If you’re a pool owner, you know how important it is to keep your pool in top condition, especially as the weather warms up and swimming season approaches. One of the most frustrating issues pool owners face is water loss-particularly when the cause isn’t immediately obvious. At Caliber Pool Pro, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing pool leaks, and in this post, we’ll walk you through a recent real-world case in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, where we successfully tracked down and fixed a tricky return line leak.
The Initial Call: Water Loss When the System Runs
Our day began with a call from a homeowner in Point Pleasant who noticed their pool was losing water, but only when the filtration system was running. This is a crucial clue for any pool professional: if a pool only leaks when the pump is on, it strongly suggests the problem lies in the pressure side of the plumbing, usually the return lines.
Return lines are responsible for carrying filtered water back into the pool. If there’s a break or crack in these lines, water can escape underground whenever the system is running, leading to mysterious water loss and, over time, potential damage to your yard or pool structure.
Step 1: Systematic Pressure Testing – Starting with the Skimmers
The first step in our leak detection process is always systematic testing. We began by isolating and pressurizing the skimmer lines. Using specialized equipment, we pumped air and water into the skimmer lines and monitored the pressure gauge. The skimmers held steady at 15 PSI for a full 15 minutes-no pressure drop, no leak. This allowed us to confidently rule out the skimmer lines as the source of the problem.
Step 2: Zeroing In on the Return Lines
With the skimmer lines cleared, our attention turned to the return lines. We repeated the pressure test, but this time, the results were very different. The return lines wouldn’t hold pressure; the gauge kept dropping, indicating a significant leak somewhere in the system.
To further pinpoint the leak, we introduced air into the return lines along with hydraulic pressure. This method not only helps us see if the pressure drops but also allows us to listen for escaping air-a telltale sign of a break. Sometimes, you can even feel vibrations through the vinyl line if air is making its way toward the leak.
Step 3: Eliminating False Positives – Plug Testing
Before we started digging, it was important to ensure that our test plugs were properly sealed. A loose or leaking plug can give a false impression of a line leak. To check this, we used a dye test: we injected dye around each plug and watched for any movement. If a plug was leaking, we’d see a steady stream of dye being pushed away from the plug. Thankfully, all our plugs were tight, and the dye stayed put-confirming the leak was truly in the return line.
Step 4: Acoustic Detection and Locating the Leak
With the system under pressure and air in the lines, we moved around the pool area, listening carefully for the sound of escaping air. Sometimes, leaks can be heard as a faint hiss or bubbling noise, especially if they’re close to the surface. In this case, we used a deck plate to help us isolate the location. After some careful listening and observation, we pinpointed the leak about three feet from the pump area, right under the deck.
The culprit? A leaking flex line. Flexible PVC is commonly used in pool plumbing, but over time, it can develop cracks or splits, especially if the ground shifts or the line is subjected to pressure fluctuations.
Step 5: Excavation and Repair
Once we had the leak location, it was time to dig. We carefully removed the pavers and excavated the area around the suspected break. Sure enough, we found a section of flex line that was visibly damaged and leaking.
We cut out the broken section and replaced it with new piping, making sure all connections were secure and properly sealed. After looping in the new section, we backfilled the area and prepared to test the repair.
Step 6: Confirming the Fix
No repair is complete without a thorough test. We re-pressurized the return line, this time monitoring the gauge closely. The pressure held steady at 14 PSI-a clear sign that the leak had been fixed. We always recommend holding pressure for at least 15 minutes to ensure there are no slow leaks or weak connections.
Step 7: Wrapping Up and Final Steps
With the repair confirmed, we backfilled the excavation and temporarily replaced the pavers. We advised the homeowner to let the area settle for a few days before we return for a final reset of the pavers, ensuring a level and lasting finish.
Key Takeaways for Pool Owners
- Water loss when the system is running is often a return line issue. If you notice your pool only loses water with the pump on, call a professional for a pressure test.
- Systematic testing saves time and money. By isolating each section of plumbing, we can quickly pinpoint the source of a leak without unnecessary digging.
- Professional equipment and expertise matter. From pressure gauges to acoustic detection, having the right tools and know-how is essential for accurate leak detection and repair.
- Prompt repairs prevent bigger problems. Left unchecked, a leaking return line can erode soil, damage your pool deck, and drive up water bills.
Call Caliber Pool Pro for Expert Leak Detection
If you’re experiencing unexplained water loss or suspect a leak in your pool, don’t wait! Contact Caliber Pool Pro for fast, professional leak detection and repair. We serve Point Pleasant, NJ, and the surrounding areas, and we’re committed to keeping your pool in perfect shape all season long.
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Stay tuned for more pool care tips, case studies, and behind-the-scenes looks at how we keep New Jersey’s pools running smoothly!