How to Detect a Leak in a Vinyl Liner Pool
- 1). Turn off the pool pump.
- 2). Connect the garden hose to the submergible sump pump and plug the pump into a power source. Attach the garden hose to the pump and point the other end of the hose away from the pool so water doesn't run back into the pool. Place the pump in the pool and drain 6 to 12 inches of water, using the shallow end as your measurement. Do not drain more than half of the water in the shallow end.
- 3). Inspect the vinyl liner that is not covered with water first. In most cases, you will need to get in the water to see the liner close up. Look for tiny rips. Use your hand to feel the liner. Some rips can be felt by touching. When you find the leak, mark it with the marker. If you don't find the leak on the exposed wall, you will need to check underwater.
- 4). Fill the eyedropper with green food coloring. Keep your finger over the tip of the eyedropper while in the pool. Wear goggles and a snorkel. Get in the pool and start checking the vinyl liner in the shallow end underwater.
- 5). Look for areas on the liner where there are tiny bubbles. Wipe away the bubbles and see if there is a rip or hole in this area. If you are unsure, place the tip of the eyedropper an inch from the suspect area. Remove your finger from the tip to let out a little stream of coloring. If there is a leak, the food coloring will be sucked out of the hole while you watch.
- 6). Continue checking the vinyl liner wall. After the wall, check the floor until you have found the leak. The process can take multiple attempts, especially if the rip is less than a half inch long.
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