Bruno Pugh
Your swimming pool should be a place for relaxation, not frustration. Yet, there may come a time when you suspect your pool is losing more water than usual. But is it really evaporation, or is a leak playing tricks on you? Here are 15 methods for checking whether your pool leaks; each will help you catch the issue in its early stages.
Evaluate the Pool Equipment
Leakage might result from a malfunctioning pool pump or filter. If you see standing water near the heater, filter, or pump, turn off the power and check. The presence of any obvious moisture indicates that there may be a leak somewhere.
Check the Vinyl Liner for Tears
A rip might be the culprit if your pool’s liner is made of vinyl. Finding tears or weak points in the pool may be as simple as running your hands over its walls and floor. It could be hard to see, but a little rip can usually be felt with the fingertips.
Perform the Bucket Test
You can check for leaks with a bucket. Place a filled water bucket on a pool step, matching the water level inside the bucket to the pool’s waterline. After a few days, compare the two water levels; if one falls quicker, it’s probably because of a leak.
Examine the Pool Deck
Look for cracks or wet patches on your pool deck. Water from a pool leak can seep into the surrounding area, causing visible signs of damage or constant dampness. These changes could point to a leak needing immediate attention.
Keep an Eye on Your Water Bill
It might be a sign of a pool leak if your water bill is unusually high. A sudden increase in water consumption might be a sign of trouble under the pool’s surface, as it requires regular topping up. By catching this early, you can save yourself from higher costs and potential damage.
Pay attention to odd sounds
A leaking pool is easy to detect when you hear bubbling or sucking coming from the pipes. If water is dripping from an unseen source, the sounds you’re hearing might result from air being drawn into the pipes.
Notice Soggy Spots Around the Yard
Sometimes, leaking pools can damage more than just the water level; they can also damage your yard. Water seeping beneath and making the grass abnormally wet might cause drenched areas on your lawn next to the pool.
Inspect the Skimmer Zone
Certain pool skimmer models are prone to leaks due to gradual fracture development. Inspect the skimmer box and its environs for indications of damage. When the skimmer isn’t working properly, water might leak out at the waterline and gradually reduce the pool level.
Determine the Water Loss Rate in the Pool
Put a marker in the pool’s water and watch the level drop over a day. To keep tabs on the shift, use a marker or tape. It is probable that a leak has to be investigated if the decrease is more than anticipated due to evaporation.
Examine the Pool Tiles
Water levels may be below usual if tiles around the pool’s edge are loose or cracked. A leak occurs when water seeps out of a pool and weakens the surrounding construction, which in turn causes the tiles to move or come loose.
Watch for Unexplained Algae
You may feel the pool’s water chemistry is properly balanced, yet algae continue to grow. Then, this might signal a leak. Leaking pools can throw off the chemical levels, allowing algae to thrive in areas where the water is escaping unnoticed.
Pool Dye for Leak Detection
Pool leaks may be more easily located with the use of specialized colors. As you add the dye to potential trouble spots like light fixtures, cracks, or fittings, you can see it being drawn toward the direction of the leak. This technique makes finding the smallest cracks a breeze.
Analyze the Overflow Mechanism of the Pool
Every part of a pool’s overflow system has to be in working order. Unnoticed water leaking out might be due to a damaged or faulty overflow valve. The system should be checked often for leaks so that they don’t get worse and cause more water loss.
Look for Cracks in the Pool Shell
Concrete or gunite pools are susceptible to water seepage through tiny fissures. To check for cracks, run your hands along the pool’s surface and walls. A professional repair is necessary if even a small break, the size of a hairline, causes water to leak out.
Keep an Eye on Pool Lights
Pool lights can be a common source of leaks. Check for bubbles or water buildup around the light fittings. Note that water can slowly escape through a malfunctioning or loose light fixture and lead to an unnoticed leak that builds up over time.