How to repair leakages
Sometimes the concrete walls of a hot tub or pool can crack as the soil moves. Small gaps can be easily repaired, but larger cracks indicate structural damages that must be corrected through excavation. A fissure wider than 6.35 mm (0.25 in.) and 0.6 m (2 ft) long is repairable, though time consuming. The pool/hot tub must be carefully drained below the crack level as improper draining can cause the gap to widen or pop out of the ground. A chisel should be used to slightly widen the crack and remove all loose material from the edges after draining. Next, the concrete should be dampened, and a concrete patching compound should be made. This mixture should be applied to the crack, and the entire surface must be coated with paint to ensure the patch is not visible.
Depending on the tear’s size in the vinyl pool liner, it can either be repaired if it is 76.2 mm (3 in.) or less, while large cracks require a new liner installation. The process starts with roughening up the surface with sandpaper. Next, the area should be coated with a block of solvent cement. After the cement has dried, the patch should be cut, extending 76.2 mm on all the sides of the tear. Sometimes, in a vinyl-lined or a fibreglass hot tub or pool, a bulge can indicate either drainage or structural issues. These are significant problems that can only be addressed through either excavation, or completely replacing the pool or hot tub. A 0.6-m bulge is a serious problem, and the pool or hot tub should not be used until necessary corrections are made. Tiled pools can lose grout, causing leakages. In such incidences, the pool should be regrouted and calcium levels should be kept above 250 parts per million (ppm).
Inground concrete pools usually develop leaks at the skimmer throat caused by the deck and pool’s expansion and contraction. This makes the skimmer move slightly, hence breaking the cement seal between the skimmer and the pool. A dye test can be used to check whether water is being drawn into the cracks. Pool putty temporarily repairs the leakage, but the plaster can be replaced with a patch product for a more permanent repair. All the screws around the skimmer should be tightened using a head screwdriver and, if the leakage persists, it can be replaced with the skimmer gaskets.
In hot tubs, leakages can be repaired by replacing and removing broken unions. Similarly, some components of the volute might be broken or worn out. They should be replaced immediately by a plumber. A shaft seal can also be a source of hot tub leakage, and if one cannot find any damages on it, it should be replaced immediately. A new heater is recommended if the old one continues to have gasket-related issues. Valves around the pipes and under the tub must be inspected as most of them get loose quickly, causing leaks. If need be, a new valve should be fitted between the plumbing to control the flow of water.
Conclusion
Whatever the reason or type of leakage, quick repairs and replacement of worn-out components will ensure the pool or hot tub is safe to use and save on cost as the damage will not get bigger. As soon as any kind of seepage is spotted,
service professionals should run a few of the mentioned tests and find the leak. The quicker the issue is found, the sooner a solution can be determined.
Paige Williams is a public relations specialist representing CNI Locates. With a degree in integrated marketing communication, she shares her knowledge with the readers. She can be reached at cwilliams@highervisibility.com.
