If you are a pool owner, you know how important it is to keep your pool in good condition. Doing so can help you avoid costly professional services, like cleaning your pool after you allow algae to get out of control, or repairing leaks that could have been prevented. A pool leak can lead to extensive damage and a costly pool leak repair in Stockton, CA. However, the good news is that you can avoid pool leaks by taking proper precautions. Keep reading to learn the best ways to avoid a leak in your pool.
How to Prevent Pool Leaks
Maintain Proper Water Chemistry
One of the most important things you can do to avoid a pool leak is to maintain proper water chemistry. Chemical imbalances can corrode pool components, including the plumbing, and cause leaks. Keeping your water balanced can help prevent leaks and save you money on repairs.
If you have an older pool with copper plumbing, regularly check the pH, alkalinity, and calcium levels of your pool water. pH levels should be between 7.4 and 7.6, alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm, and calcium hardness between 200 and 400 ppm. You can use a pool water testing kit or take a sample to a professional for testing. Generally speaking, you should be using your at-home water testing kit at least once a week. However, if you’re really struggling to keep those chemical levels under control, professional input may be helpful in pointing you in the right direction so that you can get those numbers back where they should be.
Check for Pool Leaks
While checking for an existing leak might not prevent leaks altogether, it can prevent small leaks from becoming major problems. A general rule about leaks (whether it’s in your pool or in your home’s plumbing) is that it will always get worse over time. So, the sooner you can catch a pool leak, the easier and cheaper it will be to repair. This is why it’s essential for pool owners to inspect their pools for signs of leaks on a regular basis. Some common signs of a leak include the following:
- A sudden drop in water level
- Cracks in the pool’s structure
- Loose or missing tiles
- Wet spots around the pool
- Unexplained increases in water bills
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage. Ignoring a leak can lead to more extensive damage and higher pool leak repair costs.
Inspect Your Pool Equipment
Regularly inspecting your pool equipment is another way to avoid leaks. Look for signs of wear and tear on your pump, filter, and other equipment. If you notice any cracks, excess moisture, or other damage, it’s important to address the issue right away to prevent more extensive damage. In addition, make sure that all equipment is properly installed and maintained. Poor installation or maintenance can lead to leaks and other issues.
If you’re not confident inspecting your swimming pool equipment, you should consider hiring a professional to do it for you on a monthly basis. If you feel like you can inspect the equipment by yourself each month, you should still schedule professional inspections twice a year to ensure the equipment stays in good condition, and that any parts that may be wearing down are replaced before they cause a leak in the system.
Monitor Water Levels
Maintaining proper water levels in your pool is important for preventing leaks. If the water level is too low, it can cause the pool pump to draw in air. This can put stress on the equipment and lead to leaks. However, if the water level is too high, this can increase the water pressure in unstable areas that weren’t constructed to handle water, which can also cause damage to the pool’s structure and equipment. This is why it’s essential for pool owners to understand the proper water levels for their pool and keep the water within that range.
Check the water level regularly and adjust it as needed. During periods of heavy use or hot weather, you may need to add more water to your pool. If your area gets a lot of heavy rain, you may need to look into draining some water from the pool.
Keep Trees Away from the Pool
You might think it sounds like a nice idea to have a large tree shading your pool during the hot summer. However, installing your pool too close to large trees presents two problems: First, you’re going to end up with a lot of leaves, twigs, pollen, and even bird droppings in your pool, which is a pain to clean. Secondly (and, arguably, more importantly), the roots of large trees can actually grow towards your pool’s structure and cause cracks due to soil displacement that can lead to underground leaks. You should install your pool at least 15 feet away from any large trees in order to prevent this problem. If it’s too late for that, you may want to consider removing any trees that are growing too close to your pool.
Winterize Your Pool
While California winters may not be harsh, it’s important to winterize your pool properly. This means protecting the plumbing from potential freezes and covering your pool’s surface in the off-season to help it retain heat. Another option is to install a pool heater that helps to keep the entire system warm and prevents any freezing; as an added bonus, this also makes your pool usable throughout the year. One way or another, winterizing your pool prevents freezing and, therefore, prevents cracks and leaks in both the pool’s plumbing system and its structure.
Hire a Professional for Leak Detection Services
Even if you take all the proper precautions, leaks can still occur. That’s why it’s important to hire a professional for leak detection services. A professional can use specialized equipment to locate and identify leaks in your pool. Early detection is key to preventing more extensive damage and reducing pool leak repair costs. If you suspect that your pool has a leak, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for help.
If you suspect that your pool has a leak, you need the best Stockton plumber! Contact Central Valley Bullseye Leak Detection for help. Our team of experienced professionals can quickly and accurately help you solve your pool related problem. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
