Detecting leaks in vinyl-lined pools

When it comes to detecting leaks, vinyl-lined pools have always posed their own set of challenges. They are larger than most other types of pools and, as a result, testing can take more time and effort. Leak detection technology made specifically for these pools work off the same general idea (listening for leaks), but has been tailored to scan the liner, too.
By placing a float with a metal plate into the pool, the technician is able to introduce a small square voltage current that evenly blankets the entire pool. Vinyl acts as an insulator, while a small hole or tear acts as a ground. The flow of electricity in the pool will immediately seek out the ground. Probes are then used to scan the floor and walls of the pool. Working much like a voltmeter to find the ground, it creates a beeping noise at the point of a leak (ground). While false-positives can plague this type of leak detection, there are steps technicians can take to minimize them (e.g. using a hydrophone to check for any metal in the pool prior to the square voltage to confirm there is, in fact, no leak).
Locating leaks in concrete pools
Structural cracks found in the floor or walls of concrete and gunite pools can be detrimental to the structural integrity. When concrete moves and shifts, it will crack and the extent of the damage depends on the amount of movement. Shifting can occur due to earth movement, settling, or poor workmanship during construction. Over time, as water seeps through the structural crack, it will erode the soil and cause even more shifting. If left unrepaired, voids in the concrete could occur. Further, cracks and voids will not only become larger, but also more expensive to fix. No matter how much or little the structural crack is leaking, it needs to be repaired 100 per cent of the time, and as soon as possible.

When a crack in a concrete pool is spotted, a leak detection scan must be performed. In the past, when a technician spotted a structural crack, his/her only course of action was to dive into the pool in a wetsuit and slowly dye test the entire crack. However, electronic leak detection equipment has come a long way. With new hydrophone technology, locating leaks due to structural cracks has become more accurate and a lot easier to perform.
The weight of the water trying to push its way through any open spaces in the crack will create a distinct ‘whooshing’ noise. Using the same hydrophone equipment that can locate leaks within a vinyl-lined pool, the technician can now simply drop the microphone into the pool and listen to every section of the crack. By slowing dragging the hydrophone along the midline of the structural crack, the technician can pinpoint where the leak (or leaks) are located by listening for the area(s) where the sound is the loudest.
Once the leak is found, a dye test can be used to back up what was heard when using the hydrophone. After all of the leaks have been located and confirmed, the pool can be drained and repaired.
An increasing number of pool service companies are adding leak detection projects to their business offerings, as it takes less time and effort than in the past thanks to the advancements in technology to tailor-made equipment specific to the aquatics industry. While these new tools may appear intimidating to some, the abundance of educational resources available for pool technicians makes it easy for any company to offer leak detection services.
Ten tips for a successful leak detection |
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Darren Merlob is the founder of LeakTronics, a manufacturer and distributor of leak detection equipment in Canoga Park, Calif. He has been in the industry for nearly 30 years and has experience in pool renovation, as well as leak detection and repair services. He can be reached via e-mail at info@leaktronics.com.