How Do You Find a Leak in a Pool?

Having a pool is great for relaxing and having fun, but dealing with a leak can be frustrating. Pool leaks waste water, increase your bills, and can even damage the area around the pool. Catching a leak early can save you time, money, and trouble. Whether you want to hire experts for swimming pool leak detection services or try to find the leak yourself, this guide will show you how.

How will you find out, if the pool is leaking?

Before looking for a leak, make sure there really is one. Here are some common signs:

1. Water Levels Dropping Too Fast: A little water loss from evaporation is normal, but if the water level drops quickly, there might be a leak.
2. Higher Water Bills: If your water bill suddenly goes up, it could mean your pool is losing water.
3. Wet Spots around the Pool: If the ground near your pool is always wet or soggy, there might be a leak in the plumbing or pool structure.
4. Algae Keeps Coming Back: If algae keep growing even though you’re using the right chemicals, a leak might be the cause.
5. Cracks or Gaps: Visible cracks in the pool or its deck could mean there’s a leak.

How to Find a Pool Leak?

If you notice any of the signs above, follow these steps to locate the leak:

1. Do the Bucket Test
   * Take a bucket, fill it with water, and place it on a pool step. Ensure the water level in the bucket is the same as the pool’s water level.
   * Mark both water levels and wait 24 hours. If the pool water drops more than the bucket water, there’s a leak.
2. Check the Pool Surface
   * Look at the walls and floor of your pool for cracks or other damage. Pay special attention to areas around lights, drains, and skimmers.
3. Inspect Pool Equipment
   * Look at the pump, filter, and heater for leaks or drips. Also, check pipes and connections for water loss.
4. Test the Plumbing
   * Turn off the pool pump and watch the water level. If it drops a lot while the pump is off, the plumbing might be leaking.
5. Use Food Coloring
   * To find the exact spot of a leak, add food coloring near suspicious areas like cracks or fittings. If the dye gets pulled into a spot, you’ve found the leak.

When to Call a Professional

Some leaks are hard to find or fix on your own. Here’s when you should call swimming pool leak detection experts:

• Small or Hidden Leaks: Professionals use special tools to find leaks underground or in the structure.
• Big or Ongoing Leaks: If your pool is losing a lot of water, experts can quickly locate and fix the problem.
• Tricky Repairs: Leaks in hard-to-reach places, like under the deck, need professional help.

How to Prevent Pool Leaks?

It’s better to stop leaks before they happen. Regular maintenance can help. Here’s what you can do:

• Check Pool Often: Look for cracks or equipment issues when cleaning your pool.
• Watch Water Levels: Keep an eye on your water levels and fix problems right away.
• Balance Chemicals: Proper chemical levels prevent wear and tear on your pool.
• Schedule Yearly Inspections: Have professionals checked your pool once a year to catch problems early.