Expert Guidance on Pool Leak Detection | JHS Pools

Expert Guidance on Pool Leak Detection | JHS Pools

Owning a swimming pool is a fantastic addition to any property, offering year-round enjoyment, health benefits, and increased property value. However, a swimming pool requires professional-level care and technical maintenance to keep it running efficiently and safely. Many pool owners are unaware of the critical role that pool leak detection, plant room management, and regular servicing play in preserving the integrity of their pool and avoiding expensive repairs.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most vital aspects of pool care: detecting and repairing leaks, maintaining the swimming pool plant room, and setting up a reliable pool servicing schedule. Whether you’re a homeowner, facility manager, or commercial pool operator, understanding these systems will help you save on energy bills, extend the lifespan of your equipment, and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for every swimmer.

Pool Leak Detection: Catching the Problem Early

Pool leaks can be deceptive. They often start small, appearing as minor water loss or unnoticed damp areas, but can escalate into serious issues involving structural damage, high water bills, and safety hazards. That’s why timely pool leak detection is essential.

Signs You Might Have a Pool Leak:

• Unexplained water loss, even when evaporation is accounted for
  
• Damp patches around the pool or in your garden
  
• Constantly running auto-fill systems
  
• Air bubbles in the return jets
  
• Unbalanced chemicals, with levels fluctuating more often than usual
  

Leaks can occur in multiple locations including:

• Pool shell cracks or expansion joints
  
• Underground plumbing systems
  
• Skimmers, lights, and return fittings
  
• Valve and pump connections in the plant room
  

At JHS Pools, our technicians use advanced methods to locate even the most hidden leaks. These may include:

• Dye testing to trace leaks in fittings or pool walls
  
• Pressure testing pipework to identify damaged plumbing
  
• Electronic listening equipment to detect underground leaks
  
• Thermal imaging for hard-to-access areas
  

Leak detection isn’t just about saving water—it’s about protecting your investment. Undetected leaks can cause pump burnout, erode foundations, and lead to expensive damage that insurance may not cover. Prompt detection and repair are always the better option.

Understanding the Pool Plant Room: The Brain of Your Pool

The swimming pool plant room, often tucked away in a garage, shed, or underground space, is the control centre of your entire pool system. It houses all the mechanical and chemical systems that keep the pool functioning correctly.

What’s Inside a Pool Plant Room?

1. Circulation Pumps – Move water through the filtration and heating systems
   
2. Filters – Trap debris and contaminants from the water (sand, glass, or cartridge)
   
3. Heaters or Heat Pumps – Maintain a comfortable swimming temperature
   
4. Chemical Dosing Units – Automatically balance pH, chlorine, and other chemical levels
   
5. Control Panels – Manage timing, backwashing, and safety cut-offs
   
6. UV or Ozone Sanitisers – Provide additional disinfection without heavy chlorine use
   

A poorly designed or maintained plant room leads to common issues like:

• Poor water clarity
  
• Low water pressure
  
• Algae outbreaks
  
• Equipment failure
  
• Dangerous chemical imbalances
  

Our team at JHS Pools offers plant room design, installation, servicing, and upgrades. Whether you’re starting from scratch or retrofitting an outdated system, we ensure your plant room is safe, efficient, and compliant with modern standards.

The Importance of Regular Pool Service

Neglecting routine pool servicing is one of the fastest ways to turn a luxury asset into a costly liability. Regular servicing not only maintains water hygiene but also prevents pump and heater damage, extends the life of your pool, and ensures a safe swimming environment.

A Professional Pool Service Should Include:

• Water chemistry testing and adjustment
  
• Inspection and maintenance of pumps and filters
  
• Backwashing sand or glass filters
  
• Cleaning skimmer baskets and pump strainer
  
• Vacuuming and brushing the pool surface
  
• Checking for leaks and pipe pressure issues
  
• Reviewing control panels, timers, and safety systems
  
• Inspecting the plant room for wear or corrosion
  

At JHS Pools, we offer flexible pool service contracts, including:

• Weekly maintenance (ideal during summer)
  
• Monthly servicing (for year-round use)
  
• Seasonal opening and winterising
  
• Emergency visits for breakdowns or leaks
  

We tailor our packages for residential, commercial, and institutional pools across the UK.

Pool Filtration Systems: Keeping Your Water Crystal Clear

Filtration is at the heart of water clarity. Without proper filtration, chemical treatments become ineffective, algae and bacteria thrive, and the pool becomes unsafe.

Types of Pool Filters:

• Sand filters – Most common, easy to use, requires regular backwashing
  
• Glass media filters – More efficient than sand and longer-lasting
  
• Cartridge filters – Ideal for spas and smaller pools, easy to replace
  
• DE (Diatomaceous Earth) filters – Offers the finest filtration but needs more maintenance
  

When filters are clogged or worn out, pumps work harder, leading to higher energy consumption and shorter equipment life. During your service, our technicians at JHS Pools clean, backwash, and inspect your filters as standard.

Heating & Energy Efficiency in the Plant Room

Heating your pool can be costly if the system is outdated or poorly maintained. The plant room typically houses:

• Gas boilers (for fast heating)
  
• Air source heat pumps (energy efficient and eco-friendly)
  
• Electric heaters (suitable for spas or small pools)
  

Energy-efficient systems can cut your pool running costs by up to 60%. Upgrading to a modern heat pump or integrating smart thermostats can save money long-term. Insulating pipework and plant room walls is another effective way to reduce heat loss.

Smart Pool Automation: Future-Proofing Your Pool

With smart technology, you can now control your entire pool system via your smartphone. Features include:

• Remote temperature control
  
• Automated filtration schedules
  
• Real-time chemical monitoring
  
• Leak alerts and water usage reports
  

Smart controllers improve safety and reduce maintenance time. At JHS Pools, we can retrofit or install new automation systems for both residential and commercial pools.

Seasonal Pool Care: Opening and Closing Matters

Opening your pool at the start of summer and winterising it in the autumn are two of the most critical times of year for servicing. Improper start-up can damage pumps and filters, while poor winterisation can lead to frozen pipes or cracked fittings.

Seasonal servicing includes:

• Draining or topping up water levels
  
• Deep cleaning
  
• Testing heaters and adjusting timers
  
• Adding antifreeze (for winter shutdown)
  
• Removing or installing covers
  
• Inspecting the plant room for seasonal wear
  

Why Choose JHS Pools?

At JHS Pools, we offer:

• Professional pool leak detection with advanced tools
  
• Full installation and upgrades of swimming pool plant rooms
  
• Reliable, expert-led pool servicing across the UK
  
• Energy-saving audits and plant room efficiency upgrades
  
• Emergency repairs, servicing contracts, and tailored care plans
  

Our clients include residential properties, hotels, leisure centres, and private health clubs. We’re trusted for our quality, speed, and honest, expert advice.

Final Thoughts

A well-maintained swimming pool relies on a combination of precise leak detection, an optimised plant room, and ongoing servicing. Without these, even the most luxurious pool can become a burden. With professional support from JHS Pools, you can enjoy peace of mind, safe swimming, and clean, perfectly balanced water every day of the year.