You diligently fill your pool, maintain the perfect chemical balance, and dream of relaxing afternoons in the cool water. But what if your water level keeps dropping mysteriously, even without excessive splashing or evaporation?
Your pool might be trying to tell you it has a leak!
Ignoring a pool leak can lead to higher water bills, chemical imbalances, and even damage to your pool structure and surrounding landscape. That’s why it’s crucial to be a savvy pool owner and recognize the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that water is escaping where it shouldn’t.
Become a Leak Detective: Watch Out For These Clues!
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The Disappearing Act: This is the most obvious sign. If you’re consistently adding more than a couple of inches of water per week (accounting for normal evaporation), you likely have a leak. To test for evaporation, perform the bucket test:
1. Fill a bucket with pool water to about an inch from the top.
2. Mark the water level inside the bucket.
3. Place the bucket on a pool step or hang it inside the pool so the water levels inside and outside the bucket are roughly the same.
4. Turn off the pump and mark the water level in the pool.
5 After 24 hours, compare the water level drop in the bucket (evaporation) to the drop in the pool. If the pool has lost significantly more water than the bucket, you probably have a leak.
Excessive Air in the Pump Basket: If you notice more air bubbles than usual in your pump basket or if the pump frequently loses prime, it could indicate a suction-side leak (before the pump).
Wet Spots Around the Pool Equipment: Inspect the ground around your pump, filter, heater, and pipes. Persistent dampness or puddles could signal a leak in the plumbing.
Cracks in the Pool Shell: Carefully examine the surface of your pool (vinyl liner, fiberglass, or concrete) for any visible cracks. Even small cracks can allow significant water loss over time. Pay close attention to areas around fittings, lights, and skimmers.
Shifting or Settling Ground: If you notice the ground around your pool shifting, settling, or becoming unusually soft and muddy, it could indicate a significant leak underground washing away the soil.
Increased Algae Growth: Constantly adding fresh water to compensate for a leak can dilute your pool chemicals, making it harder to maintain proper balance and potentially leading to algae blooms.
Higher Water Bills: A sudden and unexplained spike in your water bill is a strong indicator that you’re losing a significant amount of water due to a leak.
Don’t Let a Leak Drain Your Fun (and Your Wallet)!
If you spot any of these signs, it’s crucial to investigate further and address the issue promptly. Ignoring a leak can lead to more costly repairs down the line.
Need help finding and fixing that sneaky leak? Our expert team is equipped with the latest leak detection technology to pinpoint the problem and provide efficient repairs! Contact us today for a leak detection service and get back to enjoying your worry-free oasis!
