Pool Leak Detection.
Let's face it, here just above the subtropics, rainstorms can push huge amounts of water into our pools, and a week later, intense sunshine can cause massive water loss through simple evaporation. Traditional observation techniques just don't cut it when trying to see if you have a pool leak. With the cost of water here in Pinellas County, filling your pool due to a leak can get extremely expensive.
We perform an electronic leak detection using sonar technology that can quickly isolate the source of any leaks, and can move from there to how to best stop the leak. Maintech Pool Solutions is driven to provide you the answers you need quickly and efficiently, with full integrity and honesty. Our leak repairs are fully guaranteed. In some cases, the local water company might re-imburse you for the costs of these repairs. We will provide you with an invoice to submit to the water company for possible reimbursement.
Our St. Petersburg clients have related to us that it is not unusual for the investment in leak detection and repair to be re-cooped within a month or two of water savings!
If you would like to check your pool first for leakage (as opposed to evaporation) the following is a simple "bucket test" that you can perform ahead of our arrival so that we both have an idea of what type of work we have ahead of us.
The Pool Bucket Test
The Bucket or Evaporation Test consists of scooping pool water into a bucket and comparing the rate of water loss in both the pool and bucket. Place the bucket on the first or second step of your pool. Fill the bucket with pool water and mark on the inside of the bucket what the water level is, then mark on the outside of the bucket what the pool water level is. After 24 hours, the water levels are compared with the initial markings as guide. There is a possible leak in the pool if its water level becomes lower than the water inside the bucket. On the other hand, if the water levels remain to be the same, then water loss would most probably be caused by evaporation. The Bucket Test also helps in identifying how much water the pool is losing, if indeed there is a leak. This will give our professionals at Maintech Pool Solutions an idea on the scope of the damage.
In order to have a good estimate on the amount of leak, the following equation would be helpful: Pool water loss – bucket water loss = Inches of water loss (to convert into gallons = Inches x .62). The result is then multiplied to the pool’s surface area. The results of the Bucket Test pool leak detection may not be that accurate and may vary from time to time due to weather conditions, however it is an excellent first pass so that we both have an idea of what might be happening with your pool.
Another test is the Pump On-Pump Off Test. For pool leak detection, the pool owner must conduct a bucket test when the pool pump is on; and another one when it is off. This will help identify where the suspect leak could be found. For example: If water loss (pump on) > water loss (pump off) = Pressure side plumbing leak; If water loss (pump on) < water loss (pump off) = Suction side or drain plumbing leaks; If water loss (pump on) = water loss (pump off) = non-plumbing.
These are just two of several pool leak detection methods. Others like the Dye Test and the Pressure Test are best left to the experts who are properly trained and equipped. But before anything else, the owner has to be observant of some overt signs and symptoms of a pool liner leak. Some of these include the sudden drop of the pools water level, which is faster than normal; algae growth or other water quality concerns; structural or deck damage such as cracks and loose tiles; dirt being blown into the pool through the pump; and soggy soil around the pool and pool equipment. As a pool owner, aside from water bills to worry about, not paying attention to the early signs of pool leaks would make swimming pool leak detection and repairs harder and more expensive.
If you suspect a leak, by all means, perform the simple pool leak bucket test, so that you have some idea of what to expect, then call us for a thorough professional review.