Helpful Hints

Pool or SPA ? 

If you have a pool and spa it will help to determine which is leaking. In most systems you can isolate the pool from the spa. Simply do this and see which is still leaking. If both appear to leak isolation most likely has failed in which case it would be advisable to get a professional to isolate one from the other. Knowing which is leaking will help reduce costs if professionals are needed to locate the leak.

SUCTION LEAKS

Suction leaks are commonly associated with air entering the system between the skimmer and the pump, resulting in air in the pump and air returning to the pool. It will also be accompanied by poor or total inability to vacuum the pool. This type of leak may not even result in water loss from the pool, but if left may eventually end up destroying the pump as pool pumps require water flow through them to cool the motor – air does not cool the motor.

HOW MUCH ARE YOU LOOSING?

If you wish to know how fast your pool is losing water in litres the calculation is simple. Once you have determined the pool water loss over 24hrs calculate the water surface area of the pool in square metres (length by width) then use the figures as below

mm of water loss X water surface area in square metres = Litres lost per 24hrs

Divide by 24 = litres lost per hr

Divide by 60 = litres lost per min

FINDING THE LEAK  

It pays to check for the more obvious leaks yourself. Look in the filter area for leaks, especially under your pump. If you have a sand filter check the waste line is not leaking. If you suspect the hydrostatic valve at the bottom of the pool is leaking you can sometimes stop or slow the leak by doing the following. Get a bag of sand and place it in several garbage bags, sealing each one well. Then place the bag on the hydrostatic valve – tying a rope to the bag can help to place it by gently dragging it into position.