Importance of detecting leaks in swimming pools and their impact
Do you suspect that your pool may have a leak? Have you ever wondered why it seems to need refilling more times than usual?
In this article on our blog about Swimming Pools and Products, we will talk about the mysteries behind the pool leaks, and we will see how they even affect your budget. Having a pool doesn't have to become a headache. Take note!
Detect and fix leaks in swimming pools It is essential, as water conservation is crucial from both an environmental and economic perspective, especially considering that water is increasingly a limited or expensive resource.
On the other hand, leaks affect the structural integrity of the pool, compromising the walls and floor. Did you know that the constant infiltration of water into surrounding areas can cause damage to foundations and pavements? As they say… Better safe than sorry!
Furthermore, since the pool losing water, you will also be losing part of the products used for its maintenance, which can:
- Negatively affect water quality.
- It can promote the growth of bacteria and fungi.
- Water values can be decompensated.
- Your spending will also increase in the purchase of a greater quantity of pool chemicals.
You should keep in mind that ignoring leaks can cause major damage, which could require more expensive and lengthy repairs in the future.
Types of leaks in a pool
As we were telling you, the early detection Leak prevention is essential to maintaining the quality and functionality of your pool. Some of the types of pool leaks most common are:
- Leaking in the pool glass. It may arise due to changes in temperature, soil settlement or wear over time.
- Leaks in the plumbing system due to damaged pipes or faulty connections that may result in water loss.
- Leaks in accessories and equipment, for example, in loose connections in fixtures such as skimmers, drains and lights.
- Leaks in the Filtration System. Check your pool filtration system, possible defective seals or worn filter elements.
Lastly, although it is not technically a leak, the excessive evaporation can make the pool appear to be leaking water. It is important to distinguish between natural evaporation and actual leaks.
Early detection of these problems is essential to avoid more serious consequences. So don't forget to do periodic reviews!
How to tell if your pool has a leak
If you notice that you have to refill your pool more frequently than normal, first check if the cause is not evaporation or the filtering system itself, which causes you to have to refill it from time to time. If you see the water level lower than normal, to verify that it is indeed a leak you can perform two types of tests:
- Place a bucket inside the pool so that it protrudes slightly above the water level. Fill it with water to the same level as the pool and leave it for 24 hours. If after this time the water level in the pool has dropped more than 1cm with respect to the water level in the bucket, your pool has a leak.
- Another way to check is by sticking some tape on the pool wall right at the water level. As in the previous case, if after 24 hours you notice that the water level has dropped more than 1 cm, your pool is losing water.
How to detect water leaks in swimming pools
First, perform a thorough inspection of all equipment.
If there is even the slightest suspicion of a leak, start by taking a close look at the filter, bomb, pipes and valves. To carry out this review, keep the purifier on and, below, we will tell you what steps you should take.
Common Methods and Techniques for Identifying Pool Leaks
There are three possible scenarios to identify the water leak in your pool:
- If you notice a loss of water while treatment plant is on, it is likely that the problem lies in one of the parts of its circuit.
- In the event that the water loss is less when the purifier is on, the problem could lie in the extraction system, which includes skimmers and sinks. You can confirm this by analyzing the filter pressure and pump levels.
- Lastly, and perhaps the worst situation of the three, if the water loss is the same whether the treatment plant is on or off, it is likely that we are facing a crack or fissure in the structure of the pool glass.
Be alert to these signs and, if you detect any anomaly, we recommend that you look for professional advice to address the leak efficiently. And if you want to stay up to date with everything related to swimming pools to keep yours ready.