Is Your Pool Ready for Summer? Make Sure No Leaks Exist!

It takes more than just filling up the pool and jumping in to get your backyard swimming pool ready for the season. It is important to understand the value of properly opening a pool—both for the swimmers’ wellbeing and the pool’s longevity. One of the most important aspects of owning a pool and getting it ready for summer is making sure there are not any leaks. When it comes to Pool Leak Detection there are a few measures that can be used to figure out where a leak is coming from but the most effective way to discover a leak is by calling a professional.
 

Detecting Pool Leaks On Your Own and What To Do

A pool leak detection kit is a collection of tests that can be used to find the source of a leak. A dye test is a popular method for detecting leaks in swimming pools. If you’re a natural do-it-yourselfer, a pool leak detection kit and knowing when to call a pro will come in handy. The following is how an at-home dye test works:

You Need: Leakproof, anti-fog goggles, a snorkel, dark food coloring, or leak finder dye.
 

What To Do

Look for wetness around your pool in places that should typically be dry.

This aids in locating the source of a leak. Bear in mind, however, natural factors can come into play. It may be explained if your friends, relatives, or pets have been splashing or if you have recently encountered rain. Regardless, make sure your pool is inspected thoroughly at least once a year.
 

Turn off your pool pump.

Next, inspect the pool’s walls. Turn off the filtration device and take note of where the water stops falling. Water must be present in vinyl liner pools at all times. If you have a vinyl-lined pool and the water level is rapidly falling, you should stop this test and contact a professional.
 

Additional things to note:

The leak is most likely in the light housing if your water stops at the light.

If the water level drops below the level of the sun, there could be a leak in the pool’s drain.

The leak is on the return line side of the device, as the pool loses more water when the pump is running. If this is the case, look for flowing water in the waste line. Inspect the skimmer for holes, gaps, or tears.

The best leak detection companies not only locate the most complicated leaks but also repair them so that it is as if nothing ever happened. Knowing when to call a professional is crucial when using a pool leak detection package. Having a professional in charge ensures that your pool is comfortable for you and your guests. Whatever you need regarding your pool, Leak Science can help. Prolong the lifespan of your pool with professional leak detection and full restoration.
 

To detect the leak using food coloring or a leak finder dye:

Now that you’ve figured out where the leak is, try not to interrupt the water when you’re doing this. Squirt the dye in the direction that you think the leak is coming from. If the leak is near, the dye will travel like a current towards the source. Put on goggles and do the same thing if the leak is at the bottom of the tank.
 

Here’s how to get ready for lazy summer afternoons in eight easy steps.

1. Don’t Empty Your Pool

The only time you should typically drain your pool is if work needs to be done on the siding or foundation OR if the pool was left unattended for quite some time, leaving the water in an extremely unhealthy state. A pool company can typically help almost any pool’s pH levels get back to normal with a few treatments without having to drain the pool and start over.
 

2. Clean Up

With a “chemical open,” you can begin the process of getting your pool in shape. Reassemble the filtration device, clean all of the baskets, and remove any plugs that were installed when the pool was closed last year. For the time being, keep the pool cover on as you work on it.
 

3. Top It Off

Fill it up if the water level has dropped during the off-season. Before you turn it on, make sure the filter is clear. Remove the cartridge and wash it with a hose to clean the cartridge filter. If you have a D.E. filter, it might be necessary to disassemble, clean, and reassemble it. If you have a sand filter, switch it to backwash mode to clean the sand. Then return to the default environment.
 

4. Have a Pro Test Your Water

Leak Science suggests getting the water checked by a specialist. Bring a sample of your water to a pool shop. You should even have your own chemistry testing strips for your tub. Simply submerge the strips in the pool and keep them up to the bottle’s color map. This is a simple way to check chlorine and PH levels on a regular basis.
 

5. Maintain Chemical Balance

PH ranges from 7.2 to 7.4. The amount of chlorine that converts into hypochlorous acid in the water is determined by the pH level. To raise the pH, use soda ash; to lower it, use muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate.

Alkalinity totals range from 80 to 120. Alkalinity acts as a pH buffer, so if the alkalinity level is right, pH levels will be consistent. To increase alkalinity, use sodium bicarbonate, and to decrease it, use muriatic acid.

Calcium hardness ranges from 150 to 250 parts per million (parts per million). The hardness of the water has a strong impact on this. The more calcium the water absorbs from its surroundings, the softer it is. Make adjustments to the calcium hardness by using calcium chloride.

Chlorine concentrations range from 1 to 3 parts per million. Cyanuric-based tablets are a common commodity for in-ground pools in backyards (the ones that look like large white hockey pucks).

The tablets can be used in skimmer baskets, but because of their low acid content, they can consume metal, which is a concern if your pool has a metal filter system or a heater with a copper heat exchanger.
 

6. Be patient as the water clears

Don’t jump in just yet. Every day until the water is clear, the filter must be washed. The whole procedure should take about a week. To keep it at the proper amount, you may need to add chlorine. Remove the cover only when the water is clear and you can see the pool bottom. If you take the cover off too fast, you’ll have more leaves, pollen, and dirt to sweep off.
 

7. Housekeeping

It’s time to clean all the leaves and dirt from the bottom after you’ve removed the cover.
 

8. Maintain

Keep the filter clean for the rest of the season, vacuum the pool once a week, and test the chemical levels every day. We suggest having the water tested by a professional once a month to ensure all levels are good for swimming conditions.
 

Getting Your Pool Ready for Summer

Once you open your pool for summer, make sure to watch the water level over the first few weeks to make sure the water level has not decreased drastically, as this is a sign of a pool leak. If you notice a decrease in water levels that are concerning, contact Leak Science today for an inspection. We can find any leak and have it repaired quickly so that you can get back to enjoying your pool!
 

Contact Leak Science For Pool Leak Detection & Repair Services

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