Is Your Pool Leaking? Here's What You Can Do

A sudden drop in your pool's water level can be a cause for concern. Apart from the obvious wastage of water, a leaking pool can lead to significant financial setbacks and potential structural problems. However, before jumping to conclusions, it's essential to determine whether it's genuinely a leak or simply natural evaporation.

Steps to Confirm a Leak in Your Pool

Observation is Key: An unexpected drop in water levels should be your first clue. If you notice this, it's time to investigate further. Take a moment to observe and gauge if the water level is decreasing at an abnormal rate.

Mark the Water Level: With the system turned off, mark the water level using a pencil. Monitor it for a day or two. If there's a significant decrease, it might be a leak. This step provides a tangible measure of the water loss, which can be crucial information for professionals in case further investigation is needed.

Determine the Type of Leak: A constant leak will result in a steady drop in water levels. However, if the water loss is more noticeable when the filter system is on, the leak might be within the system itself. Understanding the pattern of water loss can help pinpoint the source of the issue.

 

Before you call in the experts, here's a DIY checklist to determine the leak's source:

 

Check the Perimeter: Take a leisurely walk around your pool's edge. Wet patches, eroded areas, or soft soil can indicate a leak. Pay close attention to any suspicious areas and make note of them.

Inspect Plumbing and Equipment: Check all valves, pipes, joints, and the filter system for any signs of leakage. Look for drips, puddles, or any unusual dampness. Tightening loose connections can sometimes be a quick fix.

Review Your Water Bill: A sudden spike in your water bill without any other apparent reason can hint at a pool leak. While there could be various causes for an increase in water usage, a noticeable deviation from your typical consumption patterns should not be ignored.

Check With Equipment On: If the water continuously runs from the waste or backwash line when the filter pump is on, the issue might be with the plumbing. This can be an indicator of a more serious issue within the system that requires professional attention.

Check With Equipment Off: Examine the pool for cracks, especially around the tile line and inside the skimmer. Hairline cracks may not always be immediately visible, so take your time to inspect thoroughly.

Pool Lights: The conduit running from the pool light to its junction box can sometimes be a source of leakage. If you suspect this to be the case, it's best to have a professional address the issue, as electrical components near water require careful handling.

Inspect Pool Liner and Surroundings: The pool liner and its immediate surroundings can sometimes develop weak points. Look for tears, wrinkles, or depressions in the liner, as well as any signs of soil erosion around the pool area. If you've run through this checklist and still suspect a leak, it's time to seek professional assistance. 

About Pool Shop

Pool Shop is one of Australia's leading suppliers of pool and spa products, offering a wide range of essentials like cleaners, pumps, lights, chlorinators, filters, chemicals, spare parts, and more. We stock the highest quality products as authorised sellers of leading brands such as Zodiac, Astral Pool, Maytronics, Hayward, Madimack, Polaris, Pentair Onga and more. With a price match guarantee and fast delivery, we ensure a seamless shopping experience.

Visit our shop in Unanderra near Wollongong for personalised service and expert advice or order online.

Contact us on support@poolshop.com.au or call 02 9137 8914.