Pool Service
Diagnosing a Pool Leak Isn’t Always So Cut & Dry
Think you may have a pool leak? Finding the source can be a challenge.
Diagnosing a pool leak can put some pool owners in over their head – it’s a fact. No matter what type of pool you own, every swimming pool naturally loses some water due to evaporation, splash-out and backwashing. However, when you find yourself watering your pool way too often, it’s cause to stop and think. If you find yourself routinely adding more than two inches of water to your pool, you may just have a pool leak, according to experts.
A pool leak is a very common problem but does require some time and effort to diagnose properly. Swimming pools are designed to be waterproof, but sealants can and do deteriorate over time. Components inside of your pool can shift, settle, or just plain wear out. It’s not uncommon for older swimming pools to have multiple leaks in multiple locations.
Early Pool Leak Detection Can Prevent Costly Repairs
Pools can leak through any of the fittings, equipment, plumbing, or even the pool shell itself. Neglecting to fix a pool leak can cause incredible damage in both inground and above ground pools. Pool leaks are serious business and can actually compromise the sub structure of the pool itself. It’s not common for a leak to systematically wash away the backfill which supports the pool walls and deck.
Diagnosing a Pool Leak is a Specialty Service for Pool Contractors
The process of identifying and diagnosing pool leaks come and how to fix them is a highly specialized area in the pool industry. While many pool service technicians may specialize in cleaning and maintaining pools, only a portion actually specialize in leak detection. You need specialized equipment and training to properly perform a leak inspection.
Pool Leaks Can Cost Homeowners Thousands
A pool leak can ultimately result in a slew of bills and repairs if not addressed quickly. One thing homeowners notice right away is a surge in their water or electric bill. Rising utility costs could suggest the need for a repair elsewhere in your home, but your pool should be towards the top of your list of things to look into. If you do have a pool leak, the surge should be obvious and significantly higher than the general spike in utility costs seen throughout pool season.
Just to put things in perspective, a pinhole leak can waste up to 970 gallons of water each and ever day. In terms of water consumption that is roughly four times the amount of water that an average family consumes each day.
DIY Pool Leak Detection Methods
Bucket Method
If your swimming pool, spa, or fountain is losing half an inch of water each day, it could be due to evaporation or it very well could be a leak. Evaporation and splash out is the most likely cause of a quarter-inch to a half inch of water loss each day. Any more than that, and you may want to do the bucket test to make sure you don’t have a leak.
Leak Detection – Bucket Test
- First, start off by filling your swimming pool to it’s standard level.
- Next, fill a 5 gallon bucket with water up to 1 inch from the top.
- Submerge the bucket in the pool to a depth of about 5 inches, place it on the first or second step of the swimming pool.
- Mark the water level inside of the bucket with a magic marker as well as the water level outside the bucket.
- Return in 24 hours to compare the inside to the outside water level. If the water level outside of the bucket has substantially dropped more than the water level inside the bucket, it’s quite possible you could have a pool leak.
Dye Method
Using the dye method will involve using a pool leak detection kit. This method is really only effective if you have a pretty good idea of the general vicinity where the leak may be.
To perform this test, all you do is squirt the dye close to where you suspect the leak is. If the leak is there, you should notice the dye being sucked through the source of the leak. This test may require being underwater for some time. You may want to use a pair of goggles to see better. You’ll also have to stay pretty still so as not to disrupt the dye during the test.
8 Questions To Ask If You Think You Have a Pool Leak
appears to be a crack, put some pool leak test dye near it while the pump is turned off and the water is still running to check if the dye gets sucked into the crack. Underwater lights can and do leak as well. One of the most common leaks occur around the conduit that connects the light niche to the junction box.
Is the soil around the pool area damp all the time?
Do a thorough inspection of the perimeter around the pool deck and between the pool and the equipment pad. Examine the ground for moist soil and deterioration. If your pool slopes down hill, stroll around to see if there is any water weeping down the hillside.
Is the shell leaking?
Some sources of leaks are the result of structural design flaws. These types of pool leaks are the most serious type of leak and most expensive to repair. Leaks can cause settling of the pool shell. A leak can create conditions for unpredictable ground movement that is likely to produce cracks in the walls, floor, or both. In concrete pools – high slump concrete, low cement content, or poor craftsmanship and curing are all likely to generate low quality concrete that allows water to travel right through it. Thermal or shrinkage stress cracks can occur. Cold joints or weak construction joints can create leaks as well. Improperly sealed joints can create conditions for structural pool leaks as well.
Is the skimmer leaking?
