Owning a pool is a dream for many homeowners—but nothing shatters that dream faster than discovering your pool is mysteriously losing water. You might notice the water level dropping and wonder: Is this just evaporation, or do I have a pool leak?
The difference might seem small at first, but left unchecked, a pool leak can become a costly disaster. At The Pool Butler, we help homeowners solve this puzzle every day. Here’s how to tell the difference—and why expert pool leak detection can save your pool and your wallet.
The Evaporation vs. Pool Leak Dilemma
Every pool loses a little water naturally—wind, heat, and sun can all contribute to evaporation. But when the water loss is excessive or increasing quickly, that’s a red flag.
- Pro Tip Quick Check: Place a bucket filled with water on your pool step (weighted so it stays put). Mark the water level inside the bucket and the pool level outside. Wait 24 hours. If the pool water has dropped significantly more than the water in the bucket, you’re likely dealing with a leak.
But finding that leak isn’t easy. Pool leaks are often invisible to the untrained eye, and they can hide in plumbing, equipment, vinyl liners, or even underground.
How to Spot the Warning Signs of a Pool Leak (Before It Gets Worse)
Not sure if the issue is serious enough to investigate further? It might be—especially if you start noticing any of these common warning signs that something could be wrong:
- Constantly refilling your pool: If you’re adding more than 1/4 to 1/2 inch of water per day, it’s probably not just evaporation.
- Pool deck is lifting or cracking: Water leaking underground can disrupt the soil and cause structural damage.
- Unbalanced water chemistry: Are your chemical levels always out of whack? Leaks dilute the water and throw off your chemical balance.
- Air in the system: Bubbles in the return jets or pump may suggest that air is being pulled into your system via a leak.
- Soggy spots around the pool: Unexpected wet areas or lush patches of grass may point to water escaping underground.
If you notice any of these, it’s time to call in The Pool Butler experts.
Fast, Accurate Leak Detection
With decades of experience and advanced technology, we approach every suspected pool leak with a systematic and thorough process. Our goal is simple: find the problem fast, localize it precisely, and recommend the least invasive repair possible:
- 1. We Dive Right In—Literally
We’ll begin by diving into your pool and/or spa to visually inspect for any structural issues. Cracks in the plaster, around fittings, or in your tile line can often be the source of your leak. Our trained technicians know exactly what to look for.
- 2. Plumbing Pressure Testing
Next, we pressure test all plumbing lines to ensure the pipes are leak-free. This helps rule out—or identify—hidden issues in the plumbing system that runs below your deck or patio.
- 3. Pump Pad Equipment Check
Leaks can also start at the source—your pool equipment. We thoroughly inspect everything at the pump pad, from the filter and heater to the chlorinator and pump connections. Even small drips or faulty seals can contribute to major water loss over time.
- 4. Advanced Hydrophone Listening Technology
Using Anderson Technology’s Hydrophone, a highly sensitive underwater microphone, we listen for the telltale sounds of an underground active leak. This lets us detect leaks in return lines, drains, or main plumbing without digging or guesswork.
- 5. Pinpointing with Ground Sounding
If an underground pipe leak is detected, we take it a step further. Using ground sounding techniques, we can isolate the leak’s exact location—minimizing the area we need to dig and reducing your overall repair costs.
- 6. Fiberoptic Camera Inspections
To further confirm and inspect your plumbing lines, we use Anderson Technologies’ fiberoptic camera to scope the interior of your pipes. This helps us find cracks, roots, or obstructions that could compromise your system.
- 7. Vinyl Leak Detection
Have a vinyl-lined pool? No problem. We use electronic vinyl leak locators to find even the smallest holes or tears in your liner—no draining necessary.
What Happens After We Find the Pool Leak?
Once we locate the source, we walk you through the repair options. Depending on the type and location of the leak, repairs could range from a small patch in the liner to targeted pipe replacement or resurfacing.
At The Pool Butler, we handle everything in-house—from precise leak detection to expert repairs. Our advanced methods allow us to locate leaks with minimal disruption to your pool or property, avoiding unnecessary digging or damage. Once we find the issue, our experienced team gets to work fixing it quickly and correctly. With The Pool Butler, you get fast, reliable solutions from start to finish—all from the professionals you already trust.
Don’t Wait on Your Pool Leak—Call The Pool Butler Today!
If you're losing water and can’t figure out why, don’t waste another drop. Contact The Pool Butler and let our expert leak detection team bring clarity to the chaos. With our proven methods and trusted technology, we’ll find your leak—and stop it in its tracks.
Enjoy peace of mind, lower water bills, and a pool that’s ready to dive into—all summer long!
