Liquid Solution for Pool Leaks

Evaporation Test

• Evaporation is a significant factor in water loss. However, with pools that are losing more than 2 inches per week, you should perform an evaporation test first to confirm there really is a leak. Place a five-gallon bucket of water next to the pool, and mark the water line with a permanent maker. Mark the water line of the pool as well. Wait 24 hours, and measure how much water was lost in both bucket and pool. If the water level in the pool drops more, it's likely you have a leak somewhere.

Food Dye

• A liquid solution is a great way to find the source of pool leaks. All you need is red food coloring, a small container, a turkey baster and water. Dye the water with several drops of red food coloring. Continue adding drops until the water turns a dark red. Make it dark enough for it to be visible in the clear pool water. Take the solution out to the pool and begin to look for your leaks.

Injection

• Get into the pool with a pair of goggles and visually inspect the pool walls as best you can. When you come to a place where you suspect a leak, inject the area with the red dye from the turkey baster. If the red dye goes through the pool wall, you have a leak. This will take time and patience, but is the best way to find a crack in the pool or small tear in the lining. Common leak areas are near the corners of the pool, behind the ladder, near a drain or pool fittings, such as the skimmer or return jet.

Repair

• Repairs can be made to cracks in an in-ground pool and to rips in a vinyl liner of an above-ground pool. Repairing an in-ground pool crack will involve draining the pool, cleaning out the crack and filling it with a layer of silicone caulk, followed by a plaster patch. This can be done the homeowner or by a pool professional. Vinyl liners are easier to patch, because patches can be applied underwater without having to drain the pool.