Useful Information Regarding Vinyl Liner Leak Detection

By Christopher Thompson


A leak in a vinyl liner pool usually causes several problems that can be very costly to repair and remediate. For pools that have covers, a lot of damage can occur to the cover when the level of water goes down beyond a given level. The cover usually pulls away from the structure, resulting in the formation of wrinkles. The wrinkles can only be preventing by refilling the pool and maintaining the amount of water to a given level. Here are facts regarding Vinyl liner leak detection.

In case the leakage continues for a long duration, it may lead to damage of the floor of the pool. The kinds of damages which can be caused on the walls of the pool include cracking and flacking. The severity of the damages caused is normally dependent on the level of leakage and the duration the problem is left to happen. Finding and fixing all causes of leakage is the only true solution.

There are different indicators for leaks in vinyl pools. If the pool is in-ground, then most leaks usually take place in the fittings, drains, skimmers, the liner, and steps. Sometimes, the water level seems to become stable at a given level after it has been dropping. The stabilization of water level at a given level indicates the presence of a leakage above the point where the water stabilizes.

Steps in vinyl pools is installed by making a cut in the liner and then screwing a plastic strip screwed tightly over a gasket made of rubber. The strip where the fiberglass step begins and where the liner ends can be seen clearly. Fiberglass steps can have leaks at the bottom or on both sides. The problem should be investigated keenly under water by wearing a mask. A good indicator of a leakage is a void that has tiny leaves sucked into.

Pool lights also form a good point where leakage can occur. Pool lights are installed using circular plates that are gasketed against a liner before being screwed tightly. The points where the light cable leaves the pool are also a good place for leakage. There are alternative ways that one can use to install pool lights so that they do not cause leakage problems.

In order to determine leakage in the liner, all pumps ought to be turned off together with any time clocks. The water level should then be marked with a marker pen or duct tape. For the next 24 hours, the pool should be left unused. In case a substantial drop in water level is noticed, it implies that there is a leakage. Evaporation should be factored in too though.

A significant drop in water level is an indication of a leak being present. Every inch of the pool should be inspected to detect a leakage. One should remember that multiple points of leakage may exist.

There are professionals that can be hired to do the job if one is unable to do it by themselves. Professionals are experienced in detecting leaks and are able to conduct the process a lot faster. However, if points of leakage are tiny and well hidden, this process could take hours or days to complete.




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