The most common pool leak usually occurs in the skimmer throat at some point. The skimmer does has a tendency to move somewhat when the pool and deck expand and contract. This movement can break the sealant between the pool wall and the skimmer over time. The skimmer can be dye tested (with the pump turned off) to see if there is a leak pulling water into the cracks surrounding the skimmer opening.
Is the pool leak coming from underground plumbing?
Honestly, it’s very rare that a pool leak is going to happen in the subsurface plumbing. That’s not to say that it doesn’t happen though. From time to time a leak can occur at a pipe junction beneath the pool deck or beneath the skimmer. These types of repairs rarely necessitate having to hire a team of pool builders to dig up the entire backyard in order to find the source. The simplest approach to check if the pipes are leaking is to turn off the pump and stop all of the lines. If it continues to leak, it’s probably not the pipes. If the leaking does stop, the plugs can be removed separately to determine if the leaking resumes, though some pools only leak when the pump is running. Once a complete leak inspection has been performed, a pool plumbing pressure test on the pipes themselves can be conducted to determine if any are leaking.
If there is an underground leak, in 90% of cases a very small 3’x3′ hole in the deck can be cut to fix the break, but it’s rarely ever necessary to replace a complete run of pipe.
Is the pool leaking when the pool equipment is running?
If you find that the pool is leaking when the equipment is running, this could be a very good indication that there is a pressure-side return leak. The piping on the pressure side (after the pump) is under pressure when the filter pump is turned on. This can cause little drips to turn into spraying gushers. Checking the waste or backwash line for water that is constantly flowing can tell you if you have a leak.
One inch of pool water is equal to 500 gallons. Look for weepers where subsurface leaking is trickling downhill from the pool. Examine the yard for soft or moist places, particularly on the pool’s side where the plumbing returns water to the pool.
Does the pool leak when the pool equipment is turned off?
If the pool is leaking when the equipment is completely turned off this usually implies a suction-side leak or a problem with the plumbing itself. When the pump is turned on, air can be brought in via voids that would otherwise leak. If you have a clear lid, you usually see air bubbles in the pump basket. You’ll also observe air bubbling out of the return lines, or air repeatedly building up inside the filter tank.
Cost for Pool Leak Detection
Testing an average residential pool, including both the plumbing and the structure, typically costs $400-$500. It’s not always necessary to empty the pool in order to diagnose and repair many types of pool leaks. However, expect to pay upwards from $500 if a scuba dive is required in order to properly detect the source of the leak.
Cost of Pool Leak Inspection & Repairs
Labor and materials for most basic leak repairs typically start anywhere from $500 to $1,500, not including the expense of draining and refilling (if needed). If the problem is determined to be coming from the pipes themselves or the structure of the pool, anticipate opening up your wallet for major repair costs. The entire cost of repairing a major structural leak in the shell or in underground plumbing is determined by the severity of the damage, the location of the leak, and the difficulty of the repair work.
Pool Leak Detection Equipment
It’s not always necessary to hire a pool contractor to diagnose a leak. Use the tools the pros use for finding out where a leak is coming from in your own swimming pool.
Pool Leak/Pool Plumbing Pressure Tester/Pool Leak Detector/Swimming Pool Leak Detector
Pops Pool Tools – Swimming Pool Pressure Tester Kit is a quality, affordable leak detection tool for the do-it-yourself homeowner. This kit allows pool owners to test their own swimming pool plumbing with the same results the pros get. This kit will confirm whether or not you have a pipe leak causing water loss or air bubbles in the filtration system. Great kit that comes with step-by-step photos and instructions that makes this tool easy to use.
Atlas Pool Leak Detection Kit – Swimming Pool Leak Dye (Yellow) Syringe & 8oz Refill Bottle – Atlas White Putty Epoxy Sealer
Now you can easily locate precise swimming pool leak locations and fix them yourself with the Atlas all-inclusive pool and hot tub leak tester kit for DIYers
- ENOUGH LEAK DYE FOR THE WHOLE POOL
- PROFESSIONAL-GRADE POOL LEAK SEALER
- STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS
Fix a Leak – Pool Sealer
FIX-A-LEAK is a blended concentrated material designed to seal leaks in virtually any material. It can be applied for leaks in the shell and works equally well in plumbing. Will seal holes 1/8″ in diameter. Will form a permanent seal. Use 1 quart per pool up to 22,000 gallons. Do not use in excess of 1 quart per 5,000 gallons of water.
All Fix H20 Underwater EPOXY Putty Pool Marine Repair Cracks Leaks Seal Bond (48 oz. Unit)
- Permanent repairs to filters, PVC, skimmer boxes, inlets, jets, lighting, drains, cracks, splits or chips.
