My Pool is Losing Water, What Do I Do?

It’s never a great feeling to notice that your pool is losing water. Whether you see the waterline dropping or find puddles where there shouldn’t be any, it’s essential to figure out what’s causing the water loss and fix it before it turns into a bigger problem. Pool water loss can be normal due to evaporation or splash-out, but sometimes it indicates a more serious issue, like a leak. Here’s a complete guide on what to do when you suspect your pool is losing water, how to test for leaks, and when to call in the professionals.

Is It Normal for My Pool to Lose Water?

The first thing to understand is that some water loss is normal. Depending on where you live and how your pool is used, your pool may lose ¼ to ½ inch of water per day due to:

• Evaporation: Hot weather, wind, and low humidity can cause water to evaporate. If you live in a hot climate or have periods of high wind, you might see higher water loss.
• Splash-Out: Heavy pool usage, especially by kids and during pool games, can lead to splash-out, which is water that leaves the pool as a result of activity.
• Backwashing: Pools with sand or D.E. filters require regular backwashing to clean the filter, which can lower water levels.

However, if your pool is losing more than this amount consistently, you may have a leak that needs to be addressed.

How to Check if Your Pool is Losing Water

If you suspect that your pool is losing water at an abnormal rate, there’s a quick way to test it—the bucket test. This simple test will help you determine if the water loss is due to evaporation or a leak.

Step-by-Step: The Bucket Test

1. Bring the pool water to its normal level: Make sure the pool water is filled to the usual level, typically halfway up the skimmer opening.
2. Fill a bucket: Fill a 5-gallon bucket about two-thirds full with pool water.
3. Place the bucket in the pool: Place the bucket on the first or second step of your pool so that the water inside the bucket is level with the pool water outside the bucket.
4. Mark the water levels: Use a marker or tape to mark the water level inside the bucket and the pool water level on the outside of the bucket.
5. Turn off the pump and autofill: Make sure your pool pump is turned off and the autofill is deactivated to ensure no water is being added automatically.
6. Wait 24 hours: Let the bucket sit in the pool for 24 hours.
7. Compare the water levels: After 24 hours, check the water levels. If the pool water has gone down more than the water in the bucket, you likely have a leak. If both levels are the same, the water loss is probably due to evaporation.

Common Causes of Pool Water Loss

Now that you’ve done the bucket test and confirmed that the water loss isn’t just from evaporation, it’s time to explore what might be causing the leak. There are several potential sources of water loss in a pool, and they can be divided into plumbing leaks and pool structure leaks.

1. Plumbing Leaks

Plumbing leaks are often hidden, which makes them harder to detect, but they tend to cause more water loss when the pool’s equipment is running.

• Pool Pump Leaks: If you notice air bubbles in the return jets or find wet spots around the pump area, the issue could be with the pump or its seals.
• Underground Plumbing Leaks: Underground pipes can develop leaks due to aging, shifting soil, or damage from tree roots. If the leak happens in the plumbing, you may notice the water loss is more significant when the pump is on.
• Backwash Line Leaks: Check your backwash line for signs of leakage. A faulty gasket in the multiport valve can allow water to escape through the backwash line, which is a common issue and relatively easy to fix.

2. Pool Structure Leaks

If your plumbing is working fine, the next step is to check for leaks in the pool’s structure, often in the pool shell, liner, or fittings.

• Liner Leaks: In vinyl pools, leaks can occur if there are tears or punctures in the liner. These can sometimes be difficult to spot, so a visual inspection is important. Look for wrinkles, tears, or small holes.
• Cracks in Concrete Pools: Over time, concrete pools may develop cracks that allow water to seep out. These leaks can appear around pool fixtures, such as lights or drains, where the concrete is more vulnerable.
• Leaky Light Fixtures: Water can escape through the conduit around pool lights if the seal is broken. Check the area around the light fixtures for any signs of moisture or visible gaps.
• Broken Skimmer Seals: Leaks can occur if the skimmer box has shifted or the seal around the skimmer has deteriorated, leading to water seeping out through gaps.

Next Steps: Evaporation or a Leak?

Once you’ve ruled out evaporation and splash-out as the cause of your pool’s water loss, it’s time to investigate further. Start by marking the water level on the pool’s wall and monitoring it over the next 24 hours. Then, try this:

1. Test with the Equipment Running: If the water loss is greater when the pool pump is running, the issue is likely in the plumbing or the filter system.
2. Test with the Equipment Off: If the water loss is consistent whether the pump is on or off, the leak is probably in the pool structure, such as the liner, shell, or skimmer.

When to Call a Professional

While some pool leaks can be easily fixed, such as replacing a gasket in the backwash line or patching a small liner tear, other leaks require professional expertise and specialized equipment. Leak detection professionals have access to advanced tools like electronic listening devices, pressure tests, and dye tests to accurately locate and diagnose leaks. Here’s when to call in the pros:

• You’ve confirmed a leak but can’t locate it: If the bucket test shows water loss beyond evaporation, but you can’t find the source, a professional will be able to pinpoint the exact location of the leak.
• The leak is in your plumbing: Underground plumbing leaks are difficult to diagnose and repair on your own. A professional leak detection service will be able to locate the problem without unnecessary digging.
• It’s a large leak: If you’re losing a significant amount of water daily, calling a professional quickly will help minimize potential damage to your pool and equipment.

How to Prevent Future Leaks

Regular pool maintenance can help prevent leaks from occurring in the first place. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of future leaks:

• Inspect the pool regularly: Perform regular visual inspections for signs of wear and tear, especially around the liner, skimmer, and pool fixtures.
• Maintain proper water chemistry: Imbalanced water chemistry can cause corrosion, especially in pools with metal parts. Make sure to regularly test and balance pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels.
• Service your pool equipment: Routine maintenance of your pump, filter, and plumbing system will help ensure everything is functioning properly and reduce the chance of leaks developing.

Conclusion

If you’ve noticed your pool losing water, don’t ignore it. By following these steps, you can determine whether the issue is evaporation or a more serious leak. If you suspect a leak and are unable to locate or fix it yourself, calling a professional pool leak detection service is the best course of action. Taking care of leaks early prevents further damage and ensures your pool stays in excellent condition for years to come.