Las Vegas Leak Detectors Blog

How To Correct Bad pH Balance?

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 19:18:53 GMT

Correcting bad pH balance

Pool maintenance is vital in keeping a good and healthy swimming pool that can last for long years. Most pool owners know it, and that is why they are willing to hire someone to take that responsibility every week. It is not just extending its lifespan but also keeping everyone safe whenever they swim in the pool.

One way of maintaining a good water condition is to put chlorine into the water. And because we want it to be extra clean, we try to add too much chlorine. Well, it is not something that only homeowners mistakenly do. In fact, public swimming pools have done it as well. But since it is a chemical, have you ever questioned yourself if is it dangerous for us? If it is, how can we fix it?

Why is putting too much chlorine dangerous? Chlorine is essential in cleaning our pool , but having too much of it is dangerous to everyone exposed to it. High levels of chlorine can cause irritation of the eyes, lungs, and skin. And chlorine poisoning which shows symptoms of red blistered skin, burning (nose, throat, and eyes), coughing that leads to difficulty of breathing, nausea, and vomiting.

It is not only your health is in danger, but also your pool. A high level of chlorine can make the water acidic because it reduces its pH. Having acidic water can affect the pool’s equipment, metal piping, accessories, and its surface.

Correcting bad pH balance by lowering the chlorine in the pool

Before fixing the pH balance, check the scale level of the chemicals. If the level of chlorine is higher than normal, then you need to stop using the pool for an hour or so until the level becomes normal. And if the chlorine level is too high, you need to do something more. Here are the options that you can follow:

Option 1 - Stop putting chlorine. Turn off the feeder or the chlorinator if you have any. And also remove those tablets or floaters in the skimmer if you are using those.

Option 2 - Put some neutralizing chemicals. A chlorine neutralizing chemical is a quick fix for lowering the chlorine level. Sodium Sulfite and Sodium Thiosulfate are the most common ones.

Option 3 - Let the sun shine in! The sun’s ultra-violet ray is the natural way of lessening up its chlorine level, so uncover your pool for hours and let the sunshine in!

Option 4 - Replace the water. If you choose this option, make sure to test all of the levels of alkalinity, calcium hardness, pH, and other chemicals to achieve great results.

Are Cloudy Pools Safe?

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 17:59:59 GMT

Is it safe to swim in a cloudy pool?

One of the advantages of having your own swimming pool at home is that you won’t have to stressfully plan for a fun water activities in some expensive resort with your kids during vacation especially when you are on a tight budget. All you need to do is to ensure their safety by providing a clean water pool to avoid any sickness and spend lots of quality time with them.

Regular pool maintenance is one of the solutions to making the water safe for your family or for any visitor who would love to join in with the fun. Some homeowners spend time doing it by themselves, while others hire a company that offers a weekly pool maintenance to avoid major issues in the future and to make sure that the water condition is good, not cloudy.

Why is the pool water so cloudy? Is it safe to swim when the water becomes cloudy?

It is never safe to swim when the pool water becomes cloudy because it is an obvious indication that the water condition could be harmful to everyone. You will need to wait for the water to clear up before you attempt to dip in the pool to avoid any health issues. So, here are the possible reasons why it becomes cloudy:

Faulty Filter - The main responsibility of a filter is to circulate the water in and out of the pool to remove all the dirt that was collected, and get rid of any contamination that can cause bacterial growth. So, if this is not properly installed or it is not clean enough because of not having regular pool maintenance, it can not perform its specified task well and that can cause cloudy or unclear water which we never want to happen in our swimming pool.

Chemical Imbalance - Putting chemicals in our swimming pool is a must because it helps balance the water condition so that it becomes clean for days and safe to swim in. Having a pool without chemicals is like having a perfect breeding ground for viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Everything should be balanced to have a healthy water condition.

How to avoid getting water bugs in your pool?

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 17:11:44 GMT

How to prevent having water bugs in your swimming pool?

An excellent condition swimming pool brings joy and laughter to every homeowner who got kids in a Las Vegas temperature. It helps us combat the subtropical hot desert type of climate. It is also a great form of exercise without feeling pain, for you are just enjoying and cooling down your senses. However, it would be negatively different when you know that it is dirty and saw the presence of some bugs. You will feel unsafe and if you haven't noticed those dirt, there is a possibility that you will get sick, which is not good.

