THE PLUG TEST
DETERMINE IF YOUR WATER LOSS coming from your pool basin or your pipes
- Shut down your filter and make sure any automatic timers are also off.
- Remove the directional caps and spinner inserts from all return ports. (The circles on the walls of the pool).
- Plug these return lines using the same Black Plugs (Rubber with wing nut), or white caps (Threaded with O-rings) that are used for winterization of the pool.
- Remove the cover and basket to skim box(es). (Older pools may also have a lower intake/suction port on the wall below the skim box. The safety cage also needs to be removed.)
- Plug all intakes using plugs or the gizmos (These are the same ones used during the winterization of the pool.)
- If present, do NOT attempt to plug the main drain. If needed the diver will dye test the main drain during the leak inspection.
- After all intakes and returns are plugged, your plumbing system will be isolated from your pool basin. Use a piece of duct tape, or pencil, to mark the water level.
- After 24hours check your mark and make note of any water loss, and if so what the rate of loss is in = x”/24hrs
- If no water loss is documented, unplug all piping and run the filter system.
- Using your mark wait another 24hrs to compare the loss rate = x”/24hrs for when the pool is plugged vs. unplugged.
- If water loss only happens when the lines are unplugged and the filter is running, then the leak issue is located within the plumbing system and the pool owner will need to contact their pool company to determine where and have it fixed.
- If the water loss happens even if all lines are plugged, then a leak is in the pool basin, and New England Dive will help locate and correct the leak.
Our leak detection and repair divers carry many different swatches of vinyl liner and will do their best to make a patch repair as aesthetically pleasing as possible. We also carry several different colors of epoxies to do the same.