Pool Leak Detection: Should You DIY or Hire a Professional?

Swimming is fun and therapeutic. It offers numerous health benefits for young and old people, including pregnant women.

Various reports estimated that 8 percent of the 130 million households in the United States (U.S.) have a swimming pool. Most of these pools are inground.

However, there is one thing that could dampen the fun in a pool, and that is unexplained leaks.

According to Leak Science, a company that specializes in pool leak detection, swimming pools typically lose water due to evaporation and excessive splashing. However, a leak will result in reduced water level even when the pool is not in use and well covered.

Every pool type is prone to leak, although there are certain ways to reduce the probability.

Like all other problems at home, you need to locate the cause and fix the leaks as soon as possible.

When should you be worried about a pool leak?

It is normal for your pool to experience a leak, provided the overall reduction in water volume is not more than 2.5 cm per week. When it is relatively hot, the pool may lose as much as 1 cm of water daily through evaporation.

If you notice a drastic change in the water level, before you start suspecting a leak, refill the pool to the required level then observe again.

A reduction in the water level beyond normal may indicate your pool is losing water due to leakages and not just evaporation or over-enthusiastic splashes.

Another indication of a pool leak is a sudden increase in your water bill because a pool leak wastes water.

Other things to watch out for include:

• Cracks in and around the pool
• Fluctuating chemical levels
• Algae blooms
• Discolored water
• Cracks in the pool tiles
• Wet patches around the pool
• Gurgling sound

Common causes of pool leak

Evaporation and splash are the common causes of reduction in a pool water level. These are nothing to be worried about however, if the leak is caused by any other thing aside from these two, then the pool needs to be fixed as soon as possible to mitigate damages.

Cleaning system and filter problems

If the cleaning system malfunctions, it can increase water loss. For instance, a loose skimmer assembly can lead to leaks. The skimmer assembly is the part of your pool that collects debris and keeps it out of the filter.

A loose or damaged pool filter connection can cause air or water to escape or enter the filter, thereby disrupting the circulation and pressure of the system.

To avoid this, inspect all pipe and filter connections to ensure they are intact.

Hydraulic damage

Hydraulic damage affects proper water filtration and efficient operation of the pool. If the hydraulic system functions efficiently, water will pass through it at an optimal speed, ensuring optimum flow rate.

A leak in the piping pool circuit can disrupt this and result in both leaks and inefficient operation of the pool.

Cracks or fissures

With usage over time, cracks or fissures may develop in your pool basin. Water can escape through these openings into the earth or surrounding environment.

However, most pool cracks are caused by improper installation. Hence, only hire reputable professionals for your swimming pool installation and remodel.

DIY vs Hiring a Professional for Pool Leak Detection

A pool leak can be detected using DIY tests: Bucket and Dye tests. This method is cheaper than hiring a professional, but it is time-consuming.

It is also less accurate compared to hiring a professional. A professional pool leak detection will ensure all leaks, including the small ones, are detected and fixed.

With professional leak detection, you can also be assured that the issue will be resolved on the same day, as the pool leak detection experts have years of experience handling similar issues.

How to prepare for a DIY pool leak check

Early detection of a pool leak can save you from massive damage, which will cost more to fix.

Safety considerations

When checking for a pool leak, you must ensure your safety and that of your children. One common danger associated with a pool is drowning.

Close the pool gate to prevent anyone, especially kids, from entering the pool during the inspection period.

Use appropriate personal protective equipment if the inspection requires going close to a chemical storage area of your pool.

Pools contain water and chlorine, which can be dangerous when in contact with electricity. Therefore, avoid using any electrically powered equipment in the pool, especially if you are yet to identify the leak source and the extent of damage.

Avoid checking your pool for leaks on days the weatherman predicts the occurrence of an electrical storm.

Tools you will need

• A plastic bucket
• Syringe
• A permanent marker, duct tape, or waterproof tape
• Goggles or a snorkel
• Pool leak detection dye

Once you have these tools, the following DIY methods will help you detect if your pool is leaking or not.

While these DIY methods are effective in finding and fixing pool leaks, it is recommended a professional handle them to avoid making the leak worse.

Bucket test for pool leaks

Fill a plastic 5-gallon bucket with water and place it on the second step of the pool such that it is about two-thirds up the outside of the bucket.

Mark the water levels inside and outside the bucket with a marker or duct tape. Leave it for 24 hours. Ensure no one swims in the pool.

Compare the pool water level to the bucket water level. If the pool water level reduces beyond the reduction in the bucket water, you likely have a leak.

If the drop in water volume is the same, the pool is likely losing water due to evaporation.

To be certain, you may conduct the bucket test twice – first, with the pump off and second, with the pump on.

Dye test for pool leaks

Inspect the ground and walls surrounding the pool for signs of wetness. If they are wet where they should not be, there is a high possibility of a leak. Try to trace the source of the leak, or at least localize it to a certain area of the pool.

Once you identify the area where the water is seeping from, wear your google or snorkel to physically inspect the edge of the pool where you think the water is leaking. Once identified, turn off the pumps and filtration systems to make the water calm.

Draw into a syringe if not prefilled. You may do this some distance away from the pool so that none will be mistakenly spilled into it.

Next, squirt the dye close to the surface and the wall in the leak area. If the leak is near, the dye will move towards the exact location of the leak like a current.

Conclusion

DIY pool leak detection tests can help you detect a leak in your pool, but they are time-consuming and may not yield accurate results.

Your lack of experience in pool leak detection can also hinder the accuracy, and carrying out these tests can also be dangerous, especially if you are not a good swimmer.

To ensure your safety and permanent fix of the leaks, it is recommended that you hire a reputable pool leak detection expert.