How to Find a Leak in a Swimming Pool

Come summer, we’ll all rush to the pool to cool off. There’s no greater joy than taking a refreshing dip on a scorching hot afternoon. But relaxing in your swimsuit is just the beginning. Not only is swimming a great cardiovascular workout, but a pool can also boost your home’s resale value by up to 7% under the right circumstances. But what happens when your swimming pool suddenly starts losing water? Could you be dealing with a leak?

The thought of having a pool leak might fill you with dread. Luckily, we have the answers to how to find a leak in a swimming pool.

4 Ways to Detect and Deal with Swimming Pool Leakage

Finding any leakage in the swimming pool should set off warning bells in your head. Besides losing water, you might also have to deal with irreparable damage to the pool’s lining. However, early detection can offset almost all of these problems and keep your swimming pool in good shape. Here’s how to find a leak in a pool.

1. Look for Evidence of a Leak

First thing you should know, water loss alone isn’t enough to prove swimming pool leakage. You always have evaporation and splashes to blame. That said, if you notice your swimming pool water levels decreasing by an inch every day, you likely have a leak somewhere.

You might also see swampy areas in the grass, cracked tiles/concrete, and imbalanced chemical levels. These are clear indicators of a pool leak- although you will need additional testing to confirm your suspicions.

2. Confirm the Leak

In case you’re not 100% sure you have any swimming pool plumbing leakage, the next obvious step is to confirm it. One way to do this is with the bucket test.

For this, start by filling a 5-gallon bucket with pool water. Mark the top of the waterline with tape and use another piece of tape to mark the pool. Allow the bucket to sit for at least 24 hours and avoid jumping in the pool at that time.

Finally, measure the difference between the two water levels. If the pool water has reduced by the same amount as the bucket, you’re leak-free. Conduct the test again to be sure your pets didn’t drink from the bucket or pool.

If there’s a huge gap, it probably isn’t evaporation. Chances are you’re stuck with a pool leak. The next step is to pinpoint it and start repairs.

3. Locate the Leak

Now that you’ve ruled out evaporation and confirmed you have a swimming pool plumbing leak, it’s time to get down to business.

You can use a special leak detection dye or plain old food coloring to locate the leak. Grab your swimming goggles and swim to the bottom of your pool. Squirt a small amount of detection dye or food coloring around any integrated parts or plumbing fixtures. If there’s a leak around a pump, drain, or skimmer, the dye will naturally flow toward it and get sucked out.

Here are a few extra pieces of advice that can help you better detect the leakage in your swimming pool.

• Take note of any cracks, damage, or abnormalities in the structure of your pool.
• Decide which areas are the most probable sources of the leak and inspect them thoroughly.
• Turn off any pumps or filtration systems to ensure the pool water is completely still.
• You may have to use the dye more than once. Stock up on them so you don’t run out mid-way.
• Checking for pool leaks will require you to stay underwater for extended periods. Only do this if you have experience diving.

4. Hire a Skilled Pool Technician

Swimming pool leaks need to be addressed swiftly. The longer you wait, the harder it gets to nip the problem in the bud. But is fixing swimming pool plumbing leakage simple enough to be a weekend DIY project? The simple answer is no.

Confirming, finding, and fixing a pool leak isn’t the easiest task for the uninitiated. Instead of struggling in vain, consider calling a local pool service company to detect and fix the issue promptly. Pool experts are the best equipped to handle leaks in swimming pools and can also get the job done faster than someone struggling with no experience.

Fix Your Swimming Pool Plumbing Leakage with Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas!

Pools can last for decades when maintained properly. However, even the most pristine swimming pools can develop issues that cause leaking. But a swimming pool leakage isn’t a death sentence for your beloved summer treat. All you need is some proper detection and maintenance, and you should be good to go. Hopefully, we’ve given you some insight into how to find a leak in a swimming pool.

Need a one-stop shop for all your swimming pool needs in Northeastern Pennsylvania? Want to get your swimming pool leak checked out stat? Look no further than Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas. Whether you’re looking for an in-ground/above-ground pool, swim spas, or chemicals, we have it all and more. For more information, give us a call today!

Posted by Aqua Leisure Pools & Spas in Pools