I finally have my 12x24 Intex Ultraframe XTR 12x24 up that I bought used, and it's so great. The only problem is that the sand base underneath the pool is wet in places, and that patch seems to be spreading (think the movie blood that is moving outwards from underneath the body of a character that was shot). So I figure I have a leak, or several. Is there a trick to find it? Is the only way to try really to find it by eye and then use the ink to see if it is getting sucked into the potential hole?
How to find holes in the liner?
- Thread starter Dynastol
- Start date
Pool companies, leak detecting companies, and some plumbers have a gadget that electrically detects the point of a leak. Essentially two electrodes, one in the ground, one in the pool. Then a device that emits a tone that gets stronger as it gets near the leak point (least resistance for the electrical flow). Basically a metal detector for leaks. When mine was done, before the new liner, it was a very fast process. Three patches later, no leaks. But three patches...so a new liner was in order!
Probably a pretty costly process to get a professional to hunt down the leak(s), right?
Didn't specifically flag it in my tracking of costs, but pretty sure the leak detection and patching was ~$215 a couple of years ago. Got me through an entire summer, until I could replace the liner the next year. You might even be able to rent the item from a rental place. The guys that used it sure didn't have a master degree in electronics! Start by calling pool stores, since they don't have the need for the scads of high end equipment/training pro leak detecting companies need. Those places are more used to pipes, pipelines, homes, gases and other much more difficult scenarios. A pool is about as easy, with the equipment, as it can get.
Basically, yes.
It's actually pretty easy to find holes just with a mask and looking around.
Focus on the floor and bottom circumference - you would notice if your leak was any higher up - you’d see water dripping.
Is your spreading wet sand patch anywhere near your equipment or bottom plug?
Is your spreading wet sand patch anywhere near your equipment or bottom plug?
Red pH test liquid works really well, and doesn't stain. Dive under with the squeeze bottle, and squeeze out a few drops in the suspicious area. The red "smoke" will migrate toward the leak. Of course, due to the bottle "inhaling" pool water, it is no good for pH testing. So buy cheap....
I did it a few liners ago, and got it patched. But now that I'm old, and discovered the electronic solution, I'll just have them come out if ever needed.
I did it a few liners ago, and got it patched. But now that I'm old, and discovered the electronic solution, I'll just have them come out if ever needed.
Hootz
Bronze Supporter
- Feb 5, 2018
- 374
- Pool Size
- 24000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
Rub your hand on the liner bottom while diving….sometimes you can feel the edges of a tear in the liner.
I had a leak issue and saw some videos about electronic leak detection…looked like an easy way to find a leak but no one in my area had one. Considered buying one but pretty pricey (about $2000.00)
A good pool tech or leak detection company can usually find most leaks as a last resort.
I had a leak issue and saw some videos about electronic leak detection…looked like an easy way to find a leak but no one in my area had one. Considered buying one but pretty pricey (about $2000.00)
A good pool tech or leak detection company can usually find most leaks as a last resort.
Not specifically, I think? I'm attaching pictures of what it looks like...
