Even a small swimming pool leak can cause major problems if it is not found and repaired quickly. The results can be costly as the pool continues to lose water, but a pool leak can cause more problems than having a high water bill. You may have to replace pool parts. It’s possible the water will ruin landscaping or decking if a leak persists long enough. We’ve researched the top problems caused by pool leaks and found five you need to be aware of today.
The recommended water level in most inground pools is two-thirds of the distance to the top of the skimmer assembly. This water height allows the intake system at the skimmer basket to circulate the water to the filter, the motor cooling unit and the heater in some pools.
A pool leak that allows the water level to drop below the intake line can harm the entire pump system. The line will take in air, instead of water. Air cannot cool the pump motor. If the reduced water level remains, the system can overheat or shut down altogether.
Always check the intake and return lines to the pool and make sure they are tight. A cracked or loose hose can cause a leak on the floor of the pump room.
A slow pool leak will eventually cause an imbalance in the pH levels. A balanced pH level includes acid and alkaline chemical balance in the water necessary for hygiene. Chlorine and stabilizers are added to your pool to keep the water clean. Alkaline chemicals are added to prevent the acids in chlorine and other substances from harming swimmers.
A lower-than-average water level will upset this balance. Chlorine will leak out of the pool with the water. The results may be dirty water with algae growth. The chlorine may hurt plants, and the leaked water may saturate the ground.
A swimming pool in the saturated ground can "float" if it does not have enough water in it to equalize the pressure from the wet ground. A “floating” pool is a major problem with fiberglass pools that lose water through leaks. The pool's sides may buckle inward if the ground is too wet.
Cracks in the surface of the pool must be repaired immediately to prevent more water loss and structural damage. A tear or crack that is left unchecked can grow larger.
A loose skimmer assembly can lead to leaks. This section of the pool that takes in debris and keeps it out of the filters must function properly to feed water to the pump as previously explained.
It’s important to repair leaks that keep the water level below the skimmer before the pump is turned on to avoid this problem. Check the skimmer and reattach it if needed. This will prevent the skimmer from causing a pool leak.
Your pool has a drain that is part of the intake or suction line for the water. The skimmer is also part of the intake with a suction line. A break or tear in these underground plumbing lines can lead to significant problems with the pool pump.
Wet ground and water on the deck may be indications of a plumbing leak. It’s possible to repair most of these leaks can without tearing up the ground. The plumbing system must function efficiently for a clean pool.
It’s also important to check the return line. This plumbing line must be free of cracks to prevent a pool leak. A broken return line can feed dirt into the pool.
Contact Aquaman Leak Detection if you suspect any plumbing leak. Modern ultrasonic equipment will be used to located underground leaks and repair them immediately. Aquaman will also repair cracks in the surface of inground pools without the need to empty the pool. Serving Brevard County and the ten surrounding counties we can service your commercial or residential pool today.