Give your chosen test some time, care, and patience. Oh—and prepare to get wet.
9 Signs Your Pool is Leaking
One or more of these clues might indicate your swimming pool or spa is leaking:
Leak Detection Test No. 1: The Evaporation Test
In the evaporation test, author Tamminen suggests filling a bucket and placing it on the deck next to the pool or spa. With an indelible pen, mark the level in the bucket and also for the pool or spa. Turn off the circulation. Wait a few days, then mark the new level in the bucket and pool or spa. Both the bucket and pool water should evaporate equally (using inches or centimeters). If the pool or spa level is significantly more, you may have yourself a leak. If the water levels evaporate at the same rate, then it is probably not a leak.
Leak Detection Test No. 2: The Dye Test
When to Call a Professional
If the other methods fail to help you locate a suspected leak, there are two other methods of leak detection. Unless you’re a plumber, happen to own a geophone or an extreme DIYer, call on the pros. By applying the geophone—an electronic listening device—an operator can actually hear water dripping or flowing. By using the device around a pool and related plumbing, the operator can identify where water is moving out of the system. Method No. 2 is leak detection via pressure testing equipment. Again, it takes know-how and additional equipment to conduct a pressure test. Your wisest move is to hire a pool builder, plumbing contractor or leak detection company that has the right stuff to do the job.
Schedule a Professional Leak Detection Test
If all tests indicate your pool has a leak, contact a reputable leak detection service to conduct a test. To make sure you get an accurate leak detection test, vacuum and clean the pool vacuumed and beforehand. Dirt and debris in the pool can make it challenging to spot even large leaks. Water should be as clear and clean as possible. If it is green it most likely means your pool has mildew, algae, or fungi.
