It is amazing how much you enjoy your swimming pool. However, recently it seems the water level is lower each day than the day before. There are two reasons: evaporation or a leak. How do you know which it is?
There is a simple test. Using a five-gallon bucket, fill it almost to the top and mark the water level. Place the bucket in the pool so that the rim is a few inches above the surface. Mark the outside of the bucket where the pool water level is. A day later, come out to see if the levels are the same. If the water level in the bucket is the same as water level outside the bucket, the loss is due to evaporation because both are losing the same amount. If the water outside the bucket is lower than inside, you probably have a leak.
The next step is to figure out where the leak is occurring. Again, two choices, the pool itself or the filter lines.
Re-mark the bucket’s outside level. Turn the filter system off and install the winter plugs in all the pipes and lines. The next day, check the level again. If the water level is still dropping, the leak is in the pool. If not, there is a leak somewhere in the lines.
Since you now know where the leak is, contact a professional pool company.
If the leak is in the lines, the company will pressure test each one individually by pressurizing the line and watching gauges to see which one is losing pressure. Then the company will repair the line and you should be back in business.
If the leak is in the pool, the company will probably use a diver. Yes, fins, mask, air tanks. The diver will start by looking at all the areas around fittings, fixtures, drains and seams. If no leak is noticed, then they will carefully examine the liner. If there is a suspicious spot, the diver will squirt some dye to see if the color gets sucked into the hole. The liner is patched with a special glue that adheres even in water.
The company may also go high tech. If the liner is made of vinyl, a technician will insert a device using batteries. Using a telescopic pole with a sensor on the end, it will scan for an area where the water is leaking. The leak is confirmed and patched.
If you feel your skill level is up to it, you might try a commercial product. Just choose one that has been on the market for some time and has proven results. Read all the instructions and follow them to the letter. If you have questions, contact the manufacturer.
For pool repair Ottawa, Kanata, Stittsville and the Ottawa Valley, contact Laughlin Pools. They have the best and most prepared profssionals to help you.
