DIY Pool Repair

How To Find Swimming Pool Leaks

Menu:

• Home
  Swimming Pool Leak Detection
• Pool Resources
  List of swimming pool resources - Must read for any pool owner
• Signs of damage
  Obvious deficiencies can be a significant possibility for water loss
• Water loss characteristics
  Has the leak developed slowly over time or suddenly over a short period of time
• Pool plumbing systems
  Understanding your plumbing system is critical in being able to diagnose a leak in your swimming pool
• Hydrostatic test
  Learn how to monitor water loss and conduct a hydrostatic test for your pool
• Test Analysis
  Analyze the data from this leak detection test to find out where your pool is leaking
• Condition 1
  Leaking the same with plumbing system on and off
• Condition 2
  Leaking more when plumbing system is on, but water loss in both conditions
• Condition 3
  Leaking more when plumbing system is off, but water loss in both conditions
• Condition 4
  Leaking when plumbing system is on, not leaking when it is off
• Condition 5
  Leaking when plumbing system is off, but not leaking when it is on
• Leak detection test 2
  Another easy method to determine where your pool is leaking
• Water Level Test conclusions
  Analyze the results of the water level leak detection test
• Faceplates & Gaskets
  water level holds anywhere where gaskets or faceplates are touching the waterline
• Skimmer & Mid Wall
  water level below skimmer mouth but above return outlets
• Return Outlets
  water level holds at the height of wall returns
• Indefinite Drop
  water level continues to drain down past wall returns or lower
• Leak Detection Dye Test
  Use colored dye to locate leaks in your swimming pool
• Common Pool Leak Points
  Breakdown of pool components prone to failure and associated water loss symptoms
• Hole In the Liner
  See symptoms associated with a hole in the liner of your swimming pool
• HRV Failure
  Hydrostatic relief valve failure symptoms
• Filter Head Gasket
  Filter head gasket alignment is a common location for unexplained water loss
• Leaking Skimmer
  See symptoms associated with a leaking or cracked skimmer
• Leaking Return Lines
  See symptoms associated with leaks in the swimming pool return lines

What Is A Hydrostatic Relief Valve

An HRV or hydrostatic relief valve is a check valve installed in the pool floor that allows the water table outside of the pool to stabilize with the pool water if hydrostatic pressures under the pool build up. This would be common during periods of heavy rainfall like in the spring when water tables are at the highest.



Any time that the pool is empty enough that you have access to the main drains it is strongly recommended to replace the HRV. The one way valve is operated by a mechanical seal actuated on a spring.



This means that it is possible for the spring to rust or mechanical wear to develop on the moving parts. Just to be safe it is a good idea to replace this valve in the main drain any time you have the opportunity.

Hydrostatic Relief Valve

Other than the obvious condition that the pool can drain indefinitely, the only other obvious sign of hydrostatic relief valve failure is occasionally you will see a cloud of murky water appear at the bottom of your pool. This cloud is the ground water from beneath your pool accessing the inside of your pool. In short bursts, this murky cloud of water should be considered normal as the valve relieves the water table pressure.



Constant cloud or frequent clouding even during relatively dry periods should be considered abnormal operation for the hydrostatic relief valve. It is a mechanical connection, meaning it relies on moving parts in order to operate, and it will wear out eventually and thereby requires periodic replacement as preventative maintenance. Each time you replace your liner, be sure to have this inexpensive item replaced as well and you should be fine.

The menu on the right is a chronological step by step process to determine where a swimming pool is leaking. This website is written as a readthrough technical assistance guide for locating leaks. When you believe you have identified where the pool is leaking you need to go to our sister website to see pictures and learn more about the actual swimming pool leak repair process.