Is my pool is leaking?

There are multiple signs which suggest your pool is leaking, some are more obvious than others and include:

1. Pool water level dropping faster than usual – dropping water level is the clearest sign a pool is leaking, however, it’s important to determine if the water loss is due to a leak or evaporation. Refer below for further details on a simple test to confirm if the water loss is due to evaporation.

2. Cracks appearing in the pool shell or tiles lifting from shell surface– Subsidence around the pool, structural cracks & tile movement are more likely to occur when a pool is leaking.

3. High water bills – Constant topping up of the pool with water.

4. Continuous low chemical readings

5. Algae growth

*If you believe your pool is experiencing one or more of the above tell-tale signs, your first response should be to carry out an evaporation test to confirm the water loss is due to a leak or evaporation. This is a simple test that will confirm your suspicions in a few days without the need for a specialist’s diagnostic. 

How do I undertake an evaporation test?

To carry out an evaporation test effectively follow the below four steps:

1. Fill pool water level near the top of the skimmer.

2. Fill a bucket with water & rest on the top step in the swimming pool. Note the water level in the bucket will need to be higher than the pool water level so the bucket won’t float away. It is important to place the bucket within the swimming pool to maintain the same temperature within the bucket as what is within the pool to achieve an accurate test result.

3. Mark the water level inside the bucket. Place a second mark on the outside of the bucket where the pool water meets the bucket. 

4. Monitor the bucket over at least four days. Both marked levels should drop similar measurements to prove evaporation. If the pool water level drops faster / further than the water in the bucket, your pool is leaking. If rain interrupts the evaporation test, you will need to repeat the above steps. 

*High wind also needs to be taken into consideration.

The evaporation test has confirmed my pool is leaking, what do I do now?

If the evaporation test proves your pool to be leaking, contact your regular pool shop or technician who will investigate the issue. In some cases, leaking pool equipment including aboveground pumps, filters and fittings may be the cause of the leak which may be easily identified and resolved by your regular technician. If this fails to be the case after the initial inspection, your pool shop or technician should refer you to their local specialist leak detector for further diagnostic. 

What could be the leak in my pool?

Swimming pool leak detection is a methodical elimination process to determine what is causing your pool to leak and why. Your leak location specialist will check all aspects of the pool and associated equipment to determine the following:

• Are there any broken pipes;

• Are the pipe and light penetrations sealed;

• Has the hydrostatic valve in the pool failed;

• Is the pool shell cracked?

Does my pool need to be clean and clear for the inspection?

Yes, unless the pool drop is significant it is advisable to have the pool water full & clear before engaging leak detection. Part of the detection process is to enter the pool to inspect the condition and seal off penetrations or potential cracks. This process can prove difficult in murky water with low visibility. 

Will you carry out repairs another leak detector has previously located?

This is a common question, yes we do. Please refer to our Repairs page.