Pool Leak Detection: How to Tell If Your Pool Is Leaking

If your pool seems to be losing water faster than normal, you might have a leak. But before you panic, it’s important to understand the difference between normal evaporation and an actual leak.

Normal Water Loss vs. a Leak

In Phoenix, pools can lose a surprising amount of water to evaporation alone — especially during summer. Normal evaporation rates in the Valley:

• Summer (May–September): 1/4 to 1/2 inch per day
• Winter (October–April): 1/8 to 1/4 inch per day

Wind, low humidity, and direct sun exposure all increase evaporation. If your pool is losing more than these amounts consistently, it’s worth investigating.

The Bucket Test

The bucket test is a simple way to determine if you’re dealing with evaporation or a leak:

1. Fill a bucket with pool water and place it on a pool step (submerged to match water temperature)
2. Mark the water level inside the bucket and the pool water level on the outside
3. Wait 24 hours with the pump running normally
4. Compare the two levels

If the pool water dropped more than the bucket water, you likely have a leak.

Common Leak Locations

Most pool leaks aren’t in the pool shell itself. The most common locations include:

• Equipment pad plumbing — connections at the pump, filter, heater, and chlorinator
• Return fittings — where water re-enters the pool
• Skimmer — the skimmer body, throat, or underground pipe
• Light niche — the conduit behind the pool light
• Main drain — the pipe running from the drain to the equipment

Signs You Have a Leak

Beyond water loss, watch for these indicators:

• Pool autofill running constantly
• Wet or soft spots in the yard near the pool
• Cracks in the pool deck that are getting worse
• Air bubbles in the return jets
• Algae growth despite proper chemical treatment (fresh water dilutes chemicals)

When to Call a Professional

If the bucket test confirms a leak, or if you’re losing more than an inch of water per day, it’s time to call a professional. Leak detection requires specialized equipment — pressure testing, electronic listening devices, and dye testing — to pinpoint the exact location without unnecessary excavation.

The sooner a leak is found and repaired, the less water (and money) you lose. A pool losing just 1 inch per day can waste over 500 gallons daily.

What to Expect From Professional Leak Detection

A professional leak detection service typically includes:

1. Visual inspection of all equipment and visible plumbing
2. Pressure testing of underground plumbing lines
3. Dye testing at suspected locations
4. Electronic detection if needed
5. A clear report of findings with repair options

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Need help with your pool in the Phoenix area? Contact Splash Mob Pools for professional service.