Pool Leak Detection Kit - Knowing When To Call A Professional

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the average household's leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year, and 10% of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day. Fortunately, water damage is an avoidable calamity. Home leak detection kits can monitor the flow of water as it passes through the pipes, and will shut off the water upon noticing any irregularity. In this article, "Pool Leak Detection Kit - Knowing When To Call A Professional," we uncover the facts about professional vs at home pool leak detection kits.

What is a Pool Leak Detection Kit?

A pool leak detection kit is a collection of tests to pinpoint the location of a leak. A common pool leak detection method is something called a dye test. If you are a natural DIY'er, utilizing a pool leak detection kit and knowing when to call a professional will be beneficial to you. The way an at-home dye test works are as follows:

You Will Need

Leakproof, anti-fog goggles
A snorkel
Dark food coloring or leak finder dye

What To Do

1. Check the area around your pool for wetness where it shouldn't be.

This helps to determine the area of a leak. However, keep natural factors in mind. If your friends, family, or pets have been splashing or you have had experienced a recent rainfall, it may be explanatory. Regardless, be sure to have a thorough inspection of your pool at least once a year.

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2. Turn off the pump in your pool.

Next, check the walls of your pool. You do this by turning off the filtration system and noting where the water stops dropping. Vinyl liner pools need to have water in them at all times! Stop this test if you have a vinyl liner pool and your water is dropping rapidly. Start adding water and call a professional. If your water stops at the light, the leak is probably in the light housing. If the water stops below the light, then there may be a leak in the drain at the bottom of the pool. When the pool is losing more water while the pump is running, the leak is on the return line side of the system. If this is the case, check the waste line for running water. Check for cracks, gaps, or tears in the skimmer, light, and liner.

3. Use food coloring or leak finder dye to pinpoint the leak.

Now that you have an idea of where the leak might be try not to disturb the water during this process. Squirt the dye towards the spot you suspect the leak to be. If the leak is near, you will see the dye move toward the source like a current. If the leak is at the bottom of the pool, put goggles on and do the same thing.

Professional vs DIY

The dye test method isn't always accurate. Professional leak detection companies have the equipment to detect leaks in locations you wouldn't usually find them. Leak Science has high-tech equipment that can detect leaks underneath at least 5 layers of concrete, rock, and soil - accurately. By having this professional look all over your pool, you're preventing additional plumbing repairs. An expert will not only find and fix your leak but examine for future problems, saving money on those future problems. Detecting leaks early on can prevent water damage, prevent mold, and mildew, and protect your family. Most importantly, you may end up doing more harm to your pool if you try to fix the problems yourself. A professional leak detection company can fix complicated structural cracks in gunite or fiberglass, which requires special equipment.