A leaking pool can be tricky to spot. In some cases you might have a feeling your pool is leaking, when it’s not. You might not even notice there’s a problem until you start noticing a higher than usual water bill. Even then it’s not always easy to diagnose the cause of the problem. The only way to know for sure is with proper leak detection.
There are several potential causes of pool leaks, some easier than others to diagnose. Here are some of the common methods used in detecting pool leaks.
Check Surroundings
Is the area around the pool is constantly wet with no explanation? This is an easy visual sign however unfortunately not always that simple!
Check for Cracks
Another visual sign may be cracks around the structure of the pool. Be aware that what may appear to be a crack may not be the actual cause of the leak. Further investigation may be needed.
The Bucket Test
If you think that your pool light be leaking, the bucket test can help to confirm your suspicions. If you have steps leading in and out of your pool you can use this simple test to check if the pool itself is actually leaking. Fill a bucket with water and place it on the first step, marking the water level inside and outside the bucket.
Leave the bucket for 24 hours and check the water level again. If the water level outside the bucket has dropped below the water level inside, you probably have a leak.
The Dye Test
One method of verifying whether there is a leak coming from a suspected crack is with a specialist dye. Small amounts of dye are squeezed next to the offending area. If the dye is sucked in then it is very likely that it is the cause. If the dye swirls around the crack then it is not the cause.
The dye test can be used to check all drains, fittings and valves which could be a source of leaking.
Ultrasonic Test
A pool leak detection professional can use specialist hydrophone equipment to listen for leaking water with ultrasound equipment. When passing through a small crack for example, leaking water under pressure produces a unique sound frequency which can be accurately picked up by the ultrasound.
Pressure Test
Pressure testing is used to test individual pipes in isolation and can help to source the cause of the leak. It can also help to confirm the specific location of the leak.
If you believe that you have a leak in your pool or surrounding equipment but cannot source the specific location, speak to a local pool leak detection specialist to find out more about the methods used to accurately diagnose and repair pool leaks.