- All-Fix Premium Pool & Marine Epoxy Putty can be applied above or below the water line, or in wet environments.
- Cures Underwater! – Great For Underwater & Wet Areas Rock Hard Cure – Drill – Sand – File – Sculpt – Shape Tintable To Infinite Number Of Colors !
- All-Fix will adhere to just about any surface or material: Concrete, Tile, Plastic, Gunite, Wood, Ceramic, Metal, Stone…and just about any other material!
Featured Photo Credit: Gulfcoast Pool Pros
Pool Service
Orenda (a HASA Company) and Skimmer to Revolutionize Pool Maintenance with New Partnership
Skimmer, America’s most widely-used pool service platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Orenda Technologies (a HASA Company), a trailblazer in water treatment solutions. This collaboration aims to enhance the user experience for pool professionals by integrating the Orenda Calculator™, with its Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) and dosage recommendation engine, into Skimmer’s software.
The inclusion of Orenda’s LSI calculator and dosage recommendation engine within Skimmer’s platform marks a significant milestone in pool service technology. The LSI serves as an impartial measurement of water balance, specifically gauging calcium carbonate saturation. By assessing whether the water is aggressive/corrosive, balanced, or scale-forming, the LSI plays a pivotal role in ensuring optimal water chemistry.
This, combined with Skimmer’s easy-to-use, all-in-one software will give tens of thousands of pool pros access to water quality insights right in the Skimmer app.
“Partnering with Orenda and HASA aligns seamlessly with our commitment to providing pool professionals with cutting-edge tools,” says Jack Nelson, CEO of Skimmer.
Integrating the Orenda Calculator™ into Skimmer empowers our customers to make informed decisions that directly impact water quality and customer satisfaction,” says Nelson.
“We are excited to integrate with partner software that helps pool professionals up their game, and that can expand upon the app we have built. Skimmer is a powerful tool that helps thousands of pros improve their business every day. This integration allows for us to help those same pool pros even further. With this partnership, Skimmer users will be able to save chemistry results and history, which is something our customers have asked of us for years. This partnership makes that possible,” says Eric Knight, VP of Pro Marketing at HASA/Orenda.
The integration is slated for launch in the coming months, promising a user-friendly experience that streamlines pool maintenance. This collaboration underscores both companies’ dedication to innovation and customer-centric solutions within the pool maintenance industry.
For more information on the Langelier Saturation Index and its impact on water chemistry, visit Orenda’s blog at https://blog.orendatech.com/langelier-saturation-index.
About Skimmer:
Skimmer is America’s most widely used pool service platform. The company is on a mission to modernize the pool and spa service and repair industry through easy-to-use software and best-in-class support. Over 25,000 pool service professionals servicing 500,000 pools in North America use Skimmer to get organized, get paid faster, and grow their businesses.
About Orenda:
Orenda (a HASA Company) is at the forefront of revolutionizing water treatment solutions for pools, emphasizing the importance of proper water chemistry and sustainability. Through its advanced technology and expertise, Orenda helps optimize pool water quality by empowering pool professionals with industry-leading products and educational resources.
About HASA:
HASA, Inc. is a leading producer and distributor of high-quality water treatment products used to sanitize and maintain water systems, including swimming pools, water tanks and containment vessels for recreational, industrial, and municipal end markets. Founded in 1964, the company operates out of facilities in California, Arizona, Washington, Nevada and Texas. Over its 60-year history, HASA has established a strong reputation for supplying superior products through excellent logistics and distribution capabilities. Additional information about HASA is available at www.hasa.com
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Jes Ellacott
The great debate of the pool industry has always been about pools built with serviceability in mind. Pool service pros are constantly saying that builders do not consider what a pool needs to be serviceable. They claim the builder only cares about the aesthetics of the design and cost. Are they right? In some cases the service pros are. However, there are quality builders who wish to produce an ideal product but run into obstacles, such as customer preferences, that make it difficult to do that. When I asked pool services pros on Facebook what they would like pool builders to consider for the pros coming to the job afterward, I received dozens of comments. Responses ranged from salesmen with claims that purchasing chemical automation and sanitization would eliminate the need for the service pros to the actual installation of equipment and plumbing.
The Great Pool Debate: Top 5 Complaints Service Pros Found In The Field
Communication with the pool owner about maintenance
In any project the biggest asset is communication. This is, also, important in the pool-building process. During the builder and homeowner relationship, it is important to educate homeowners on the maintenance requirements for their choices.
Recently, I was on a job site where the homeowner chose to use black tile on their infinity edge wall. Luckily, their builder had mentioned that using that particular tile can require regular cleaning from scale build-up. As time has passed, the homeowner has been comfortable with their choice and the maintenance needs associated with their material selections. This is not always a situation.
