Expert Advice on How to Find and Fix a Pool Leak

A pool leak can definitely put a damper on your summer plans. The team at Florida Luxury Pools is here to help you resolve those issues before they grow into something bigger. Keep the water insidethe pool this summer with these simple pool leak solutions.

Finding a Leak

• The Bucket Method: In order to conduct this leak test you’ll need a few tools. First and foremost, you’ll need a five-gallon plastic bucket. Then, you’ll need either a king size permanent marker or a roll of duct tape. Your first step is to take the five-gallon bucket and place it on the second step leading into your pool. Wherever the waterline falls on you bucket, you should mark the spot inside the bucket with either the duct tape or the permanent marker. Then, turn off your recirculating pump or any other autofill device in the pool. After around 24 hours, put the bucket back on the second step. If the water is still at the marked level, then you’re safe. On the other hand, if the pool water level is lower than the bucket level, your pool has a leak. But look at you! You just discovered a leak on your own!

• The Ink Method: The tools required for the Ink Method include leak finder ink, goggles and a snorkel. This process works best with leaks when you suspect are near the surface of the pool. Here’s why: you’ll start the process by draining out the pool. A leak at the bottom of the pool will probably end up draining the pool completely, and we want to avoid that. When the pool is draining through the leak it’ll stop draining after the water level hits the leak. The leak spot is generally going to remain wet, allowing you to pinpoint its location. Now, get in the water and where you believe the leak to be, try not to disturb the water too much and break out the dye. Squirt the dye in the direction of the suspected leak area and the dye will start swimming toward the leak like a drain. Any movement will make the dye start to move sporadically, defeating the purpose of the test.

Fixing a Leak

Concrete-, fiberglass- or plaster- based pools have the luxury of a DIY leak fix. Vinyl liner patches will be your saving grace in this situation. Use a patch in the shape of a circle so that it won’t be, accidentally, ripped up when the pool it being used. If your leak is out of water, use the glue and apply the patch with pressure for around 2 minutes. If the leak is submerged, put the glue on the patch, fold the patch in half, once you get close to the leak unfold the patch and place over the leak, all in one motion. Hold the patch with pressure for around five minutes. Ta-da! You’ve (temporarily) fixed your leak!
Don’t let a little leak keep you out of your pool this summer. Get that leak under wraps and start swimming! We’re here to help you with any major leaks you may experience. You work way too hard to not have a pool, and definitely work way too hard to not be able to enjoy your pool because of a leak! Be on the lookout for leaks, and test them to know for sure. Happy swimming!