Detecting pool and hot tub leaks to prevent further damage

by jason_cramp | June 22, 2021 1:07 pm

Paige Williams

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There are lots of little quirks that come with owning a swimming pool, and one of the tricky ones is they naturally lose water. Whether through evaporation, water getting backwashed, or splashed out of the pool entirely, the water level is likely to ebb for natural reasons. Likewise, the pool gains more water through rainfall, so it should all even out well—unless there is a leak.

If the pool is losing 51 mm (2 in.) or more water a week, it is likely something has gone wrong and there is a leak in the system. Noticing these issues quickly will help one save on water costs, chemicals, and heat while preventing further damage to the pool’s structure. Similarly, the repair will prevent washing away dirt that supports the deck. While sealants are supposed to make the pool watertight, they are prone to wear and tear after some time. Seepages can be from any of the pool fittings, plumbing, or through its shell. Finding the leak is an important step to take in the beginning. After it has been located, there are different steps pool professionals can take—depending on the location of the leak—that will ensure one is taking the appropriate actions.

How to detect a pool or hot tub leak

If the pool is leaking only with the pump on, it may indicate a leak caused by the pressure-side return. This means when the filter pump is on, the plumbing pressure side is considerably under pressure. The result is opening small drips into large spraying gushers. To be sure, one should carefully check the backwash line to ensure the water is running consistently. It is crucial to check downhill where underground leakage is showing. Equally, one should also check for wet spots on the pool’s side where the pipes return water into the pool.

When the pool is leaking only with the equipment off, it indicates a suction-side leak or probably from the plumbing bringing water to the pool. One can easily see air in the pump basket, built-up air on the filter tank, and air bubbles out of the pool’s return lines. For accuracy, one should use a pencil or tape to mark the water levels. If the pool leaks all the time, it could be because of damage to the plumbing, or the pool structure could have plaster cracks or vinyl tears. Check the tile line and skimmers carefully.

Pool equipment can also cause leakages. The filter, heater, pump, and valves can cause water loss and should be thoroughly checked. Water stabilizing at a particular level could also be a sign of seepage. Water that stops at a wall step or fitting is another indicator of leakage. When one notices wet areas around the pool, one should scrutinize them to rule out leakage. Sometimes seepage can be caused by an old or faulty pool liner.

To ascertain pool/hot tub leakage, pool professionals can perform a simple bucket test to check the level of evaporation. First, place a bucket of water beside the hot tub/pool and mark both water levels inside the bucket and in the pool/hot tub. After 24 hours, check water loss in both. If the pool/hot tub loses more water than the bucket, there is a leak somewhere.

Sometimes, seepage can originate from the underground water pipes. The best way to determine if there are leaks is to shut off the plugs and the pump and see if the leakage persists.

When the leak is not noticeable and hard to find, locating it can become challenging. If the pool or hot tub is leaking, it is not worth waiting as this may cause further damage. Therefore, it is important pool experts explain the importance of professional help to homeowners. Not only do leak detection companies have the right equipment and methods to find out if and where the leak may be, they also help homeowners save time and money in the long run.

How to repair leakages

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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).

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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.

[4]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.

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/features/expert-advice/detecting-pool-hot-tub-leaks/

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