According to Peter Wiedermann in Perth, Australia, it is quite common for builders to tell their clients swimming pools only need to be serviced once a month since they have filtration and chemical automation. As the great pool debate rages on, maintenance professionals know, no matter what you have installed it needs to be monitored closely to make sure that components are functioning correctly. If there is a lack of education among homeowners, it creates mistrust between pool service professionals and consumers.
“Please stop plastering lights on the wall!!! Is this too much to ask??” commented Kathleen Maloney with Armadillo Pools in Sacramento, CA
When the pool service professional goes to replace pool lights, it is extremely common, especially when inch-and-a-half lights are used, for them to be plastered in. This is a problem because in order to remove the light and replace it with a new one, service techs will need to remove the plaster around the light. This causes higher replacement costs and additional concerns with the homeowner about how much damage might be done by removing the light.
Luckily, there are ways to avoid this from happening. You can wait to install lights until after the pool surface is completed. This may add additional labor costs for the builder because of the extra visit but is preferred with future maintenance in mind. If the extra visit is a concern, many light manufacturers include plaster caps you can place on lights prior to plastering. This can also help avoid plaster build-up on the fixture. In addition, there are nicheless wall fittings you can place on the conduit or pipe used for the lights. This provides a ring that the plaster installer can build the surface around in order to avoid contact with the lights.
“More than one skimmer, one shallow one deep, do it!” said Gregory Wilker
There should be one skimmer for every 800 sq ft of surface area on residential pools and every 500 sq ft of surface area on commercial pools. Ideally, placing them at either end or equally spread out their purpose helps to remove oil and debris from the pool. Pool designers and builders need to take into consideration the variety of elements in the area around the pool when adding skimmers.
As many pool service professionals have experienced, when there is a high foliage area, one skimmer cannot contain high amounts of debris in a short period of time. This becomes problematic and leads to more frequent visits. In turn, we ask customers to check skimmer baskets frequently between visits or risk the pump running without adequate water flow. Yes, adding additional skimmers adds additional costs but this is where communication between builders and service technicians can help homeowners understand those additional costs.
Understand the pool sweep line needs to be accessible
How many times have you walked into a yard with a beautiful natural pool design to find the pool sweep line access is blocked by a rock or unreachable from the deck due to a tanning ledge? Per manufacturers’ recommendations, pool sweep lines need to be six inches below the water level in the center of the pool for optimal cleaning. For builders, this can be a challenge when implementing this due to design or homeowner-specific requests. Ideally, pool service professionals want the builders to avoid placing rocks and/or landscaping being placed right above the pool sweep line. They would like to be able to access these lines from the deck without the need to physically get into the pool. The reason for promoting accessibility here is to ease future repairs and servicing of the pool sweep.
“Realize Everything they install will eventually need to be serviced or repaired.” Loren Jarvis at Pool Patrol in Cardiff, United Kingdom
Out of all the problems pool professionals have with pool builds, the amount of space for an equipment pad and the amount of space between pieces of equipment is without a doubt the the numer one complaint.
I know from my experience, that when I walk into a yard for a warranty call there are many times I think to myself as I turn the corner, “What the hell were they thinking.” When a builder is planning the equipment pad, they have a few obstacles. They have to look at the property lines, setbacks, and easements. They, also, have to consider clearance for heaters, walkways, and customer preferences. This can make it challenging to create the proper amount of real estate for the equipment pad.
From the service pro standpoint, yes, we would love spacious equipment sets, but we do understand its limits. What the pool service pro wants is enough room to open a filter, remove the pump without having to cut plumbing, and to be able to service the salt cell with some ease to name a few. They, also, want to have enough space in suction and return manifolds for repairs without having to cut concrete or requiring reconstruction of the entire manifold for a minor plumbing repair.
Ultimately, service professionals and builders have the same mission. Creating a pleasing environment for homeowners and their families to enjoy. This can be achieved with consideration on both sides.
Pool Service
Pool Service: A Pathway To Financial Independence
Service professionals share their stories of how the pool industry has provided a pathway for financial freedom.
The journey to financial independence is a path that many aspire to tread, often searching for opportunities that align with their passions and lifestyle choices. Surprisingly, the pool industry emerges as an unexpected yet lucrative avenue for individuals with an entrepreneurial mindset.
Achieving Financial Independence Through Pool Service
Unlike traditional sectors, the pool industry offers a diverse range of opportunities, allowing aspiring entrepreneurs to explore various niches such as pool maintenance, construction, retail, distribution, and product manufacturing. The sheer breadth of options enables individuals to find a business avenue that aligns with their skills, interests, and financial goals.
