How to Test for a Pool Leak

Swimming pool owners often notice the water level has dropped and worry this indicates a leak. In many cases the water loss is merely caused by evaporation. Use this simple method to check test for a pool leak before calling the experts.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plastic 5 gallon bucket

1. Take a five gallon plastic bucket and place it on the steps leading into the pool. This assumes the pool steps are below the water level and wide enough to stand the bucket on.

2. Carefully fill the bucket with pool water until the water level inside the bucket exactly matches the water level outside the bucket. Do not fill the bucket with water from the tap as you want the water temperature to be the same as the pool water.

3. After 24 hours, check the water level inside the bucket. If it is at the same level as the water outside the bucket, you know the water has evaporated from the pool and the bucket at the same rate. (If you are worried about evaporation, use a pool blanket and cover as much of the water's surface as possible.)

4. If the water level inside the bucket is higher than that outside, it is a good indication you have a leak.

Tips & Warnings

• Swimming pools using solar heat or heat pumps elevate the water temperature to extend the swimming season. This causes rapid night time evaporation on cold evenings. Cover the pool when possible to minimize water loss.