Leaks
To test to see if you have a slow leak, place a bucket of water outside next to the pool with tape at the current water line. Then place tape at the pools current water line. If the water in the pool descends much more quickly in the pool then in the bucket over the course of a few days chances are you may have a leak. Keep in consideration any splashing and backwashing that may be done in this period. The 2/week is a good rule.
Where is the leak coming from?
- Skimmer – use epoxy or glue to fix or replace if badly cracked/damaged.
- Equipment – replace any caps, o-rings and gaskets that are leaking. Replace parts with major cracks.
- Plumbing – tighten or replace leaky parts.
- Liner – must find the leak.
Leaky liners
- Clean the pool/liner thoroughly. If the patch can be done dry it will adhere better in the long run.
- Look for black or white dots. Sometimes the leak is very apparent but small pin holes can be hard to find. Use goggles if needed.
- Clean/brush spots that you find. If it won’t brush away try using red phenol and squirt it right beside the potential hole. If it goes immediately to the hole chances are it’s your hole. Small leaks tend to have many pin holes- make sure you find them all.
- Clean the hole with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol. Put the cloth in a bag and open it up when you are right at the hole. This will ensure a clean area for the patch to adhere to.
- Cut the patch slightly larger then your hole. Make sure that edges are rounded and there are no corners for the water to lift. Place glue on the patch and fold it in half smoothing out any air bubbles.
- When at the hole open patch and place. Smooth out all air bubbles. Place tape at edges if needed.
- Again be careful to check for other holes.
