A swimming pool is a great addition to any home, providing a refreshing escape from the heat of summer and a place to entertain friends and family. However, a pool can be a big investment, and it’s important to ensure that it’s well-maintained to ensure longevity and prevent expensive repairs down the road. One common issue that pool owners may encounter is a pool that’s losing water. In this article, we’ll discuss how to tell if your swimming pool is losing water, and provide suggestions on how to diagnose a pool leak using the bucket method. Finally, we’ll suggest a thorough pool inspection by Purpose Pools.
How To Tell If Your Pool Is Losing Water Using The Bucket Test
Firstly, it’s important to understand that some water loss is normal due to factors such as evaporation and splashing. However, if you notice a significant drop in water level over a short period of time, it’s likely that your pool is leaking. Here are the steps to follow when conducting the bucket method test:
- Fill the pool: First, fill the swimming pool to its normal level. This is important to ensure accurate results when comparing the water levels in the bucket and the pool.
- Fill the bucket: Fill a plastic bucket with water, leaving about an inch of space at the top of the bucket.
- Mark the water level: Place the bucket on the pool steps or on the pool deck, ensuring that the bucket is immersed in the pool to the same depth as the pool water. Mark the water level on the inside of the bucket using a waterproof marker or tape.
- Wait for 24 hours: Leave the bucket in the pool for 24 hours without disturbing it.
- Measure the water loss: After 24 hours, compare the water level in the bucket to the water level in the pool. If the water level in the pool has dropped significantly more than the water level in the bucket, this indicates that the pool is losing water due to a leak.
It’s important to note that the bucket method only indicates that the pool is losing water, not where the leak is located. Once you have determined that the pool is losing water, further investigation is needed to identify the source of the leak. This may involve a visual inspection of the pool and its equipment, or the use of specialized equipment such as leak detection dyes or pressure testing equipment.
What You Want To Look For
- Visible leaks: If you notice water pooling around the pool or coming out of the pump or filter, it’s likely that you have a leak somewhere in the pool system.
- Algae growth: If your pool is losing water, it can become a breeding ground for algae, which can grow quickly in warm, damp conditions.
- Cracks or damage to the pool: Damage to the pool itself, such as cracks in the walls or floor, can also cause water loss.
- Increased water bills: If you have a pool meter, you can compare your water usage before and after filling your pool to see if there’s a significant increase in water consumption.
If you suspect that your pool is losing water, the first step is to determine how much water is being lost. This can be done using the bucket method, which involves filling a bucket with water and placing it on the pool step or ledge, ensuring that the water level in the bucket is the same as the pool. Leave the bucket in the pool for 24 hours, and then measure the amount of water lost in the pool and the bucket. If the water level in the pool has dropped significantly more than the water level in the bucket, it’s likely that your pool is leaking.
How To Proceed If You Notice a Leak
Once you’ve determined that your pool is leaking, the next step is to locate the source of the leak. This can be done by conducting a visual inspection of the pool, checking for cracks or damage to the pool walls or floor, and inspecting the pool equipment, such as the pump, filter, and pipes, for signs of damage or leaks.
If you’re unable to locate the source of the leak on your own, it’s a good idea to call in a professional pool service company, such as Purpose Pools, to conduct a thorough inspection of your pool. They have the equipment and expertise needed to identify the source of the leak if it’s occurring at the equipment pad and recommend the best course of action to repair it.
In conclusion, a swimming pool is a great investment for any home, but it’s important to ensure that it’s well-maintained to prevent expensive repairs down the road. If you suspect that your pool is losing water, it’s important to take action quickly to identify the source of the leak and repair it. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can diagnose a pool leak using the bucket method, and consider a professional pool inspection from Purpose Pools to help ensure that your pool is in good condition and ready for summer fun.