As owners, it is our responsibility to conduct weekly pool cleaning to ensure the safety of everyone who will swim in the pool. It may be tiresome to do it sometimes, especially if you are working. But that is one way to protect your family from getting sick and extend your pool’s lifespan without spending much.

What are those water bugs in your swimming pool? Some of us might think that there is no way that our pool can be infested by those water bugs because of the presence of chlorine and other chemicals, but here we are seeing some small creatures swimming in your pool. The common water bugs that are usually present are backswimmers and water boatmen.

Backswimmers - They are commonly known as backswimmers because they swim in an upside-down position. They are not poisonous, and they sure do bite which will make you feel like a bee sting. They look the same as the water boatmen bug in color which is light brown and has large pair of back legs. They love to be in the pool because they eat water boatmen and other bugs that are present. They lay many eggs in algae. Having them in your pool is not safe and fun because they do bite.
Water Boatmen - Water boatmen are not that is harmful to our health because they do not bite. They are in your pool because they eat algae and other water organisms like mosquitoes larva. They may help to eliminate mosquitoes in your pool, and will not bite you, but their presence attracts other bugs just like the backswimmers. They are oval-shaped and dark brown with large eyes. If you see any water boatmen in your pool even though it looks clean, that means that there are already algae that are not visible to your eyes yet.

How to avoid getting water bugs in your pool? There will be no bugs if you will have weekly pool maintenance . Because these creatures are there for their food supply which is the algae. So, cutting off their food supply will make them disappear.

Leak detection company vs plumber who should you call for your pool?

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 18:04:51 GMT

Who should you call for your pool? Leak detection company or a plumber?

Las Vegas may have many beautiful water resorts, but we still love to stay at home and enjoy our own swimming pool where we can have lots of quality time with family without spending cash. Or throw an unlimited pool party with friends. It is a cool way of fighting the hot Nevada temperature.

But how are you going to do that if you will detect some leaks into your pool? Leak detection companies will advise every pool owner not to ignore even a single leak. “Because the one thing your pool has is water. Water may not seem like a destructive force, but given enough time it could be. As water escapes your swimming pool, it has to go somewhere. There's a good chance it will start accumulating in areas you don't want it. And that could lead to trouble.”

When this happens, who should you call for help? Leak detection company or a plumber? Every profession has its own different expertise to offer, they become experts because of their years of experience, knowledge in the specific issue, and comprehensive training. So, if you saw some leaks or think that there are some leaks in your swimming pool, who are you going to ask for help?

Let us discuss the difference between a plumber and a leak detection company: A plumber is a type of professional that maintains the water system of the house or a building, that includes toilets, baths, showers, sinks, dishwashers, and washing machines. While leak detection specialists are under the plumber category but specialize in leak detection. They have the knowledge of a plumber and have unique tools that are intended to accurately detect where the leaks started, which is why they work efficiently.

What are the signs of leaks? The usual signs of leaks are low water pressure, some molds, damaged floors or walls, and high water bills. But for a leaking pool, the common signs are wet spots in the yard, high water bills, growth of algae, cracks, and the sudden drop in its water level.

Who should you call for help? Since we are talking about a leaking pool here, a reliable pool leak detection company is the perfect contractor to contact when this happens to you. Here in Vegas Pool Leak Detectors use the latest technology and methods to find and locate any sneaky pool leaks. Whether it's buried in the underground piping or sneaking through micro-cracks in the pool tile, we can find it. No leak is too tough for our skilled team. So when you think you might have a leaky pool, call the top leak detectors in LV!

How to DIY A Bucket Test For Leak Detection In Your Pool?

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 12:37:51 GMT

A DIY bucket test for pool leaks detection

When people think or hear of the word pool, they will immediately think of “fun, relaxation or summer” because that is what we grow up with. Our parents introduce that to us, and owning a swimming pool gives us the opportunity to have a great fun activity with family at the comfort of our property because everyone loves dipping into the water, especially during hot summer days. Kids love splashing and diving endlessly.

