How to Find a Swimming Pool Leak

TRICKS OF THE TRADE FROM A FORMER POOL REPAIR PROFESSIONAL

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• PHENOL RED PH TEST REAGENT

1. To locate a pool leak you must first filter the water enough so it's clear and you can see to the bottom.

2. Disconnect the timer trippers if you have them. Turn of the pump

3. Once the water is still it will continue to leak and the water level will drop...allow this to happen.

4. The water level level will stop dropping once it has reached the elevation equal to the leak. This is often seen at a pool skimmer or wall fitting or pool light

5. Once the level has stopped or gotten very close to any of the fixtures stand over that area with your bottle of phenol red.

6. Add a few drops of phenol red in that immediate area and watch it

7. If water is being drawn out through a crack in that area the red dye will slowly drift to it and get sucked out. If there's no dye movement continue the test in other areas.

8. Once you find the location of the leak it should be obvious if you can figure it out from there or need to bring in a pro. At least you saved him the time it takes to get started in the repair process! $$$

Tips & Warnings

• the water needs to be very still
• it may take a while for the level to drop...if it doesn't drop fast enough for you, slowly get in the pool ( don't make waves ) with your mask on and shoot the phenol red underwater close to and around all the fittings and fixtures.
• When you find the leak you'll know it! Good luck, jim
• Don't lower the water level in the pool if you have a high ground water table!
• Let a pro find your leak...the pool could "pop" out of the ground! Yikes