Pool Leak Detection: How to Detect a Leak in your Pool

Hello there again fellow ePoolSupply supporters! Today I wanted to talk to you guys about how to detect a leak in your pool. I want to talk about how to do the bucket test, dye test, common leak issues, and some of the most common places where a leak might be. Keep on reading to learn how to find a pool leak.

Common Pool Leak Issues

Pool leaks occur due to a variety of issues. Some of the most common issues include mechanical problems, structural damage, plumbing issues, broken pipes, and broken or loose fittings. These areas are an essential part of the swimming pool and ensure that the pool is kept clean, safe, and properly running. If pool leaks are ignored it can lead to sinkholes, greater pool damage, and foundation shifts.

Common Pool Leak Places

If you suspect you have a pool leak there are a few places to look. Some of the most common places where pool leaks happen are the pool liners, pumps, filters, underground plumbing, skimmer, and structure. The first step to do is to check your entire filter system area. That includes your pool pump, valves, filter, heater, chlorinator, and any o-ring or connections where you might be losing water. If you are seeing air bubbles coming out of the return lines then most likely the leak is somewhere in the filtration system. If there are visible cracks, sometimes they can be hard to find since it starts as small as a pinhole. If you are seeing pooling water anywhere or the pool deck sinking or lifting then it may be a leak underground. Having to add water to your pool more frequently or your auto filler is running constantly is a sign. Another sign is if you are having difficulty keeping your PH balanced.

Bucket Test For Pool Leaks

The next step is to do a bucket test, this will determine if it's a leak or just evaporation. It is normal to lose half an inch of water because of evaporation. To do the bucket test you will need a 5-gallon bucket and a waterproof marker or duct tape. The first thing to do is turn off the water leveler so it doesn’t try to fill itself back up. The next step is to put your empty 5-gallon bucket in the water on the second step of your pool and fill the bucket with water to match your pool's water level. Then you will take your tape or a marker and line it where the water level is at. Now you will leave it for 24 hours and check the levels of the bucket and the pool. If there is a significant difference in water levels then a pool leak is most likely the issue. Please note that hot, dry weather, water temperature, wind, and sun can all affect the rate of evaporation. Normal water loss from an uncovered pool or spa can be up to a ¼ inch in 24 hours.

How to Perform A Pool Leak Detection Test

Dye Test

To confirm the location of the leak, doing a dye test will be the next step. You can use food coloring or a special leak detection dye to locate the leak. You will need to work with still water so you will have to turn off the pool pump. Then gently enter the water and move slowly to keep the water as still as possible. If the dye moves toward the leak and gets sucked through then it's a real leak but if it doesn't move at all then there isn't a leak in that area. All dye colors will eventually dissipate in the water. Dyes will work on all pool surfaces.

To pinpoint the leak, go to the edge of the swimming pool in the area where you think the leak may be, without touching the water, squirt the dye in the water close to the surface and the wall. If the leak is near, you will see the dye move towards the exact location, it will be kind of like a current. When you find the leak, mark the spot to remember where you need to patch the leak.

If you find your leak and it is something that you cant replace or if you still do not know where it might be. It is recommended to call a professional. They can provide a variety of services and fix the leak faster.

In conclusion, if you suspect you leak, do the bucket test to determine how much water you lose a day. Then if you see it is a couple of inches or more loss a day then look around and see if you can find anywhere it might be leaking. If you still can't find anything, please call a professional to help.