How to Pressure Test a Swimming Pool
When a swimming pool’s plumbing system leaks, one of the first diagnostic tests a professional performs is a pressure test. During this process, the pool’s plumbing lines are isolated and tested independently to determine whether they can hold pressure without leaking. Vancouver swimming pool plumbing pressure testing is only as accurate as the person performing the testing.
A swimming pool typically runs between 5 and 30 PSI on average. Ideally, test the plumbing lines above the maximum operating pressure to ensure there are no leaks in the system. The concern is that pressure testing any system above a few PSI can be dangerous, so many testers prefer to test at lower pressures such as 5, 10, or 20 PSI. In theory, a plumbing leak will be apparent under all pressurized conditions, but this is not always the case with elusive leaks. It is recommended to test at a higher pressure than the normal operating values of the plumbing system.
The potential for danger exists with pressure testing, so it should only be attempted by professionals or competent individuals using proper equipment and safety techniques. In theory, isolating each plumbing line is easy. Open one end of the pipe in the mechanical / pump room and plug the end in the pool. Then introduce either water or air, regulated by a valve and a known, accurate pressure gauge.
In practice, pressure testing a pool is much more complicated. Basic swimming pool systems can involve as little as two or three pipes; however, more robust pools can have thirty, forty or fifty individual pipes that require testing. In addition to being able to identify where each pipe goes, which can be a difficult task in some situations, most pools have pipes that are very difficult to isolate and test.
Some pipes do not connect from the pump room to the pool, making it difficult to access both ends of the pipe, which is required to perform accurate pressure testing. A prime example of this is the main drain at the bottom of the pool. Some pools cannot be emptied, so a diver may be required to inspect and plug the main drain for testing. Water features, hot tubs, return jets, and stairs can also have pipes that are difficult to pressure test, further complicating the process.
A well-versed pool service will use a combination of plumbing system knowledge, testing and process of elimination to identify the pool leak. More often than not the leak can be identified by examining closely the characteristics of the leak itself. The more invasive pressure testing process is used to confirm what you suspect by examining the leak characteristics. The better that you understand your pool plumbing system, the more readily you will be able to find and repair the leak – with or without a pressure test.
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