It's no secret: preserving your pool's watertightness is essential to maintaining its functionality and extending its lifespan. Consequently, leaks are issues that should never be tolerated or left unresolved. Not only can they result in significant water loss, but they can also damage the structure of your pool. If you want to avoid such problems, this article is the ultimate guide you need.
Be sure to also check out our other popular articles on pools and their maintenance:
Detecting a Pool Leak in 3 Steps
Detecting a pool leak might seem complicated. However, by following a simple three-step plan, you can succeed without much hassle.
Step 1: Observe the Visible Signs
The first step to know how to find a leak in your pool is to monitor the visible signs that could indicate a leak. For instance, you can use an inflatable pool float as a reference point to observe the water level daily for 3 days. If you notice an unusual drop, this may be an initial sign of a pool leak.
During periods of intense heat, be aware that the water level naturally decreases by evaporation from 1 to 3 cm per day.
Step 2: Conduct a Water Test
The second step is to conduct a water test to confirm the presence of a leak. To achieve this, simply:
- Fill a bucket with water and place it on the edge of your pool so that it is partially in the water;
- Make a mark on the edge of the bucket with a pencil. Do the same on the pool edge using tape or a waterproof marker;
- Evaluate both levels after a 24-hour period.
If after this period you notice a difference in level between the pool and the bucket, it indicates there's a leak.
Step 3: Conduct a Targeted Inspection of Risk Areas
In the installation of a pool, there are four main components that represent risk areas. By inspecting them in great detail, it will help you know how to find a pool leak.
- The filtration system: it includes pumps and filters. These components can often be sources of leaks due to wear and tear or poor connections.
- Sealing tools: this includes return inlets, skimmers, lights, and vacuum points. Technically, these are sensitive parts and may have faulty seals or cracks that allow water to escape.
- The pool liner: your pool may be made of a liner, tiles, or a concrete structure. In any case, look for cracks or damaged areas that could cause a leak.
- The hydraulic circuit: here, simply examine the pipes and connections to spot signs of leakage, such as water accumulation or persistent wet areas.
NB: during each of these checks, be particularly methodical and take the time necessary to inspect each component in detail, whether you have an in-ground pool or an above-ground pool.
Repairing a Pool Leak in 2 Major Steps
Now that the source of the leak is detected, it's time to know how to repair a pool leak in a few steps.
Step 1: Repair Small Leaks
A small pool leak can be dealt with simply and effectively using the right tools and materials. If it involves the seals and accessories of the pool, the first thing to do is to replace them immediately. Replacement seals can easily be found online or at specialized stores, for example, for an Intex pool leak.
However, if it's an above-ground pool liner leak, the best solution is to invest in the purchase of PVC patches and special adhesive. These are repair kits that help quickly patch holes and cracks in the affected area.
Step 2: Repair Major Leaks
If you encounter a leak closer to the structure or circulation systems of your swimming pool, more substantial intervention will be necessary.
For a concrete structure, for example, here's how to repair a pool leak:
- Drain the pool to have a better view of the breach and clean the surrounding area;
- Apply a repair product specific to concrete, usually in the form of sealant or epoxy resin;
- Let it dry and harden according to the time indicated by the manufacturer's instructions to ensure a lasting repair of your concrete pool leak.
Regarding issues with piping and the hydraulic circuit, professional expertise is simply required to perform the repair successfully.
How to Prevent Pool Leaks: Maintenance Tips
Proper maintenance of your pool is key to preventing leaks. To this end, regular cleaning is essential, and a pool vacuum broom does the job just fine. It's recommended to use a robust pool vacuum cleaner.
The device will help you check hard-to-reach areas to have a clear idea of the state of damaged joints. With this type of pool vacuum, you can easily remove debris and impurities that could damage the structure. And if you don’t know how to use it, just head to a store and ask for the best manual pool vacuum broom.
Besides cleaning, another tip is to establish a schedule for pool inspections.
And for those looking for automated maintenance, investing in the best pool robot can significantly ease the workload.
In one sentence, this type of equipment ensures thorough cleaning and reduces the risk of premature wear.
Once all these issues are resolved, don't forget to enjoy your pool and bring with you one of our inflatable pool floats.
