subject: Swimming Pool Plumbing Can Be Tested With Pressure [print this page] When the plumbing system of a pool is dribbling one of the first diagnosis tests a pro will perform is a pressure test. In this process the plumbing lines of the pool are isolated and independently tested to ascertain their abilities to hold pressure without dribbling. Pool plumbing system pressure testing is only as correct as the individual performing the testing.
A pool will run between five and thirty PSI typically. Ideally the plumbing lines will be tested at a level above the maximum operating pressures to make certain that there's no leaks in the system. The concern with this is that pressure testing any system over 1 or 2 PSI can be perilous so many testers wish to test at lower pressures like five, ten or twenty PSI.
In theory a plumbing leak will be apparent under all pressurized situations but this is not always the case with elusive leaking problems. It is recommended to test at a higher pressure that 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 the process of isolating each plumbing line is easy. Open one end of the pipe in the mechanical / pump room and plug the end in the pool. You then induce either water or air that is regulated with a valve and an known accurate pressure gauge.
In practice the method of pressure testing a pool is way more complex. Basic pool systems can involve as little as 2 or 3 pipes however hardier pools can have 30, 40 or 50 individual pipes that need testing. As well as being able to determine where each pipe goes, which can often be a difficult job in some cases, most pools have pipes that are very tough to isolate and test.
Some pipes don't connect from the pump room to the pool making it extraordinarily tough to access both ends of the pipe which is needed so as to perform any correct pressure testing. A good example of this is the key drain at the base of the pool. Some pools can't be emptied so a diver can be needed so as to check and plug the key drain for testing. Water features, hot tubs, return jets and stairs will infrequently have pipes which are tricky to pressure test further complicating the method.
A well capable pro will use a mixture of plumbing system data, testing and process of elimination to spot the pool leak. More times than not the leak can be identified by inspecting closely the features of the leak itself. The more invasive pressure testing process is used to prove what's speculated by inspecting the leak traits. The better that you understand your pool plumbing system the more enthusiastically you'll be capable of finding and fix the leak - without or with a pressure test.
