Welcome to our FAQ: Everything about Pool Maintenance and Repair
You are on the Piscine Aide frequently asked questions page, where we share our expertise in detecting and repairing pool leaks.
Here, you'll find clarifications on:
Is your question still unanswered? Contact us directly. We are always ready to assist you.
An On/Off test is a simple but effective method to determine if a pool has leaks, and if so, if they are related to the plumbing or to the structure of the pool itself.
Here are the steps to do it correctly:
Water Level Adjustment: Start by adjusting the water level to be in the center of the skimmer.
Preparation: Switch off the pool pump for a few minutes to stabilize the water and avoid waves. Use a ruler attached to the edge or draw a pencil line to mark the water level. Note this level and the time precisely, to within 1/8 of an inch (about 2 millimeters).
Test with the Pump On: Start the pump and after 24 hours measure how much water has been lost.
Level Resumption and Test with the Pump Stopped: Return the water to the initial level and repeat the test, but this time with the pump off for 24 hours.
Report of the results: Once both tests are complete, contact us to let us know the results. This process helps us determine if the leak is due to the plumbing (no more water loss with the pump running) or the structure of the pool (constant water loss, regardless of the condition of the pump).
It is crucial that the On/Off test be performed under stable weather conditions to ensure reliable results.
Rain can affect the result by adding an unexpected volume of water to your pool.
While it is theoretically possible to measure the amount of rainwater that has fallen into a separate container to adjust your calculations, this method is complex and often lacks precision.
We do not recommend testing under these conditions. If rain is forecast, it is best to wait until a more convenient time to ensure the accuracy of your On/Off test.
Thanks to the On/Off test and differential analysis, we can identify the origin of a leak before even visiting your home.
This precise test tells us if the leak is coming from:
Suction pipes (skimmer, bottom drain),
Pressure pipes (water return, filter, backwash, jets, water heater, etc.),
Or directly from the pool itself (canvas, cracks, skimmer, stairs, lighting).
This targeted method allows us to send specialized technicians to solve the problem effectively, thus avoiding unnecessary tests on functional equipment.
This approach reduces the cost for you because fewer tests mean fewer costs. There's no need to worry about digging up the entire pool; we use accurate and minimal repair techniques to address the problem at its source.
No worries! To detect and repair an underground leak, there is no need to dig up the entire pool.
Here is our approach:
Pressure test: We start by carrying out a pressure test on the plumbing concerned to check its tightness.
Precise detection: Then, using an ultra-sensitive listening device, we listen to the ground to precisely locate, often within a radius of 15 centimeters or 6 inches, the exact location where the pipe is damaged.
Targeted repair: The repair is usually done through a small tunnel under the sidewalk or a square excavation in the sidewalk.
Fine workmanship: We seal the hole with concrete or, even better, we install an aesthetic plastic cover to disguise the repair. This method minimizes the impact on your property while effectively solving the problem of the leak.
Even if a visual inspection of your pool and the liner did not reveal any anomalies, there are other more advanced methods for detecting leaks.
Here is our process:
Visual inspection: We start with a targeted visual inspection in strategic areas, although this approach rarely provides conclusive results by itself.
Electronic inspection: We then move on to a thorough electronic inspection, using specialized and sophisticated equipment. This technology allows us to precisely locate the source of the leak.
Leak repair: Once the leak is identified, we proceed to repair it. This may involve replacing faulty joints or parts, or repairing the canvas using glue and vinyl parts, or even hot soldering for a perfect seal. These advanced techniques allow us to solve the problem effectively, without the need for a complete renovation of your pool.
Here is a video from the manufacturer.
The coverage of pool repairs by your home insurance depends on the specific conditions of your contract and the cause of the damage.
Some repairs may be covered, but it's also common for the cost of these repairs to be less than your insurance deductible.
It is therefore important to consult your insurance contract to understand what situations are covered and to compare the costs before making a claim.
Absolutely! If you are an experienced handyman and prefer to do the repairs yourself after our diagnosis, you are entirely up for it.
We provide our diagnostic service not only to pool owners but also to other businesses in the sector.
So, once we've identified the source of the leak, you can choose to do the repair work yourself.
Ignoring a leak in your pool or delaying its repair can lead to serious consequences, including:
Severe corrosion: Pool walls can undergo significant corrosion, compromising their structural integrity.
Deterioration of Concrete: Concrete crumbles under the canvas can occur, which can cause thousands of small holes due to concrete debris that accumulates under the canvas.
Waste: An untreated leak leads to continuous water loss, as well as excessive use of chemicals and energy for heating, which increases your maintenance costs, so it's crucial not to put off repairs to avoid greater and costly damage in the long run.
Waiting until spring to fix a leak in your pool might not be a good idea, especially if the leak is located in the pool. Here's why:
Risk with Plumbing: If the leak only concerns the plumbing, it may be possible to postpone the repair without immediate risks.
Problems with the Basin: On the other hand, if the leak is at the basin level, the situation is more critical. During the winter, the pool will continue to lose water, which may result in a lack of water needed to support the weight of the ice. If the ice no longer floats, it can cause significant damage to the canvas.
Structural damage: In addition, the presence of ice in the pool helps to protect the structure against lateral movements caused by ground freezing. Without this protection, pool walls can tilt or collapse, causing very high repair costs. In summary, it is advisable not to delay repairs to avoid potentially serious and costly damage.