Services like pool maintenance and post-build services create ongoing revenue streams, contributing to financial security over the long term. This stability is attractive to entrepreneurs seeking to establish and grow their businesses steadily, providing a reliable foundation for financial independence.
Pool Professionals Share Their Stories
Flexible Work-Life Balance
Kate Shelton, a certified pool tech and a mother of three, discovered the financial benefits of the pool industry while balancing the demands of parenthood. “I’m a certified pool tech and I made more than I ever thought I could working only two days a week this summer while still being able to keep my kids out of daycare,” said Shelton who said she equally enjoys the social aspect of the job; “it keeps me out in the sunshine and interacting and meeting some great people who are turning into lifelong friends.”
Changing Career Paths
Shari McGrellis transitioned from a career in teaching to building a successful pool business and is now the primary breadwinner in her house. “When my husband lost his job, I decided to start cleaning pools to help pay for our kids’ schools. Today, I’m no longer a teacher and this year my husband will start working for my pool company full-time.”
Low Start-Up Costs
It doesn’t take much to start up in the service aspect of the industry. The low start-up costs are certainly one of the more appealing aspects for self-starters like Keith Johnson. Beginning with just a $500 credit card loan, he was able to get his pool business off the ground. “It’s 39 years later and I’m still in the industry today. My family wants for nothing. I love this industry and love what I do,” said Johnson.
Swimming Pools Are A Family Affair
For Mike Tellegen and his family, the pool and spa industry has been a source of prosperity for nearly 40 years. His daughter, Deb Martin, is a testament to the industry’s ability to foster hard work and talent. Recently she was acknowledged as one of the up-and-coming women in the pool industry by Pool Pro magazine. Mike’s youngest son currently works with him in the Portland area, showcasing how the pool industry can become a family affair, capable of providing financial stability and a comfortable life.
Life Changing Freedom
Kelli Clancy’s story reflects the transformative power of the pool industry. Faced with financial challenges in an abusive relationship, Kelli found solace and financial freedom in the pool industry. In just one year of part-time work, she doubled her pay, allowing her to quit her job in education and go full-time in the pool industry. The career switch has afforded her the means to take care of her children and herself comfortably.
An Alternative Path
Amy Bailey-Lemieux’s journey highlights the pool industry’s potential to open doors for those who may not have followed a traditional career path. Without a college degree, Amy found her drive and passion in the pool industry. This newfound motivation enabled her to explore various career opportunities, eventually leading her to start her own business and become an equal financial contributor in her household.
Running The Gamut
Steve Thompson’s story is one of versatility within the pool industry. Starting with 44 pools in 2008, Steve quickly expanded his business to over 300 pools. Innovating along the way, he transitioned into pool building and eventually became a successful product manufacturer. Steve’s story showcases the multitude of opportunities within the pool industry, providing avenues to make money at every turn.
Enabling Financial Security
Joann Criss-Colquitt’s journey began in the 80s, working for other companies in the pool industry. Her perseverance and dedication led her to become the second woman in Florida to get a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) license. Taking the leap, she started her own business, which ultimately enabled her to pay off her mortgage. Joann’s story illustrates how hard work and learning in the pool industry can lead to entrepreneurship and financial independence.
Taking The Plunge: 4 Reasons Why The Pool Industry Is Enticing Entrepreneurs
- Diverse Opportunities: The pool industry offers a spectrum of opportunities, including pool maintenance, construction, and product manufacturing, allowing entrepreneurs to explore various niches that align with their skills and interests.
- Low Entry Barriers: With relatively low initial investment requirements, the pool industry welcomes entrepreneurs without substantial capital, enabling them to enter the market, learn the trade, and gradually build their businesses.
- Longevity and Stability: The provision of services like pool maintenance and post-build services contributes to long-term stability, offering entrepreneurs a reliable foundation for financial success and security over the years.
- Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: Entrepreneurs in the pool industry can enjoy the flexibility of setting their own schedules, facilitating a better work-life balance. This feature is particularly attractive to those with family responsibilities or those seeking a lifestyle that aligns with their personal priorities.
Paving a Pathway to Financial Independence
The pool industry has proven to be more than just a source of income for these individuals; it has been a vehicle for financial independence, personal growth, and entrepreneurial success. These diverse stories demonstrate how the industry accommodates various life situations, offering flexibility, financial stability, and opportunities for those willing to take the plunge. Whether it’s starting with a small loan, overcoming financial hardship, or finding passion later in life, the pool industry has become a haven for those seeking both independence as well as a fulfilling career.
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