Swimming Pool Leak Testing
The most important question we ask is - Do you need a diver? or Do you need a pressure test? If you don't know we ask our customers to help determine whether the leak is in the pipes or the interior of the pool, to minimize our charges. If you are not interested in doing the tests, we can go over the whole pool. For the tests see below:
POOL PUMP ON OR OFF - LEAK TEST:
For Inground & Above Ground Pools with underground piping
Run the pump for 12 or 24 hours and compare the water loss for the same period of time with the pump off. If you lose more water running the pool pump, that typically means the leak is in the return or Polaris lines. If you lose more water with the pool pump off that generally means the leak is in a suction line - the skimmer or main drain line. If you lose at the same rate it is generally in the interior of the pool - light leak, hole in liner or crack in gunite pool.
OTHER LEAK TESTS YOU CAN DO:
Plug the pool lines (be sure to unplug your pool pumps) or just run off the main (if you have one) by shutting off the skimmer valve(s) at the front of pump. Now lets see where your water level goes over the next several days.
or start with the bucket test...
THE BUCKET LEAK TEST: (both with the pump running and off)
(only necessary when trying to gauge evaporation - if losing more than 1/4 inch you probably have a leak & would not need this test)
- Fill a 5 gallon bucket to 3/4 full or within 3 inches from the top of the second stair.
- Place the bucket on the first step of the pool. Make sure the water level is higher on the inside of the bucket to prevent the bucket from floating away.
- Mark the bucket on both the inside and the outside of the bucket to indicate water level. Keep in mind that the test should be run in its normal cycle. If you begin the test with the pump on, you should conclude the test with the pump on. If your pump is off, leave it off for the entire test.
- Fill the pool to normal level, approximately mid skimmer, so the water can stabilize. Mark with a crayon or tape and check the level in 24 hours. (Again, if you begin the test with the pump on, you should check your final levels with the pump on.)
- When checking the levels, if the difference on the outside is greater than the inside you have a leak.