The swimming pool is a great addition to any home, especially in Los Angeles, which receives a lot of sun all year-round. But even when your pool looks ideal, there can be several problems hidden under the water. Undetected leaks in your pool waste a great deal of water, damage both your pool and yard, and raise your energy bills. In contrast, early leak detection can prevent expensive repairs. Sometimes, people cannot see the small signs of leaks until the problem has grown huge. So, you can take the help of a professional for pool leak detection to address the underlying issues before they damage the structural integrity of your pool.
Let’s understand the common signs of pool leaks.
Pool Leak Detection: Easy Leak Signs to Watch For
Early leak detection saves money and maintains pool safety. Here are some easy signs to watch for that may indicate you have a hidden pool leak:
- Slight Water-Level Drops: While all pools do lose some water due to evaporation, more than a quarter-inch daily pool water loss may indicate a leak. You may notice you have to fill your pool more often than you used to, and this should raise your suspicions about leaks.
- Soggy or Wet Soil around the Pool: If the ground area or grass around your pool is constantly wet, soggy, or muddy, there might be leakage underground, washing away soil, and maybe causing damage to your garden or pool deck.
- Unusual Air Bubbles: If you notice bubbles coming out of the jets or a pool pump basket, air is likely seeping in through a crack or broken seal, in which case water might also be leaking somewhere.
- Increased Water Bills: In case your water bill increases and you are not using more water, your pool may be leaking. Keep track of your water bill to notice changes as soon as they occur.
Other signs might include having more difficulty maintaining pool chemicals, algae starting to build up in new areas, or cracks in your pool’s tiles or deck. All of these may mean that water is escaping and can be indicative of hidden leaks in the pool.
Where Pool Leaks Usually Happen
Knowing where leaks are most likely to occur can enable you to nip them in the bud. The following areas are the most common sites of hidden pool leaks:
- Plumbing Joints: The underground pipes and their joints are always under pressure. When the ground shifts or the pipes grow older, they often crack and start leaking. Leaks in such joints are not easily visible but waste a lot of water.
- Return Lines: Water flows in and out of your pool through pipes. If the pipes and their connections become loose or crack, then the water may leak out without you even noticing.
- Pool Shells: Minor cracks on the walls or floor of the pool can gradually worsen with time. It enfeebles the pool and causes the leakage of water. Check your pool surface for any cracks or missing pieces.
- Equipment Seals: Items such as pump seals, gaskets, and filter covers can wear out, allowing water to escape through small leaks. Even these small leaks of water from equipment can end up wasting a lot of water over time.
Easy Pool Maintenance Tips to Help Avoid Leaks
It is much easier and cheaper to prevent leaks than to fix them. Here are a few simple pool maintenance tips that help identify hidden leaks in pools:
- Check your pool equipment regularly: Every month, visually inspect your pump, filter, and piping. Wet spots or worn-out parts should be repaired immediately. Early pool equipment inspection and repair can prevent leaks from getting worse.
- Monitor Pool Water Pressure: If the pressure of the water in your pool varies, that can lead to a leak or blockage. If the pressure is not standard, allow a professional pool technician to inspect it.
- Seal Small Cracks Quickly: The moment you spot a tiny crack in your pool wall or floor, you need to seal the crack with non-toxic pool sealant. This is because small cracks tend to grow very fast.
- Balance the Water in Your Pool: Ensure your pool water is appropriately balanced regarding chemicals. Too little or too much can burn the parts and surfaces of your pool, and the leakage will become more probable.
- Have a Professional Check Your Pool: Once a year, ask a professional in pool care to inspect your entire pool. They can find problems you can’t, which helps maintain your strong and safe pool.
- Fix Cracks and Loose Tiles: When there are some visible cracks, chips, or loose tiles, get the pool cracks repaired as soon as possible. Otherwise, the condition may become worse with time.
When to Call the Professionals in Pools
Even with the best care, some leaks are difficult to locate and repair on your own. Routine inspections by professional pool builders at Way To Go Builders, Inc. will help prevent small leaks from becoming major repairs. They use specific tools, dye tests, pressure tests, and electronic equipment to identify the location of leaks accurately, even those hidden from view. With their vast knowledge in Los Angeles pool care, they help fix your pool issues correctly, so it lasts longer.
Professional leak detection experts will also be able to tell you why the leak happened and what you can do to prevent other leaks in the future. They can also help with regular maintenance of your pool and make recommendations for features that keep your pool in great shape.
Why Early Detection of Pool Leaks Matters
Hidden leaks do much more than waste water-they can destroy your pool and cost you a fortune. Finding the leaks early and fixing them quickly saves time, money, and headaches. This also extends the life of your pool so you can enjoy it for years. If you want to keep your pool safe and save money, ask experienced pool contractors for pool leak detection and maintenance. With good care, including professional assistance, your pool will remain an enjoyable and worthwhile addition to your home.