Is Your Swimming Pool Leaking?
Swimming pools lose water every day through evaporation, as well as splashing & backwashing.
As a general guide, if your pool water level is going down by more than 3 centimetres each week in the summer months or 1 centimetre during winter without any swimming or backwashing, there is a high probability that you’re losing water from another source.
The first place to look for leaks is your waste line exit where your backwash wastewater goes. This outlet is usually found on the street and if there is a small trickle coming out here this indicates that there is an issue with your multiport valve (MPV) and a service technician is needed.
If there is no waste line leak, the next place to check is around your pump and filter. Your pool pump sucks water from your skimmer box, pushes it into your filter and then back into your pool under high pressure. Over time, this pressure can unseat the barrel unions that connect the pipes to the pump and filter and other connections.
The classis signs to look for when diagnosing a leak are wet patches on the ground, drip marks on equipment or calcium trails from connections. By investigating, you will quickly be able to isolate the source.
Leaking connections can often be fixed as easily as re-seating and lubricating O-rings as well as hand tightening any loose connections.
Another common location water will leak from is underneath your pool pump. Showing a small persistent drip when the pump is running is an indication that the mechanical seal in the pump is faulty and requires a professional to replace it.
The multiport valve (MPV) controls the flow of water through the filter. A collar secures the MPV onto the filter that has an internal O-ring and usually a clamp to seal this connection. This is common spot where water will find a way out. Look into this, re-seat and lubricate if necessary and check for cracks in the actual filter tank itself. Cracks will usually result in a very evident squirt of water or, when the pump is running, a noticeable trickle of water.
If there is no visible water or leaks on your pool equipment, we recommend a tried and trusted method of testing. Fill a bucket of water, mark the level and date on the bucket and sit it next to your pool’s skimmer box. At the same time, mark and date the water level inside the skimmer box, and allow the system to run as normal for 24-48 hrs.
If, when you return, there is a significant difference of 1 or more centimetres in the two levels, the lower being the pool, it’s time to consult with our experts to investigate and diagnose the problem.
Detection of leaks in underground pipework, damaged by tree roots or ground shifting involve the use of specialised equipment and repairs can be carried out with minimal impact to the surrounding area.
Contact us for assistance with any pool leaks you are unable to resolve.