Having a swimming pool also means a big responsibility for every owner, especially when there are some unknown issues. That is why it is important to perform leak detection to avoid having bigger future problems that can result in excessive spending.

We all know that there are many benefits of having a swimming pool in our area, one of those is that it is a great way to exercise to relieve stress that is not good for our health. Swimming provides you with a full body workout that aims to build and strengthen your muscles. Not only that, dipping into the pool is a healthy way to cool off and avoid heat stroke during summer.

It is a cost effective entertainment, for you don’t have to find and pay for an expensive resort to stay and spend quality fun time with your family. Plus, it is a comfortable learning environment to teach your kids or anyone how to swim because it is located in your comfort zone, and you won’t have to deal with rude strangers in a community pool.

But having a pool leak can stop the fun and it should be addressed immediately. Doing a DIY process in finding a pool leak can be a decent indicator of your swimming pool health. Obviously, please contact us if you are unsure of your results and want a second opinion. We're here to help! Remember, it's common for a pool to lose a few inches of water every day from evaporation.

Get an empty 5-gallon bucket and bring it to your swimming pool. Place it on the 2nd step when entering the pool.
Fill the bucket with water to match the inside level of water to the outside level of the swimming pool.
Mark this level of water inside the bucket to know where both the inside and outside are (just as a reminder).
Turn off the auto-refill device in your pump room (often near the recirculating pump or built into the system).
Wait for 24-hours
Check the new water levels both inside and outside the bucket

If the water is nearly even, you likely don't have a leak. It's just normal evaporation which is unavoidable.
If you notice between 2-3 inches, you're in the "possible" zone for a pool leak. It could've just been a ridiculously hot day causing more evaporation, but be aware there may be an issue.
If you find more than 3 inches, there's a high chance you have a pool leak. It's time to call a professional to assess the situation.

How much water evaporation is normal is a Vegas pool?

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 15:28:45 GMT

The normal water evaporation in a Las Vegas pool

A swimming pool is a perfect way to relax and unwind in a subtropical city of Nevada. This city may have many internationally renowned resorts where you can enjoy with your family, but nothing beats having a pool in your own yard where you can dive any time you want without spending cash.

But just like everything, it needs some proper maintenance to enjoy it for long years and prevent having problems with it. One of the major issues that every owner does have is the pool leaks which can be a reason that it won’t function properly and will eventually create bacteria that are harmful to those people who will dive in.

It is essential to have a proper plan on how to clean and have good maintenance of your swimming pool for it is the key to reducing the time and amount of money you spend on maintenance repair expenses. And it is advisable to hire an expert to give it a check by its expertise and pool servicing equipment. Doing that will improve the lifespan and cleanliness of your pool which gives your family safe leisure moments.

Some of the necessary weekly routines that you need to follow if you don’t want any problems with it in the future are:

The water level in the pool should be regularly checked to know the difference, and if needed you should top it up.
The area around the pool should be clean to avoid any dirt inside it.
The wall of the pool must be brushed to prevent any algae build-up.
The filters and skimmer baskets should be cleaned up to maintain the cleanliness of the pool.
The pool’s pH level should be checked, and adjust its water balance if necessary. And also the pool chemicals.
The floor of the pool should also be vacuumed to avoid algae so we can clearly see if there are any leaks.

In a climate like in Las Vegas, it is important to cover the swimming pool when not in use because it can lose up to an inch of water a week because of evaporation. And during the hottest season which is the summer months, pools can lose up to four inches per day.

Where do most pool leaks occur?

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 18:16:25 GMT

Where do most swimming pool leaks found?

Having a private swimming pool is so convenient for those parents who got kids who love to swim and enjoy water fun because you won't have to travel and pay for expensive resorts just to give them those fun experiences. Plus, you can just watch them while you are in the comfort of your home or while doing household stuff. But just like everything, it needs proper maintenance to perform its duty well and to avoid more damages that can cost you much in the future.

A serious swimming pool leaks are primarily the main problem why some people spend lots of money fixing them. That is why every owner should know the responsibility that comes with it. Ignoring the responsibility of taking proper care of it will result in many issues like this. Leaks happen because of a lack of proper maintenance and not addressing the problem immediately.

