- Leave the pool untouched for 24 hours.
- If the water in the pool drops more than the bucket, you probably leak.
Common Areas Where Leaks Happen
The leaks of a pool can appear in some common areas. You do not have to go through everything at one time; just take one step at a time.
Skimmer
The skimmer is perhaps the most frequent location of the leakages. The bonds between the skimmer and the pool wall wear out over a period. Inspect seams between the skimmer and pool structure to look for cracks.
Return Lines and Pipes
Leaks often happen underground in the pipes that send water back to the pool. If you notice wet soil or lower pressure from return jets, it’s worth checking.
Pool Lights
The space around underwater lights is another place where leaks may happen. Water can sneak through gaps between the light housing and the pool wall.
Pool Shell or Structure
Sometimes, the pool surface itself may develop small cracks. These can form due to ground movement or long-term use. They may not look serious, but they can still cause water to escape.
Easy Steps to Fix a Pool Leak
Once you find the source of the leak, fixing it can be pretty smooth. You can even handle some of them yourself. Here’s how:
Use Pool Sealants
For small cracks in the surface or around lights and returns, a good pool sealant works well. It’s safe to apply underwater and sticks easily.
Patch Kits
Vinyl pool owners can use patch kits that come with glue and material. These work on small tears and leaks. You don’t even need to drain the pool for some kits, which makes life easier.
Fix the Skimmer
A silicone-based sealant is needed to seal leaks near the skimmer. Switch off the pump, make the area clean, and from the edges apply the sealant to make it look neat.
Professional Help for Bigger Issues
If the leak is in a pipe underground or if you’ve tried everything and still see water loss, getting help from experts like 1 Pool Care can save you time and effort. They have proper tools and training to find and fix the issue without delay.
How to Avoid Future Leaks
Good pool care isn’t hard. You just have to be regular with small checks and cleaning. That’s it.
Keep Your Pool Clean
There can be small scratches on its surface, which are acquired in the long term because of leaves, dust, and dirt. Vacuuming and brushing help in achieving a smooth and clean floor in your pool as part of normal cleaning.
Monitor Water Levels
Get yourself into a habit of topping up your water. It is expected to stay somewhere halfway down the skimmer opening. And when it runs out, it is often then perhaps it is a good idea to check once again.
Regularly Inspect Equipment
Look outside the valves, pipes, filters, and the pump. Make up anything which is loose in its appearance, and in case of old fittings of any kind, replace them.
Don’t Ignore Small Cracks
As soon as you notice a small crack or change to the wall of the pool, fix it when it is small. What will end up as a large repair now can be managed by a small amount of sealant.
Final Thoughts
Locating and plugging a leak in a pool might appear to be a complicated task at the beginning of it, however, if you check and follow some simple procedures, you will make your pool safe, clean, and fun. Do not make it complicated. Be mindful of your pool, and perform small maintenance regularly and on a regular basis so that the problem can be rectified when they are still in its small stages. It is not only water preserving but also keeps your pool in good condition over a long period. The way the pool is being taken care of will always provide you and your family with a better and more relaxing experience in the pool.
