How to tell if pool has a leak?

[Tomhanks]

Hey everyone! How do you usually tell if a pool losing water is just normal evaporation or something more like a leak? Curious what signs to look for before calling in a pro.

[TinyTool]

Hi, Tomhanks! That’s a really good question. A little water loss in a pool is totally normal, especially during hot or windy weather, but it can be tricky to tell when it crosses the line into something more serious like a leak. One simple way to check is by doing the bucket test. Just fill a bucket with water, set it on a pool step so it’s partially submerged, and mark the water level inside the bucket and the pool. After 24 hours, if the pool water level drops more than the bucket water, it’s likely a leak and not just evaporation.

Also, if you’re noticing you’re losing more than about a quarter to half an inch of water per day, that’s more than usual unless it’s really hot where you are. Other signs can include wet spots around the pool area, bubbles coming from the return jets, or your pump losing prime. Sometimes even persistent algae can be a clue, since a leak means you're constantly adding fresh water and that can mess with the pool’s chemical balance. If you’re unsure, doing that quick test first can help before deciding to call in a pro. Hope that helps!

[Tomhanks]

Thanks for the tips! If the bucket test shows there might be a leak, is there an easy way to figure out where it’s coming from?

[TinyTool]

If the bucket test shows there might be a leak, there are a couple of things you can try before calling someone in. One easy method is the dye test. Just use food coloring or special pool dye near spots like the skimmer, return jets, light fixtures, or any small cracks you can see. If the dye gets pulled in, that’s a pretty good sign there’s a leak.

Another trick is to see how the water behaves with the pump on and off. If the water level drops more when the pump is running, it might point to a leak in the return lines. If it drops when the pump is off, the leak could be in the structure or suction lines. It’s not always super obvious, but these quick tests can help narrow things down.

[Tomhanks]

Thanks. One more thing, can these leaks be fixed without a professional? What’s the actual process, and would you recommend handling it on your own or getting a pro involved?

[TinyTool]

Some leaks can be fixed without a pro, depending on where they are. If it’s something like a small crack, a leaky light, or around the skimmer, you can often patch it yourself with pool putty or sealant. But if the leak’s in the underground pipes or main drain, it usually needs a professional, that stuff can get pretty involved. So it really comes down to where the leak is and how comfortable you are fixing it.

[Tomhanks]

If the leak’s in the return line, does that usually mean digging is involved, or can it be fixed without tearing things up?

[TinyTool]

If the leak’s in the return line, it usually does mean digging, since those pipes are typically buried underground. However, it depends on where exactly the leak is. If it’s near the equipment pad or close to the pool wall, sometimes only a small section needs to be uncovered. A pressure test can help locate the leak more precisely so you don’t have to dig blindly.