Cleaning Pool Toys the Right Way

Along with the pool pump not working, swimming pool leaks are one of the most common repair needs for swimming pools. No swimming pool is leak-free, whether you have a concrete pool, indoor, or fiberglass pool. As a pool owner, doing a regular cycle of pool leak detection process, either by yourself or with pool professionals, is one way to prevent a swimming pool leak from getting worse. Pool losing water costs a lot of money, especially if it goes unabated. Though you can’t possibly DIY repair all possible types of swimming pool leaks, here are a few pool leak repair tips that can cover the most common causes of pool leaks.

Signs You Have a Pool Leak

Here are signs to watch out for before you proceed with a more detailed pool leak detection process. A regular bucket test is a sure way of determining that your pool is losing water faster than it evaporates. However, if you see any of these signs either in your daily inspection or in your regular pool maintenance checks, you have a pool leak:

• Increate In Your Water Bill
• Loose, Cracked, or Shifting Floor Tiles
• The Pool's Water Level Changes Faster Than Normal
• Wet Areas In Your Yard
• Algae Growth in the Pool
• Cracked Pool Cover, Pool Deck, or Pool Shell
• Water Puddles Under Your Pool Equipment Pad or Pumps
• Corroded Pipes

How to Fix a Leak in a Pool Skimmer

The most common pool leak through a skimmer is at the area where the skimmer has contact with the concrete. Here are the steps to repair this area:

1. Remove the outer cover of your skimmer box to check the connection between the concrete pool surface and the skimmer.
2. Submerge the skimmer by an inch of water.
3. Turn your pool pump off.
4. Add a few drops to the water using a pool leak detection dye. The pool leak detection dye will go through the leaky seam. You should do this test without the pump running to avoid disturbing the water.
5. Use an underwater pool putty to seal leaks once you detect them.
6. Replace the skimmer box once the putty hardens.

How To Fix Piping Connections

Suppose you detect water pooling under your pump and your pipe connection leaks. Most plumbing leaks are near the pump because the highest pressure is present in this area. You can also check your filter pump or the main drain for the same issues. Underground plumbing leaks are more difficult to detect and fix. Fortunately, underground plumbing leaks are rare. All you need Teflon tape and a 100% silicone sealant for leaking pipe connections.

1. Power down your pump.
2. Unscrew the pipe where you detect leaks.
3. On the male threading, spread the silicone sealant.
4. Wrap the male threading with Teflon tape three to four times in the opposite direction it will be threading.
5. Fasten back the pipe and fittings. Keep turning until you feel moderate resistance. Do not overtighten to prevent the connection from cracking.

How to Fix Concrete Pool Leaks

Concrete pool leaks are somewhat unavoidable as these will occur over time. It is better to make repairs immediately once you detect a hole or a crack in the pool wall to prevent further damage. Cracks may be around the pool light or the pool drain as the putty surrounding those areas is softer than concrete or tiles. There are two options for repairing concrete pool leaks. One is by using epoxy, and the other is by using polyurethane foam. The advantage of epoxy is its quicker curing rate. Polyurethane foam, on the other hand, is more flexible despite being less durable than epoxy. You may confirm the presence of a pool leak by doing a simple dye test around the pool where you suspect the leaks are.

However, if you have structural damage in your concrete pool, fixing leaks of this nature will require professional pool repair services.

How to Fix a Pool Leak on the Pool Liner

If your pool is leaking through the pool liner, no problem! If it is not very large, you won’t have to replace your pool liner for your fiberglass pools at all. A strip of duct tape will be enough to provide a quick fix. However, you will need a vinyl patch kit for a more permanent fix. A waterproof tape or a peel and stick patch can also do a great job sealing a pool leak in the liner. All three options are waterproof and cost-effective. They are easy for pool owners to do themselves.

Following-Up After Repairs

A pool leak may cause a chemical imbalance that will make your pool dangerous for swimming. The poor chemical balance will cause your plumbing to corrode or the grout material to dissolve, causing more problems later. With the hard work of repairing pool leaks done, you will need regular pool maintenance to ensure that the effects of the leaks won’t be detrimental to your pool water.

Takeaways: To Prevent Major Pool Leaks, You Need a Pool Professional To Do Regular Maintenance

Swimming pools are complicated systems that need constant attention. Most pool leaks are preventable. In the case of a concrete pool, you may avoid having more significant pool leaks later on by doing regular swimming pool repair procedures and maintenance. To save on cost and ensure that you and your family can enjoy the pool season, regular pool maintenance and pool care are essential. For regular pool services, contact us, or call us at (480) 999-9226.