Fixing The Leaks In Your Pool Filter Housing
Posted on: 27 October 2015
Pool filter housing leaks are unfortunately quite common. Even the smallest leak in your pool filter housing can cost you a lot of lost water over the summer and decrease how well your filtration system works. Below, you will find out how to repair the filter housing leak fairly easily.
To complete this project you will need:
- Grease pencil
- Rubbing alcohol and mineral spirits
- Clean cloths
- Silicone caulk and caulking gun
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Washable finger paints - optional
Identify the Leak
Turn on the filter and inspect it for leaks. Use a grease pencil to mark any leaks that you find. The grease pencil will stay in place until you clean it off, but it won't be there forever like a permanent marker would.
If you are having a hard time finding where the leak is coming from, use some washable finger paints to coat the outside of the housing box. The leaking water will wash the paint away and show you exactly where the leak is. Just be sure to wash the remaining paint off of the box soon after to avoid discoloration of the plastic.
Time to Repair
Turn off the filtration system and get it as dry and clean as possible. A cloth doused in rubbing alcohol will help to remove any dirt and residue and will dry extremely quickly. If the rubbing alcohol doesn't remove any residue, mineral spirits on a clean cloth should do the trick.
Now that the unit is clean and dry, it is time to start making the repairs. Use fine-grit sandpaper to rough-up the area that to be needs repaired. This helps the silicone sealant adhere to the surface. Use the rubbing alcohol towel to wipe away any dust from sanding and continue to the next step.
Load your caulking gun with a tube of silicone caulk. Pull the trigger and get the flow of caulk going before using it on the filter housing unit. This will help to ensure smooth application. Now, apply a thin bead of caulk to the crack and immediately smooth it over with your finger pressing it into the crack firmly.
Tip: If the crack is significant, you may want to substitute plastic epoxy in place of the silicone caulking. This material has a more durable finish and will last longer.
This isn't a forever fix, but it will get you a season or two of more use from your filter housing before you need to replace it. For more information, contact Aquatic Pool Plastering or a similar company.
Share