Pool Leak Detection

Every pool looses water.

Evaporation, backwashing, and swimmer splash-out are the acceptable ways to loose water.

Leaks, however are not acceptable when they can cost you hundreds of dollars in chemicals and water bills! Fortunately, effective leak location and leak repair solutions are available.

"Is my swimming pool leaking?"

When you wake up one morning and discover that your water level is 12" lower than it was the night before, you obviously have a leak! But where is the leak?

The first thing you want to check is for visible leaks around the equipment while the pump is running.

You are not looking for a couple of drips to account for a major over-night water loss. You are looking for a steady stream of water leaking out somewhere.

If no leak is visible, your next step is to check for the most common cause of swimming pool water loss. Following is a very short video about this type of leak.

Call us to schedule a service call if you have a filter valve leak or want to have a backwash line union installed for peace of mind.

But what if there is no obvious water loss, yet you suspect that you are having to add more water than normal?

How do you know if you have a leak?

A simple way to account for evaporation and confirm a leak is to do a Bucket Test.

The Bucket Test

1. Bring the pool water to its normal level.


2. Fill an empty non-leaking 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 first or 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. Use a ruler and record on a piece of paper, the distance between the top of the bucket and the water on the inside of the bucket.


5. Use a ruler and record on a piece of paper, the distance between the top of the bucket and the water on the outside of the bucket.


6. Turn the pump on for 24 hours.


7. After 24 hours, repeat steps #4 and #5 above. Compare the inside the bucket measurements from both days and record the difference. Do the same for the outside the bucket measurements and record the difference.


8. Repeat steps #1 through #7, except with the pump off for 24 hours. Measure the results and record the differences.

The results of these 2 bucket tests with the pump on for 24 hours, and then off for 24 hours will provide valuable time-saving information about the leak’s location.

Here is how to interpret the results.

If water loss with pump on is greater than Water loss with pump off then return plumbing leaks(Pressure side plumbing).

If water loss with pump on is less than Water loss with pump off then skimmer or main drain line leaks (Suction side plumbing).

If water loss with pump on equals water loss with pump off then suspect shell, liner or fitting leaks, (non-plumbing).

The information these tests provide can at least establish a probable location to begin the leak search. A pool leak specialist can take this valuable detective work that you have done ahead of time, and efficiently solve your pool leak problem.

If you know you have a leak after these tests, you can either call Metro Pool to get connected with a leak detection specialist, or simply fill out the "Contact Us" form linked below.

Click here to fill out the "Contact Us" form.

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