Is My Pool Leaking, or is it Evaporation?

With the arrival of warmer weather, we commonly hear concerns about water loss. Customers observe their water level dropping from one day to the next and become concerned. But, not all water loss is due to a leak or crack. Evaporation plays a big role in some water loss as well.

Evaporation occurs when heat causes water to turn into vapor or steam, like when you’re boiling water on the stovetop. However, evaporation isn’t always a dramatic or even visible process — nor are high temperatures needed to kick-start the process. Evaporation can also occur as a result of ambient heat; like the hot sun outdoors beating down on the surface of your pool.

Generally speaking, pools lose approximately 1/4” of water per day on average, though this can vary due to factors like wind, temperature, humidity and of course, the pool’s total surface area. As we do live in an area that does experience all four seasons, you may think that you’re safe from the threat of evaporation. The colder the water in your pool becomes, the greater the pressure difference grows between the water and the surrounding air. As this difference increases, the evaporation process speeds up — especially in the dry, low-humidity air that winter so often brings.

If you are losing water and are concerned the water loss may be more than evaporation, there is a simple test you can run; a bucket test:

1. Get a 5-gallon bucket.

2. Secure it to a step in your pool. A heavy rock in the bottom of the bucket is often all you need.

3. Fill the bucket with water up to the same level as the pool water. Use tape or waterproof pen to mark the water level in the bucket.

4. Leave the bucket in place overnight.

5. Check the bucket water level in the morning.

If the pool water level has dropped but the bucket level has not, it’s possible that you have a leak. If both have dropped at the same rate, the cause is almost certainly evaporation. If you are still concerned you may have a leak after performing a bucket test, please contact Colley’s Pools & Spas at (716) 649-7640 to schedule a leak detection.

Colley’s Pools & Spas employs seasoned technicians who are equipped with the latest, high-tech equipment to accurate pinpoint a potential leak in your pool.

Change Your Sand!

If you have a sand filter, it is important you change your sand. Colley’s Pools & Spas offers a convenient sand change service that will get your sand filter back doing its job more efficiently. An efficient filter will help to trap dead bugs, bacteria, algae and more- keeping your pool clean!

Over time as water rushes through the filter, the jagged edges of the sand, which help to trap debris ,will wear down and become smooth. This process is called weathering. When this happens the sand can no longer trap debris particles and dirt can pass through the sand and back into the pool.

If your pool water is chemically balanced, the sand filter is properly sized and running the proper length of time, but the water will not clear up even if you use a clarifier, you may need to change the sand.

Most manufacturers’ recommend that the sand be changed every 3-5 years, but your time frame could be a bit longer or shorter depending on water clarity and the size of your sand filter. 3-5 years is a good guideline, but focus on the performance of the filter, or the water clarity rather than changing the sand on a set schedule.

So, call your local Colley’s location to schedule your sand change today!

Hamburg Location (716) 649-7640

Clarence Location (716) 202-1650

Fredonia Location (716) 672-2211

Erie, PA Location (814) 835-0540

How to Prime Your Pool Pump

Your pool pump is meant to function only with water inside it. If it’s not full of water, your pump can possibly become damaged, leading to a costly repair. The pump is like the heart of your pool’s circulation system, and the water is its lifeblood. Without water moving through it at all times, the pump’s motor will begin building friction, which creates heat.

Sometimes, air will manage to make it into your pool pump without your having done anything to invite it. For example, if you live in an area that sees freezing temperatures during the winter, you’ll want to blow the water out of the plumbing lines before you close your pool. This will keep the water from freezing in the pipes, which can damage them. When you blow the water out of the plumbing system, you’re replacing it with air.

Come spring, when it’s time to open your pool, if you just start the pump while it still only has air in it, you can run into all those overheating problems. You need to get water flowing into and through the pump before fully turning the system on. And you do that by priming the pump.

How to Prime a Pool Pump:

1. Turn the Multiport Valve to Recirculate

This will direct the water into the filter head, and then right back out to the pool.

2. Remove Pool Plugs

You’ll need water to be able to flow into the pump, so remove any plugs you may have in the skimmer(s) or return jets before you turn any equipment on.

3. Fill The Pump With Water

Remove the pump’s lid and check the inside. If it’s dry, you’ll need to add some water before you turn it on. Make sure all the drain plugs are in place, then use a garden hose to pre-fill the pump housing.

Allow water to run into the pump housing for at least two minutes. This will allow some water to seep into the pipes that extend from the skimmer to the pump so there’ll be enough water to create suction in the pump.

4. Turn the Pump On

Replace the lid, and turn the pump on. It may gurgle and sputter a little, and it may take a little time, but eventually, you should see water filling the pump housing.

Once the housing is full of water, the pump is primed, and you’re ready to go!