Losing water in an above ground pool can be more than just irritating. It can cost you a lot of money and could even cause damages to the structure of the pool. This, therefore, makes it important to track down and repair a pool leak as soon as it is spotted. But how easy is it? Well, the good news is that repairing the leak may be easy, but locating it… not that much! Many homeowners find it so demanding to the point that they even consider replacing the entire pool liner. But with a few tips, you can avoid the hefty costs that may come with a complete replacement. To save you the trouble, here are 6 tips to finding a leak in an above ground pool.
1. Inspect the Liner
Before you even get to consult with your local pool professional, you might need to try out some home diagnostics in finding the leak yourself. A minor leak may cause your pool to lose half an inch to an inch of water every day. This is a lot! All you need is mark the water levels on a daily basis. You can do this using a tape If the water stops dropping, you’ll be sure that it’s above the water level.
2. Check the Exterior Walls
Ensure to look closely for tears around returns. Check for wetness along the exterior walls, more so, on the seams and skimmer fitters. If you notice any wetness or moisture along the support fittings, the ladder or the light housing, then you can be sure that you’ve found your leaking spot.
3. Inspect the Skimmer
Larger pools have more than a single skimmer. A skimmer pulls water through the filter system from the pool. Given the fact that a skimmer has many working parts, it’s very easy for it to develop a leak. This usually happens when the edges loosen and start pulling water through the sides. The most common symptom that your pool is losing water from the skimmer is when the water levels drop quickly.
4. Check the Pump and Filter
Leaks can also be as a result of a clogged skimmer, which is a common cause of pool pump leaks. All you’ll need to do is turn off the pool pump, remove the skimmer, and get rid of any debris. Additionally, if air enters the pump parts instead of water, it can also cause the pool pump to start leaking. If air is pulled into the intake lines, it reduces the amount of filtered water from getting evenly returned into the pool thus causing pressure to build up in the lines.
5. Address the Pool Light
If your above ground pool has light fixtures, then there might just be a probability that you are losing water through them. Check for loosened screws or cracks on the caps covering the bulbs. Also, you may need to check if the seals are tight enough. The best way to stop these leaks is by completely replacing the pool light.
6. Dye Test
This method involves dropping a small amount of dye into the calm water. You’ll need to turn off the pump to do this. If there’s a leak, the dye will most likely follow the direction of the flow. This is always the best method to test for leaks at the bottom of the pool.
You can always consult a pool professional especially in matters related to the pool pump. It’s also a good idea if you want a quick remedy to the problem. But if you carefully read this article, you’ll have a better idea of where to start.
