If you have a swimming pool, you know that leaks are bound to happen. The first thing that comes to mind when you have a pool leak is searching “swimming pool leak repair” on the internet, trying to find professional help. Or maybe, you decide to fix the pool yourself.
Check out our guide on how to fix pool leaks below. Remember, if you decide to let the professionals handle it, contact the best in the business: Manning Pool Service!
Identify the Pool Leak
The first thing you want to do before you start searching “swimming pool leak repair” or fixing the pool leak is identify if you have a leak at all!
The worst thing to happen is to buy all of the materials for a “leak” that is not there. Make sure that water loss is tied into a leak and not due to normal water evaporation.
You must determine the source of the leak, so make sure you check the entire filter system (filters, pump, heater, etc.) to see if there is anything at fault there.
There are typically two ways to identify a pool leak:
- The Bucket Method
- The Ink Method
The Bucket Method Test
You will need:
- 5 Gallon Bucket
- Permanent Marker or Heavy Duty Duct Tape
- First, place the empty bucket on the second step and fill with water so you only leave 1 inch from the top.
- Mark the water levels both inside and outside of the bucket.
- Next, turn off the water pump.
- Leave the bucket there for 24 hours.
- Observe and compare the water levels inside and outside the bucket.
If the water levels inside the bucket are different than the water levels outside the bucket, then most likely you have a water leak. Remember to check the water levels in exactly 24 hours, as the results can differ if you wait longer.
“The first thing you want to do before you start searching “swimming pool leak repair” or fixing the pool leak is identify if you have a leak at all!”
The Ink Method Test
For this method, you will need:
- Leak Detection Ink or Food Coloring
- Large syringe with long, plastic tip
- Skinny Aquarium Pump Hose
- Goggles
- First, fill the syringe with the blue dye or ink.
- Next, attach the hose to the tip of the syringe.
- Then, attach the long plastic tip to the end of the hose.
- Go in the pool, and start identifying suspicious spots where you might think there is a leak. Make sure to check the main drains, cracks on the wall, cracks on the floor, and any wobbly tiles that don’t look so stable.
- Start squirting a small amount of ink onto the spots. If the ink starts to be “sucked up” or goes into a crack or suspicious spot, then you have successfully identified the leak!
You might also have to search for “swimming pool leak repair” on the internet if you need professional help instead. Manning Pool Service is just a click away!
Most leaks come from the meeting between the plastic skimmer and the concrete pool.
How to Fix Swimming Pool Leaks
Now that you have identified the pool leak, it’s time to find a solution! Below you will find a couple of ways to fix your swimming pool leak. Remember, pool leaks can be fixed by yourself when searching “swimming pool leak repair” on the internet, but you will have better results with professional help.
Fixing Your Pool
Is your pool leaking water 24/7? Try taking a look at your skimmer! Most leaks come from the connection of the plastic skimmer and the concrete pool. This can easily be fixed with some pool putty.
Pool putty can be used to also patch up cracks in tiles, walls of the pool, and small cracks in the concrete floor. It is a durable, flexible, and strong putty that can seal and fix any leaks or cracks there might be in a pool.
In addition, most in-ground concrete pools that have the tile band at the waterline are most likely to have leaks from the tiles on the skimmer. Sometimes, the pool bond cracks behind the tile and can begin a leak there. Tile cracks like these can be easily fixed by cleaning, drying, and filling with a 100% silicone rubber.
If you find your leak in the conduit, it can also be fixed! It is most likely that this is caused by the conduit pipe coming loose or deteriorating. An easy way to fix this is by using two-part epoxy, pool putty, or silicone. You want to apply an amount the size of your palm, filling in any gaps that are noticeable and that can be filled in.
“Pool putty can be used to also patch up cracks in tiles, walls of the pool, and small cracks in the concrete floor.”
Call Manning Pool Service Today for Swimming Pool Leak Repairs!
If you’re worried about tackling swimming pool leak repair on your own, call Manning Pool Service! We can help you with any pool leak that you might have. Call Manning at 713-322-8304 to get more information about FREE evaluations for weekly maintenance, too. Simply click below or call us today!
How to Fix Pool Leaks | Manning Pool Service – Houston, TX