Pool Leak Detection: A Quick DIY Guide

Published Sept. 24, 2022

A pool costs a lot of money and needs a lot of maintenance. Therefore, it wouldn’t be right to spend more than you have to. Sadly though, a lot of people do just that simply because they aren’t aware that their swimming pool is leaking.

In this article, we’re going to talk about everything you need to know about pool leak detection so that you won’t have to spend more money on your pool. So without further ado, let’s begin!

Identifying Pool Leaks

First of all, you’ve got to establish that your pool is leaking. 

You see, simply because your pool’s water level is below normal doesn’t mean that it has a leak problem. Evaporation that is compounded by environmental factors such as wind, heat, and sun exposure can also be the culprit.

Thankfully, there are telltale signs that will inform you that your swimming pool is leaking and not simply losing water due to evaporation. Examples of these signs include:

• Your pool loses ¼ inches of water every day
• The formation of cracks in or around your pool’s deck
• Soggy grass around your pool
• Having to add water once a week
• Testing indicates there’s a leak 

Testing For Pool Leaks

In the event that you suspect your pool is leaking, there are several DIY tests that you can do to confirm your suspicions. Keep in mind that while some of these tests are simple, others aren’t.

• Dye Test

If you see visible cracks in your pool or notice a tear in your liner, then a dye test is due. You can purchase dye tests online or at hardware, home & garden, and pool stores.

To use a pool dye test, all you need to do is shut down all your pool’s equipment and then wait until its water becomes still. Following that, slowly apply a small amount of dye into the part of the pool that you think the leak is. If the dye gets sucked in, that means you’ve found the spot.

• Bucket Test

The bucket test is a great way to determine if your swimming pool is suffering from a leak or is simply losing water because of evaporation. Don’t worry as this test is incredibly easy to do. In fact, all you’ll need is a bucket, tape, and 24 hours.

First of all, you’ve got to line the top edges of your bucket with tape. After that, apply tape to the wall of your pool just above the water line. Next, put water inside the bucket and place it beside the pool and leave it alone for a day. Once you return and see that the water level in the bucket matches the loss of water level in your pool, that means evaporation is the cause of your issue.

• Pressure Test

Another way to determine that you have a leak in your swimming pool is by doing a pressure test. However, to perform such a test, you’ll need some specialized equipment.

Now there are hundreds of video tutorials that can teach you how to do a pressure test on your pool. Still, we don’t recommend doing this test if you aren’t savvy with DIY for safety’s sake.

Areas Prone To Leaking