Skimmer Pool Leak Detection
If you suspect a leak in your pool skimmer, follow these steps to identify and resolve the issue.
Before you begin any digging, repairs, or part replacements, ensure that you have accurately located the source of the leak.
In this article, I will guide you through a thorough inspection of the skimmer box and skimmer line to uncover potential leaks.
If you would like to watch a video over reading an article, this video is for you!
Before you begin carelessly pouring dye into your skimmer box or pool in hopes of identifying a crack or hole, it’s important to note that this approach is not the correct method.
There are various factors that can influence the visibility of dye movement, even if you are in close proximity to the suspected leak.
Some of these factors are:
- The size of the opening (leak/s)
- Water saturation of the leaking area
- The drainage rate
- The clearance of the opening (debris blocking the leak?)
- The distance of the opening and the dye
- Water movement
- Water level
All these factors will play a critical role in allowing or not to observe the dye moving into the leak.
Listening for leaks
Before conducting a dye test to pinpoint the leak, it is recommended to perform a sound test on your sound device.
This will help you identify any potential openings, especially in the skimmer box area.
If you hear a noise resembling the one described, it indicates the presence of an opening.
Once you have confirmed the leak in this area, proceed with the dye test to accurately locate it.
In case there is an old epoxy repair without any visible opening, focus the dye test around the epoxy and pay particular attention to the edges of the box.
When performing the dye test, ensure that you squirt the dye as close to the opening as possible for optimal results.
Sometimes this opening may not be visible but the dye can help you find it even if you do not have direct eyes on it.
Because skimmer boxes are close to the surface of the pool, the water movement is more intense than is on deeper levels.
That means if you squirt dye when the water moves, the dye will spread along with the small waves.
Even if you are close to the source of the leak you need to let the water calm down and eliminate any water movement so you can observe the dye traveling into the opening. Check out
this short video if you want to learn How to properly Dye Test!!
When you are dealing with a concrete or gunite/ tile pool and you suspect a leak, the easiest thing you can do is check around the skimmer box.
The connection between the concrete and the skimmer box is the most common place for a leak to occur. Most of the time the openings in this area are small and difficult to observe.
In some cases, you will need the help of a mirror in order to be able to see the dye’s movement into the opening.
Lastly, check for cracks and tree particles such as leaves or pine needles around the cracks or corners. If there is an opening in the concrete it will attract
any debris that is close and on the surface of the pool.
If you are dealing with a liner pool check the connection of the skimmer face plate and the liner.
Sometimes there is the failure of the gasket behind the faceplate and that can allow the water to escape.
If you are dealing with a fiberglass skimmer box that has no visible cracks but there is a dirt accumulation around the skimmer entrance it’s an indication of a leak.
Take your time and squirt dye on every connection you can observe.
Regardless of the kind of skimmer, you should check every inch of the box and the connections around it and inside it.
Check the bottom of the box, check the threads of the line, check the body of the box, and most important the connections of the box and the body of the pool.
If you are looking for a temporary and easy fix, you can use 2 part epoxy putty. Those products are great for repairs but note that you will probably need to keep monitoring the condition of the repair and keep maintaining it.
For permanent repairs recommended a qualified pool contractor to further evaluate and repair as needed.
If you want to see leaks in the skimmer box area, check out our video on ( Fixing Leaks in the Skimmer Area of Your Pool || Finding Leaks in the Skimmer Line and Skimmer Box)
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Thank you so much for reading. Stay Safe and Take Care!
