If your pool is losing water and you have checked and eliminated all 4 possible causes in our previous article http://www.royalswimmingpools.com/blog/how-to-find-leaks-in-vinyl-liner-pools/, the leak could be in the PVC plumbing.
1. Construct a pressure testing tool as shown in the diagram and connect it to the pool PVC lines.

2. You can test the entire system at once or each PVC line separately. Install a pressure test plug in each return, skimmer and main drain.
3. Use the attached pressure test tool to put water in the PVC lines. The lines should be mostly full of water and not just air. Remove one of the plugs if necessary to fill the pipes with water then reinstall the plug. Continue to add water until the pressure reaches 20-25 psi.
4. Turn off the valve on the pressure test tool and watch the pressure gauge. If the pressure goes down quickly, there is a leak in the PVC pipe. Be sure and check the pressure test plugs to make sure they are not leaking. If the pressure goes down slowly there is a small leak. If there is no leak the pressure should hold for several hours.
5. If the pressure goes down you will need to test each line individually to locate the leak. If the PVC pipe is under a concrete deck, you can add an air valve to the pressure test tool. Use an air tank or compressor to add air to the water pressurized line. Look for the water bubbling in cracks or use a stethoscope to listen through the deck for the leak.
3 Responses on PVC Plumbing Pressure Testing
This takes the fear of having a leak. It sounds pretty easy.
Thanks for the info. You’re never tool old to learn something and this will come in handy in spring when I’m out there fixing pools and plumbing.
I really like that you showed an expanded diagram with detailed parts breakdown. We build our own leak testing devices and traditionally use flex hose connectors instead of male adapters. I can see both working good though. I’d like to suggestion a blog that we added on our website about leaks and the “Bucket Test”. We have a video that helps you determine if you ever have a leak in your pool. Thanks again for the great blog post! -Loren, Wilmington Pool Service
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