Now that warmer weather is here to stay and pool owners are getting to spend more time in their swimming pools, they are more likely to notice if things are slightly off. Maybe you've noticed that your pool water is dirtier than usual, or your pool pump is noisier than you remember. Spend enough time in your swimming pool, and you might notice that the water level lowers with each swim. While this may be due to water splashing out of the pool every time you get in or out, it can also be due to a leak.
If you think you might have a pool leak, it is important to take the necessary steps to find and identify the issue and fix it as soon as possible. Pool leaks can cause significant damage to your property and can be very expensive to repair if not taken care of swiftly. In this blog post, the team at Sea Breeze Pools will outline the steps that homeowners need to take if they suspect they have pool leaks.
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What to Do If You Think You Have a Swimming Pool Leak
Assess the Situation
Investigate Possible Underground Plumbing Leaks
Check Plumbing
Look for Equipment Leaks
Call in the Experts
Assess the Situation
Several factors could be to blame for fluctuating water levels, and it's not always due to the pool leaking. If you notice that your pool water level is lower than normal, your first step is to assess the situation. Water loss could be due to evaporation, splashing out, or –– unfortunately –– a pool leak.
To determine if you have a pool leak, turn off all pumps and filters and measure the water loss over 24 hours using the bucket test. The bucket test is done by placing a 5-gallon bucket on the second step of your swimming pool and filling it to match the pool's water level. If, after leaving the bucket overnight, you notice that the water level in the pool is lower than the level of the bucket, then the bucket test has revealed a potential pool leak.
Watch Our In-depth Video about How to Perform a Bucket Test Below.
Investigate Possible Leaks
Once you have determined that you are losing water due to a pool leak, it is time to investigate where the leaks might be coming from. This can be done by checking for cracks in the pool deck or pool wall, around the tile line, in the pool light niches, and in the spa jets. After the initial pool leak detection, finding the leak will be the most important (and urgent) step, so be sure to look closely and carefully to try and identify all pool leaks.
Check Your Plumbing System
If there are no visible signs of a leak on the surface of your pool or spa, the next step is to check the underground plumbing. This can be done by turning off all pumps and filters and measuring the water loss over 24 hours. If your pool only leaks with the equipment on, the leak could be coming from either the equipment pad or underground pool plumbing system. During this step, monitor the ground surrounding your equipment pad for puddles or wet ground. To properly test the pressure of your plumbing lines and identify the potential underground plumbing leak once and for all, you may want to have the experts at Sea Breeze take a look.
Look for Equipment Leaks
The final step in investigating pool leaks is to check for leaks in your pool equipment. This includes checking the skimmer box, pool pump strainer basket, and filter housing. Most pool leaks are due to pool skimmers, as the plastic skimmer and concrete pool will often separate. In a pinch, pool putty can help to seal off this leak, but a longer-term professional fix is ideal.
Call in the Experts at Sea Breeze Pools
If you have followed all these steps and can still not find the source of your pool leaks, it is time to contact a professional. Leak detection can often involve complex tools, and qualified pool technicians like the pros at Sea Breeze Pools will be able to locate and repair your leak quickly and efficiently. Ready to get your pool back in action and make the most out of warmer weather? Contact Sea Breeze Pools by filling out our online form or giving us a call at (407) 385-2847.
Let Sea Breeze Pools Make Your Pool Crystal Clear & Ready for Swimming
Sea Breeze Pools services the following locations in Greater Central Florida:
Apopka, Lake Mary, Metro West, Mt. Dora, Oakland, Orlando, Sorrento, Longwood, Ocoee, Windermere, and Winter Garden.