The very first thing we would ask is: “Have you noticed water around the base of your heat pump when the unit is running, when it is off or all of the time?” It is in fact normal to see some water at the base of your heat pump and the amount varies based on the humidity within the air. The question is however, “How much is too much?” and “When is the presence of this water indicative not of condensation, but in fact from a leak somewhere within your heat pump system?” Certainly, under the right conditions, factoring in both temperature and humidity, some heat pump models can produce up to 5 gallons of condensation per hour of run time.
The easiest way to determine if you have a water leak is to use chlorine test strips. Chlorine test strips can be purchased at your local pool supply store or department store with a home and garden section. Use one strip to test the water in the pool thus ensuring that chlorine is actually present within this water. Next, use another strip to test the water that’s accumulating around the heat pump base. If no chlorine is present in this water then there is no leak present. If there is chlorine there is a good chance that something is wrong. Another way of checking for a leak involves turning off the heater while making sure that the filter pump continues to run. If the water coming from the heat pump tapers off at this point, and completely stops within a few hours and the pad begins to dry then there is no leak within the heat pump. But if the water does not stop then you may in fact have a leak. If you are confidant you have a water leak give Done Right Pool Heating & AC Inc. a ring to set up a service call. Most water leaks are simple "in & out" repairs that can be taken care of in a quick visit with minimal cost. For further explanation you can visit the AquaCal YouTube channel for a video about water leaks and condensation. Click below.
Servicing swimming pool heat pumps in Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Brevard, Indian River, Lucie, Martin, and Palm Beach counties.