WHY Does my pool leak?
Autofills
The water for your swimming pool must always be above your skimmer inlet. While this may be stating
the obvious, some not so obvious issues can occur.
Evaporation
Based on an 8x5 foot perimeter pool, a week without rainfall and a high heat of 100-120 degrees (TX,
AZ, and NV) could cause a 3" minimum - 6" maximum water loss. Without an autofill, add one or two
inches of water. With moderate heat of 95-100 degrees, the water loss is 1/2" minimum to 1 1/2"
maximum. With low heat of 70-90 degrees, the water loss is 0" minimum to 1/2" maximum.
A daily loss of 1/8" or less is hard to qualify, but if the pool requires hose filling in moderate tempura-
ture or rainfall weeks, it is likely leaking.
Plaster pool: look for holes, they often have brown/black stains
Fiberglass pool: look for cracking
Vinyl pool: watch for stair frame screws, skimmer, light gasket, and main drain gasket
Leak to Level
In freeze climates, the owner is logically afraid of a broken underground pipe. These are relatively rare
and can be confirmed by allowing the pool to leak to level, with and without the pump running. A pres-
sure test is ordered from a pool company after it is determined the pool will leak below the skimmer.
$
Money saving search for leaks
Raise pool water two inches per day after allowing it to leak to level. Using your liquid Phe-
nol red from your pH kit, squirt a few drops at any jet rings, ladder, stair step or skimmer
trim. The red liquid will be drawn to the leak.
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