Pool Leak Detection

Leak Detection & Pressure Testing

On average, swimming pools lose about ¼” of water in a 24-hour period in the Northeast due to water evaporation rates. If you are losing more than that, you may have a leak. Significant water loss during the season can cost you hundreds in chemicals and water. If the water level drops too low, it could cause issues with the equipment, and major damage to your liner or cover.

Before becoming overly concerned about a potential leak you can do a simple test to determine if water loss in your swimming pool is due to a leak or is just evaporation. This simple test is called the bucket test. The bucket test exposes water in a bucket to the same conditions as those affecting your swimming pool. By comparing the water loss in each, it’s possible to determine if the pool is leaking or if supposed leaks are just the result of water being lost to the air.

1. Bring the pool water to its normal level. For accurate results, there should be no swimming in the pool over the period when the bucket tests are being performed.
2. Fill an empty bucket with pool water to about one inch from the top of bucket. (By filling the bucket close to the top, you are ensuring that air movement over the surface of the bucket will be similar to that of the pool.)
3. Place the bucket on the second step of the pool. To keep it from floating away it may be necessary to place a few bricks or rocks into the bucket. (By placing the bucket in the pool water, you are ensuring that the water temperature of each will be similar).
4. Mark the water level inside the bucket.
5. Mark the water level of the pool on the outside of the bucket, on the pool wall, or skimmer face plate.
6. Operate the pool for 24 hours as usual, with the filter on as it had been operated when a leak was first suspected.
7. After 24 hours, measure the exact amount of water loss in the bucket and the exact amount of water loss in the pool.
8. Now, operate the pool for 24 hours with all filter equipment turned off and make sure that the timer is not set to turn on at any time.
9. After 24 hours, measure both the water loss amount in the bucket and the amount in the pool.
10. Now, compare the two levels and contact the office with the results. If the pool water (outside mark) goes down more than the inside water level from the bucket, there is probably a leak. If more water is lost during the 24-hour period with the equipment turned on than the 24-hour period with the equipment turned off, there is possibly a leak in the plumbing lines or equipment.

All other leaks will be marked and then quoted for repair.  Some plumbing repairs may require concrete work.

Call the office with the bucket test results and we will schedule leak detection from one of our certified leak technicians or divers. Our methods include diving into the pool and pressure testing the plumbing lines. With pre-authorization, we will repair up to six holes in liners or minor leaks requiring sealant around jet fittings. All other leaks will be marked and then quoted for repair, some plumbing repairs may require concrete work.