How to Fix a Pool Leak

What You Need to Know About How to Fix a Pool Leak and Pool Leak Repair Costs

Enjoying your pool on a hot summer day is a must, but maintaining proper water levels is just as important. While regular refills are part of routine upkeep, excessive water loss might indicate a problem. Evaporation, splash-out, and rainfall affect water levels, but if you’re adding more than two inches of water weekly, it could be time to learn how to fix a pool leak. Identifying the issue isn’t always easy, and pool leak repair costs can vary. That’s why The Pool Butler experts can locate and fix leaks to keep your pool in perfect condition!

Determine If a Pool is Leaking

There are lots of ways a pool could lose water, and a leak is only one way. So how can you tell if you really have a leak? An easy way to find if your swimming pool is leaking is by how much water you are adding in order to keep the water level at the correct height. If you are adding more than two inches of water a week for a few weeks in a row, you might have a pool leak. But there are some simple tests to help determine if you actually have a leak.

Method #1: Bucket Test

The “bucket test” is a simple way to determine if your pool is losing water due to a pool leak. You’ll need a 5-gallon bucket and a waterproof marker.

1. Place the bucket on the second pool step and fill it with water until it matches the pool’s water level.
2. Mark the water level inside the bucket with the marker.
3. Turn off the pump and wait 24 hours.

After 24 hours, compare the water levels. If both the bucket and pool levels drop evenly, it’s evaporation. If the pool’s water level is lower than the bucket’s, you likely have a leak. Once confirmed, the next step is finding and fixing the leak.

Method #2: Testing with the Pump On

To be thorough, repeat the “bucket test” with the pump on, as some pool leaks only occur when the pump is running. This second test can provide valuable information about the leak’s location. Start by refilling the bucket and pool to equal levels and marking the new water level inside the bucket. Turn on the pump and wait 24 hours. If the pool’s water level drops more than the bucket’s, the leak is happening when the pump is on.

This test helps pinpoint the source of the leak, making it easier to figure out how to fix it. Continue reading for more tips on finding and repairing swimming pool leaks.

Method #3: Let the Pool Drain

Some pool leaks can be hard to find. If the skimmer, pool lights, or visible cracks in the concrete, plaster, or vinyl aren’t the issue, you can let the leak naturally lower the water level to help locate it. Close the skimmer valve, run the pump off the main drain, and monitor the water level as it drops. If it stabilizes below the skimmer, the leak is elsewhere.

Check where the water stops—near a wall fitting, step, or light—and inspect closely for signs of a leak. Look for small debris in cracks, which could indicate suction from a leak. Since the leak is now above the water level, a dye test won’t work, so a thorough visual inspection is necessary.

If the Pool Leaks With the Equipment On and Off

After completing both of the bucket tests and it seems like the swimming pool is leaking with the pump both on and off, you may need to look beyond the plumbing. If the issue isn’t in the plumbing, it’s time to check other areas of your pool. For plaster or concrete pools, look for visible cracks. In vinyl pools, inspect for any tears. If you think you’ve found a leak, you can confirm it with a simple dye test. Turn off the pool pump to keep the water still, then add some dark-colored food coloring or a specialized leak detection dye near the suspected area. If the dye moves toward a crack or tear, you’ve located the leak. This straightforward method makes it easy to spot and address leaks.

Stop Pool Leaks Fast with The Pool Butler