Is my swimming pool leaking?

A common question that we hear from swimming pool owners has to do with water loss or leaks. Depending on the atmospheric conditions, you will lose up to ½ “ of water per 24 hour period through evaporation. Most of the time it will be less than this but it should never be more (assuming there is no splash out or backwashing of the filter). If you are unsure whether or not your pool is leaking, the bucket text is an effective method of determining whether or not you have a leak:

The Bucket Test

1. Fill the pool to the normal level.
2. Fill a bucket with pool water and place it on the top step of the pool.
3. Mark the level in the pool and the bucket.
4. Measure the water levels in the bucket and the pool after 24 hours.
5. If the pool loss is greater than the bucket loss, there is a leak.

Finding the leak
            If you determine that there is a leak, collect the following data, which your pool service company will need to help you find the leak:

1. Type (gunite, vinyl-lined, or fiberglass) an age of pool
2. Pool builder
3. Normal pool activity
4. The pool’s features (attached spa, waterfalls, fountains, etc.)
5. Recent construction activity near the pool
6. Recent natural occurrences (drought, rain, etc.)

            It is also important to know if the pool loses more water with the pump on or off. If it loses more when the pump is on, it indicates a plumbing leak. Other areas that pools leak are around pool returns, skimmers, and main drains; vinyl pools- holes in the liner; gunite or fiberglass pools- cracks; and though broken light conduits.

Perform a dye test 
            If you suspect that you might know where the leak is, perform a dye test. Using your pH test solution (the red one) put a few drops right next to the pool if it is leaking there.

Leak detection services
            If you are still unable to determine where the leak is, contact the Service Department of Central Jersey Pools. We will have the pool plumbing pressure tested and also check the structure or leaks. The cost for this service typically cost $300-$500, which includes determining where the leak is, but usually does not include repair of the leak.
            The key, once the leak is found, is having it repaired. Prolonged pool leaks can cause damage to the pool structure or deck over time if they are ignored.
            BE SURE TO READ ALL LABEL DIRECTIONS BEFORE ADDING ANY PRODUCT TO YOUR SWIMMING POOL. 
Note:
– The information in this brochure is true and complete to the best of our knowledge, but without guarantee on the part of Central Jersey Pools, or on the part of any of its employees who disclaim all liability incurred with the use of this information.
Contact Central Jersey Pools at 732-462-5005