Hey there, pool owners! Let’s chat about something important – your backyard oasis. You know, that beautiful pool you love to splash around in? It’s not just for fun; it’s actually boosting your property value too. But, like any big investment, it needs some TLC to keep it in tip-top shape. If you suspect your pool or its plumbing is leaking, you’ll want to know a little about detecting leaks. You may already know how to detect leaks in your home, but your swimming pool is a new issue.
One of the most serious issues you might encounter is a leak, especially in the underground plumbing. If left unchecked, a small leak can turn into a big problem, leading to water loss, higher utility bills, and even damage to your home’s foundation. Many homeowners don’t realize they have a leak until it ends up costing them an arm and a leg in repairs. This is why it’s so important to catch and fix pool leaks as early as possible.
How Pool Plumbing Systems Work
To identify leaks effectively, it’s helpful to understand the basics of your pool’s plumbing. Your pool’s plumbing system is like the circulatory system of your backyard. You’ve got the suction system (think of it as the pool’s mouth), the pressurized system (the heart), and the return lines (the arteries). Each part plays a crucial role in keeping your pool happy and healthy. Here’s a breakdown of these three main components of your inground pool plumbing system:
Swimming Pool Suction System
The suction system moves water from the pool to the filter. It includes the skimmer and the main drain and both pull water from the pool and send it through the pool’s filtration system. A leak in this area can mean that air gets drawn into the lines. This type of pool leak makes bubbles in your pool and it can seriously reduce the efficiency of the pool’s filtration system.
Swimming Pool Pressurized System
After the water is filtered, it goes through the pool’s pressurized system, which then puts the filtered water back into the pool. This system usually consists of pipes, a filter, and sometimes additional equipment like a heater or saltwater chlorinator. Leaks in this system can cause noticeable water loss and a drop in water pressure.
Swimming Pool Return Lines
The filtered water is pushed back into the pool through the return lines. If these lines have leaks, you might notice a decrease in water pressure or find wet spots in your yard where water is escaping to.
How to Detect Leaks in Inground Pools
Recognizing early warning signs can help you detect leaks quickly, which can save you both time and money. Here are some of the most common signs of inground pool leaks.
- Bubbles in the pool (and we’re not talking about your jacuzzi)
- Mysterious wet spots in your yard
- Water pressure that’s suddenly gone MIA
- Cracks in your pool deck that weren’t there before
Testing for Pool Leaks in Underground Plumbing
If you spot any of these, it’s time to put on your detective hat. You can start with a simple DIY bucket test. It’s like a science experiment for your pool! But if that’s not your style, or if you’re still scratching your head, it might be time to call in the pros.
DIY Bucket Test to Detect Leaks
The simplest way to test for a pool leak is by doing a bucket test. Fill a bucket with pool water and place it on a step in the poo. The water levels inside the bucket and in the pool should be the same. Mark both levels. Wait for 24 hours, then check the two levels again. If the pool’s water level has dropped more than the water inside the bucket, you probably have a leak.
Hiring a Professional Leak Detection Company
At this point, your best option is to bring in a leak detection professional. They have the experience, expertise, and tools to detect leaks. They will know how to find the precise location of the leak and how extensive it is.
Pressure Testing
A leak detection technician uses a pressure testing stick to see if the pool’s plumbing system can hold the proper pressure. If they detect a pressure drop, this usually indicates that there is a leak somewhere in the system.
Hydrophone Testing
This method involves using a specialized microphone to listen for the sound of escaping air or water from inside the pool’s plumbing system. It can help detect leaks that are located in the pressurized part of the system.
Excavation
Sometimes, a leak might be deep or hidden so the only way to find and fix it is by digging down into the ground. An excavation involves digging up the area to get a good look at the pipes so the leak can be repaired. This is a very invasive way to detect leaks, but sometimes it’s the best way to address the problem.
Pros of Hiring a Professional Leak Detection Company
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Can’t I just fix it myself?” Well, you could try, but here’s the deal: hiring a professional leak detection company is like calling in the Navy SEALs of pool maintenance. They’ve got the tools, the know-how, and they’ll get the job done right the first time. Plus, they often guarantee their work, so you can relax knowing your pool is in good hands. And when you hire the lead detection pros at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Tampa, If there’s any delay it’s YOU we pay!
Here’s the bottom line, folks: don’t let a little leak turn into a big disaster. Stay alert, act fast, and don’t be afraid to call in the experts. Your pool (and your wallet) will thank you. Now, who’s ready for a swim?