Detecting pool leaks is difficult and time consuming; sometimes, the defects are not visible when you will just check the outer core, and it needs an expert to know the main issue. But some of the obvious signs are:

Crack tiles that surround the area
Chemical imbalance
Water quality or the increasing growth of algae
The presence of tree roots
Wet pool surroundings

Where do most swimming pool leaks occur? The most know area where leaks occurred is in the:

Structural Leaks - These are the obvious leaks that we usually see. Some reason behind that is pool aging and without proper maintenance. When you find some cracked tiles, even just a small one, you should immediately fix them to prevent making them worse.
Pool Pump - This is the essential part of the pool because it is responsible for evenly circulating the pool chemicals, and if it does not function well, there will be a chemical imbalance that can cause a rapid increase of algae.
Pool Filters - Pool filters and pumps are different, which people think they have the same functions. Pumps are the ones that will help the water to reach through the filters. And filters are the ones that will manage the water to be clean and crystal clear.

What to know about your pool pump if it's leaking?

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 19:36:49 GMT

How to know if your pool pump is leaking?

Having a swimming pool means you can save money from going to an expensive resort just to dive in and have fun. It can also keep you from sending your young kids into their swimming lessons or to the gym. Yes, to the gym because swimming is an excellent form of exercise. It is known to promote good cardiovascular health, make you flexible, gains muscles, and to some, lose weight.

But just like everything, it needs proper maintenance to avoid having major issues in the future. That is why it is necessary to have a leak inspection by the company that offers that specific service to ensure that your pool is in good condition for everyone’s safety.

One of the severe pool problems that every owner is scared about is a leaking pool pump because it is an expensive piece of equipment necessary for the swimming pool work. But we shouldn’t worry about that because we have leak detector companies that can help us resolve that in time.

Suction Side Pool Pump Leaks - If you think there is a leak in this area, you need to check if there are air bubbles in the pump strainer basket. If it is not resolved, check the water level and the other parts like the pump strainer lid for any cracks to replace. You need to check any cracked PVC and valves, too, you need to pour water, and if there are bubbles, you need t to replace them. And replace the o-ring if there is a problem with the strainer basket plug.

Discharge Side Pool Pump Leaks - Others call it the pressure side where the water is sucked back into the pool. We can easily notice it if there is dripping water in the pipe fitting, any puddle of water in the pump, or the water level of the pool decreases.

Shaft Seal - This is the one that protects the motor from getting soaked in water; without it, water will run to the motor and causes failure. If there is no problem with both suction and discharge sides, then that means you need to replace the shaft seal.

How To Find Underground Pool Leaks?

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 16:18:38 GMT

How to determine the underground leaks of the pool?

Not all people have the privilege to enjoy swimming in the comfort of their own property. Some people pay for an expensive resort to enjoy that moment with their family. They are willing to pay that kind of amount not just for leisure purposes but also because of the fact that it is an excellent form of exercise. Swimming can increase our flexibility, make our cardiovascular health, lose weight, and helps us gain muscles.

But being the owner, we need to check for leak detection to avoid a major problem that could cause more expense. One way to prevent that is to have proper maintenance with a trusted pool leak detection company that can help you with that.

Some of the ways to find out if there is a swimming pool leak :

Check the pool equipment - Check the pump, pipe valves, filter, and other pool parts. Walk around the pool and try to check the soil for any moisture or wetness. They are the obvious common problems that can be easily determined.

Double-checking technique - One of the easy techniques is to have a bucket, fill it with water, and place it on the pool stairs. Let the water be level both in the bucket and in the pool. Put water markings on the bucket and in the pool. And then check the difference after 24 hours.

Check for any cracks - Go dive in and check for any pool cracks. Visible or not, it still can be a cause of any water leaks.

If you still suspect any leaks but can not find them through those common techniques, it is time for you to let the expert do it for you to have peace of mind.

More people invest in having a private pool because it has a lot of benefits like, it saves money from going to some resort just to cool down and enjoy with family. It is a great fun way to have aqua therapy to stretch those muscles that were injured. And can relieve stress which promotes better sleep.