FAQs Archive

Q: Where is the most common place for a pool leak?

The most common places for pool leaks are around the skimmer, return fittings, main drain, and underground plumbing lines . Skimmer leaks happen often because of the stress between the concrete pool and the plastic skimmer throat. Plumbing lines are also prone to leaks due to ground movement or wear and tear over time. In vinyl pools, small tears in the liner are a frequent culprit.

Q: Can I Turn Off My Skimmers and Still Run My Pool/Spa?

Yes, it is possible to run your pool or spa with your skimmers turned off. However, running your equipment on your main drains alone will allow surface debris to accumulate in your pool or spa. Keep in mind that your pump and pool equipment needs to have at least one other method of suction open and operating if you close off the skimmers. If the water in your pool is too low to fill the skimmer basket, there is a simple way to run your pool on the main drain alone. Close the skimmer valves at your equipment pad. Make certain the valve for your pool main drains is open. Do not run your pool with all suction valves closed off at the same time. Running your pool or spa on your main drains alone is useful in a few situations. For instance, if you are leaving town for an extended period and are unable to monitor your pool daily, running your equipment’s suction on the main drains alone is an easy precaution. Using only the main drains is also an alternative if your leak is causing the pool to drain below the skimmers. Running your skimmers without enough water could cause damage to your pool’s pump. However, as long as your skimmers are not drawing or sucking air, they can be used. If you have any questions and/or would like to schedule our services, please contact us at 940-484-4468 or click here to contact us. We are here for you!

Q: What is a Dive and Dye Test?

One approach to detecting leaks in a pool or spa is known as a Dive and Dye Test. Using a small syringe with colored dye, our Diving Technician searches throughout and around the shell of the pool, for any cracks or holes that may be causing your leak. Read more about our dive and dye test . If you have any questions and/or would like to schedule our services, please contact us at 940-484-4468 or click here to contact us. We are here for you!

Q: What is a Pressure Test?

One key phase of leak detection is the plumbing pressure test. During a pressure test, our Technicians test the pool’s equipment and plumbing for leaks caused by breaks or cracks in the PVC pipes used to plumb your pool or spa. If you are experiencing rapid drops in water levels, you likely have a broken pipe underground. A water loss of approximately 2-3 inches every 24 hours often indicates a plumbing leak, as opposed to a structural leak such as a crack in the gunite. You can read more about this test in our blog entry about pressure tests . If you have any questions and/or would like to schedule our services, please contact us at 940-484-4468 or click here to contact us. We are here for you!