There are a few companies that you very high tech equipment to find leaks. Here at Leak Medic we take the “keep it simple” method. The detection process starts with “dye testing.” This process is started at the water line of the pool and works around the pool then downward. The tile line is checked for grout missing or holes. The skimmer is checked around the opening and inside the basket area. Most leaks occur in the skimmer where the plastic skimmer meets the tile grout. The pool jets or returns are checked around them where the finish meets the plastic pipe.
The next step would be to use scuba gear and check the light and main drain. At Leak Medic we use a special “tender” style dive set up. The dive tank is gently placed on the pool deck. The diver enters the water and uses a 25’ air hose to check the pool. This system reduces any chance of the dive tank damaging the finish and tile of the pool. The part of the light you can see from the pool cannot leak. The leaks occur behind the light were light wire conduit goes through the wall of the pool. These conduits are also notorious places to leak. Do NOT seal the light to the wall of the pool. This will not fix any type of leak, will look horrible, and make the leak detection technicians life much more difficult. Most main drains do not leak unless the pool has been refinished. There are always exceptions. The entire pool examined by the certified diver also checking the grout along the steps and any other areas that could be problems.
If a leak is located the leak is repaired by a two part underwater epoxy. The pool does NOT have to drained to make this type of repair.
What if no leak is found with the dye test? If the pool is still leaking and the dye test doesn’t find it the next step is a pressure test. The pressure test checks all of the underground plumbing for leaks. This is performed by plugging off all of the pool returns and suction outlets with special plugs. A special manifold is hooked up at the pump. The system is pressurized to 20-30 psi. The part that does not hold pressure for more than 5 minutes is the leaking section. The second part of the pressure test involves taking a microphone across the ground and pool deck to determine where the leak is underground or under the deck. This process is used to locate where the leak is in the plumbing and also can be performed with the pool full of water. After the underground leak is located, special saws and cutting tools will be used to cut the deck, repair the broken pipe and replace the pool deck. Additional fees do apply for pressure testing and repair. |
