A common question that we hear from swimming pool owners has to do with water loss and leaks. Depending on the atmospheric conditions, you will lose up to ½” of water per 24 hour period through evaporation. Most of the time it will be less than this but it should never be more (assuming there is no splash out or backwashing of the filter). If you are unsure whether or not your pool is leaking, the bucket test is an effective method of determining whether or not you have a leak:

The Bucket Test

1. Fill the pool to the normal level.
   
2. Fill a bucket with pool water and place it on the top step of the pool.
   
3. Mark the level in the pool and the bucket.
   
4. Measure the water levels in the bucket and the pool after 24 hours.
   
5. If the pool loss is greater than the bucket loss, there is a leak.

Finding the Leak

If you determine that there is a leak, collect the following data, which your pool service company will need to help you find the leak:

1. Type (gunite, vinyl-lined, or fiberglass) and age of pool
   
2. Pool builder
   
3. Normal pool activity
   
4. The pool’s features (attached spa, waterfalls, fountains, etc.)
   
5. Recent construction activity near the pool
   
6. Recent natural occurrences (drought, rain, etc.)

It is also important to know if the pool loses more water with the pump on or off. If it loses more when the pump is on, it indicates a plumbing leak. Other areas that pools leak are around pool returns, skimmers, and main drains; vinyl pools—holes in the liner; gunite or fiberglass pools—cracks; and through broken light conduits.

Perform a dye test

If you suspect that you might know where the leak is, perform a dye test. Using your pH test solution (the red one) put a few drops right next to the suspected leak. The solution will be sucked out of the pool if it is leaking there.

Leak Detection Services

If you are still unable to determine where the leak is, contact the Service Department of Gohlke Pools. We will have the pool plumbing pressure tested and also check the structure for leaks. The cost for this service typically cost $300-$500, which includes determining where the leak is, but usually does not include repair of the leak.

Have It Repaired!

The key once the leak is found is having it repaired. Prolonged pool leaks can potentially cause damage to the pool structure or deck over time if they are ignored.