How to detect pool water leaks

Author: Mark Sanchez
Date Of Creation: 1 January 2021
Update Date: 3 July 2024
Anonim
Chasing pool leaks, Don’t call a leak detection company until you watch this
Video: Chasing pool leaks, Don’t call a leak detection company until you watch this

Content

The decrease in pool water is a natural process. Evaporation, splashing, as well as the operation of the filtration system leads to a small loss of water. However, if the water decreases very quickly and its level decreases more than 5 cm per week, then there is a leak.

Steps

  1. 1 Check the most common leaks. Inspect pump, filter, heater, valves, gates, valves. Check the soil around the pool for moisture. If PVC sheeting is used for pool lining, inspect it for cuts or other damage.Most often, leakage occurs in embedded elements (nozzles, skimmers, lanterns, etc.), waterproofing, decoration and pipelines. There are several methods of leak detection:
  2. 2 Mark the water level. Once you've got the water, mark the water level with a marker, tape, or something else. After 2 hours, see how much the water level has changed. The water in the pool should not decrease by more than half a centimeter per day. If the water decreases more than this rate, then there is a leak.
  3. 3 Bucket test: place a bucket filled with water on the step in the pool. To add weight and stability to the bucket, place bricks or regular stones in it. Mark the pool water level on the bucket. After 24 hours, check how much the water level has changed. If the water level drops below the mark made, look for the leak. For experimental accuracy, run the test with the pump on and then off.
  4. 4 Determination of the location of the leak. After confirming the presence of a water leak, locate the leak. Examine the pool surface for cracks, scratches and chips. Disable the filtration system. You need to wait until the water level stops decreasing. This will be the horizon where the leak is located. If the water stays at the level of the skimmer, the leak is most likely due to a malfunction in the skimmer or filtration system (including pipes). If the water stays at the level of the lighting lamps, then the leakage occurs in the area of ​​the lighting objects. Air bubbles that appear in the water returning to the pool after filtration while the pump is running indicates a leak on the suction side of the filtration system. If the water flow is increased while the pump is running, then the problem is in the water return system. Also check if the pump filter is tight. If you have a vinyl wrap pool, then don't experiment when the water drops rapidly. It is better to call a specialist right away.
  5. 5 You can also spot a leak with a small amount of paint or an acid-base balance indicator. Add paint to the water with the pump off and the water still. Notice if the paint you add to the water is being sucked up anywhere.
  6. 6 Eliminating the leak. If a leak occurs in the area where the skimmer is attached to the cement base of the pool, it can be easily repaired with a special pool putty. Leaks in the lighting area are often associated with the wire tube. In case of detachment from the main system, apply epoxy mixed with putty or silicone to both parts and glue them together. If there is a leak in the PVC insulating film, then for repair, you can do with a repair kit from the kit supplied with the film.
  7. 7 If it was not possible to detect the leak using the above methods, then call specialists. Thanks to modern technology, most leaks can be found and repaired without dismantling the pool. For example, when compressed air is supplied to pipes, the air displaces water in the pipeline and when the air reaches the leak, bubbles will appear in this place. Also, a sign of a leak is a drop in air pressure in the pipe, which indicates a leak at that location. With the help of special television cameras and ultrasensitive microphones, the sound of air pumped into the pipes is analyzed, identifying the place of leakage. The cost of such services can vary depending on the complexity and volume of work.
  8. 8 Leakage detection in the pipeline. We would like to remind you of the pipeline arrangement in the pools. The system is pretty simple. Water is drawn in through the skimmer and main drains in the pool using a pump, and then passes through a filter or heater (if equipped) or other additional equipment (chlorinator, for example) and, ultimately, the water flows back into the pool. In many pools, water is supplied by gravity, and not under pressure, and the motor is only needed for pumping up in case of a low water level.Reverse circulation is connected to the bottom of the skimmer or to a side opening in the pool wall next to the skimmer. The overflow line is often forgotten during renovation work. Many workers, when repairing a pool, often ignore or simply forget about this system, since replacing the system is laborious and costs a lot of money. Leakage into the piping system is a common cause of water loss. It depends on the quality of the material, installation, age and soil condition. Insulate the leak before disassembling the pipe line.
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