Pool Leak vs Evaporation

Learn how to fix leaks and reduce evaporation in this guide.

How to Prevent Pool Evaporation:

The rate of evaporation in your swimming pool can vary but it’s normal for the waterline to drop anywhere from 3mm up to 1cm every day in the warmer months.

If you're experiencing an increase in water bills finding the need to top up your pool water more frequently or are finding that you're using more pool chemicals than usual then it might be time to invest in a pool cover.

Browse our range of pool covers:

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Common Signs of a Leaking Pool:

We understand that dealing with a pool leak can be daunting, but catching it early and addressing it can save you significant time and money. Whether you’re seeing an unusual drop in the water level or just want to be proactive, this guide will help you identify and repair leaks in your pool.

1. Increase in water bills

2. Fluctuations in the water level & needing to fill up the pool more than usual 

3. Water pooling in areas surrounding the pool or wet patches around the equipment pad that are typically dry.

4. Cracks in tiles or loose copping surrounding the edge of the pool

5. Pool requiring more chemicals than usual

How to Identify a Pool Leak

A pool leak can occur in several areas, including the structure itself (like the pool walls or floor), the plumbing system (involving the pipes that circulate water), or the equipment (such as a bad skimmer seal). Identifying the source is the first step in solving the problem.

Before diving into more intensive diagnostics, confirm that the water loss is due to a leak rather than evaporation, backwashing or splashing:

Start by turning off your pool filter and pump - this will help to identify whether the cause of the leak is structural or due to a fault within the equipment.

Bucket Test: Place a bucket filled with pool water on a pool step (weight it down) so that the water level inside and outside the bucket is the same. Mark the water levels and check after 24 hours. Don’t use the pool during the testing period. After 24hrs, If the pool water level has dropped more than the bucket’s, you likely have a leak but if the loss is approximately the same, then it’s likely due to evaporation.

Note: Structural leaks can be identified if the water level goes down with the equipment system off. If the water level is going down with the system on, it’s typically due to a leak in pipes, plumbing or equipment.

Dye Test: If you suspect that the leak may be more structural and caused by the main drain, then a dye test is a good method to help you identify it. With the pool pump off, apply a small amount of dye within a quarter of an inch from suspected leak areas (main drain, fittings, pool lights, etc). Wait a few minutes, and if there is a leak, you’ll notice the dye getting drawn towards it, confirming your suspicions that you have a leak, rather than evaporation. Materials Required:

• Pre-filled dye tester, such as the Aussie Gold leak detector dye syringe. Leak dye. (Specific for pools, this is a special dye that holds together underwater)

TIP: 

Common Areas Where Your Pool Might Be Leaking

• Inspect the Pool Area: Look for wet spots around the pool, cracks in the pool shell, or areas where the ground is sinking which can indicate plumbing leaks.

• Cracked skimmer or bad skimmer seal: unfortunately this is a common leak location. Inspect the skimmer threads, plumbing seals, and skimmer box to see if these are the cause of the leak. If the cause is due to the skimmer basket seal, this can usually be fixed with a pool putty. 

• Pool lights and jets: check your light fittings - and weakness around the seals or visually apparent cracks might be cause for concern. 

• Pool structure: If you have vinyl flooring, check that there are no obvious tears. If your pool is concrete, check for cracks. 

• Equipment: check pipe valves, and assess your filter and pool pump (check pump basket lid is tight and o-ring is well oiled & lubricated). 

• Main drain: Main drain leaks can be determined when the pressure underneath the pool becomes greater than the pressure in the pool and is commonly caused when o-rings perish. The easiest way to determine if there is a leak in the main drain is to perform a dye test. If the dye leaks out, you have a leak in the main drain and have found the source of your leak!

• Check the Plumbing: A way to see if the plumbing is blocked or inadequately pressurised is by conducting a pressure test. This is a more technical approach where the plumbing lines are pressurised with air or water to test for leaks. You might consider hiring a pool professional, such as Poolwerx for this step.

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DIY Pool Leak Repair

Although some small pool leaks can be identified and verified using do-it-yourself techniques, larger leaks, particularly those in the pool's pipes or in inaccessible locations, will necessitate the expertise of a professional. It’s important to recognise when a job is beyond your skill set to avoid causing further damage.

• For Small Cracks: Use a pool putty or a vinyl liner patch kit (for vinyl pools). These are effective for small, accessible cracks and can be applied without draining the pool.

• Replace Gaskets and Seals: Often, leaks around pool equipment are due to failed gaskets or seals. These are generally inexpensive and easy to replace.

• Minor Leaks: If accessible, minor leaks in PVC piping can be repaired with a patch kit or even replaced by sectioning off the damaged piece of pipe and installing a new one.

• Major Leaks: For underground or hard-to-access leaks, professional help is usually the best option.

Poolwerx Professional Pool Leak Repair 

Regular checks and early intervention prevents more significant issues from forming and reduces potential problems down the line.

For more tips or to book a pool maintenance & leak detection and repair service, don’t hesitate to contact your local Poolwerx. We’re here to help ensure your pool remains leak-free and enjoyable for years to come.