How to Find a Leak in Your Swimming Pool Liner

Swimming pools often are constructed with a vinyl liner as a layer on top of the pool base that prevents water from escaping. These liners are constantly worn and stressed by the weight of the pool water. Any sharp debris or objects on the pool bottom can cause nicks and cuts in the liner. Holes in the liner let water escape from the pool. These leaks vary in size and speed, depending on the size of the hole. It is imperative to find and fix the leak quickly before too much water escapes.

Things You'll Need

• Goggles

Instructions

1. Move around the edge of your pool while studying the waterline. Look for air bubbles rising to the surface. They indicate water is escaping from the liner at that location. Run your hand over any areas with bubbles to feel for holes or tears.

2. Move around the edge of the pool and study the pool's sides. Wear goggles and look for any slight discolorations in the pool liner along the sides of the pool. Holes typically are darker than normal liner colors. Touch suspicious areas to check for holes.

3. Swim along the pool bottom and check for holes and tears, wearing goggles. The most common hole on pool bottoms is shaped like a half-moon. Manually check any areas that are darker than the surrounding liner or that have air bubbles.

Tips & Warnings

• For hard-to-spot leaks near the water line, use food coloring to detect the hole.

References

• Pool Center: Vinyl Liners