With the weather warming up, many of us are looking forward to return to the swimming pool. However, as most pool owners are aware, swimming pools need to be topped up regularly due to water loss from splash out and evaporation. So how do you know if your pool is losing too much water due to a leak?
Apart from sudden and rapid loss of water, other signs include an unusually high-water bill, cracks around the concrete of the pool, and the pump sounding like it is sucking in air. You might also notice a constant ‘wet’ or ‘moist’ patch of grass or garden near the pool, indicating an underwater leak
However, if your pool is more exposed to the wind and sun, or if you have a spa pool, then you may have more evaporation and water loss compared to others. In the case of the water level dropping more than usual, a simple bucket test is advisable to see if you may have a leak.
- Ensure water level of pool is correct.
- Fill bucket approximately ¾ full.
- Put bucket on the step of the pool.
- While pump is not running, mark the water level, with a waterproof marker, on the inside and outside of the bucket.
- Leave for 24 hours, with the pump operating as normal, and compare the water levels against both marks.
- If the pool water has dropped more than the water in the bucket, it is most likely that you have a leak.
NB. Rain will change the result, so the test should be repeated.
If you suspect a pool leak, it’s important to arrange for a professional leak detection expert to conduct a proper test for pool leaks, as they can be difficult to locate involving such large areas with underground pipework. Leaks can also be tricky to pinpoint depending on the material used to construct the pool. Even a small crack can leak thousands of litres of water per day, and if left untreated, cause potential costly structural damage around your property. Leakspotters’ trained professionals use the latest equipment to detect pool leaks, such as sonar detection and pressure testing.
Case Study example:
Problem: A pool was dropping 10 cm every few days. The owners had to fill the pool up every few days, to keep it in operating order. This used approximately 2,000 litres of water every time!
Solution: A Leakspotters technician pressure tested the inlet and outlet water pipes and found there was a leak in the return pipework.
With sonar detection equipment he was able to pinpoint the location of the leak. As the pipe was under concrete, he arranged for it to be cut out and repaired after the leak was fixed.
Testimonial: We were worried about the cost of continually filling our pool up, so we called in Leak Spotters to investigate it. They arrived promptly the next day and found the leak and repaired it. I didn’t envy them working in the cold water – it was winter! But they were very professional, knew what they were doing and repaired the problem in no time at all. Definitely recommend them to anyone. (Paul – Home owner)
CONTACT LEAKSPOTTERS – THE EXPERTS IN LEAK DETECTION – PHONE 1300 362 858
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