How Do You Know if a Pool Is Leaking?

Evaporation is a natural process that transforms surface water into liquid vapor. Although the rate of evaporation varies based on factors such as wind, humidity and temperature, if a pool is losing more than 2 inches of water per week, then it may have a leak. A pool leak can be difficult to find, because often it's a hairline crack in a concrete pool or a small puncture in a vinyl-lined pool. An evaporation test will determine if you have a leak.

5-gallon bucket
Permanent marker
Ruler

Instructions

- 1
  Inspect the areas of the pool for tears in a lining or cracks in the concrete pool structure. If you find either of these, it will be the source of the leak, and an evaporation test probably isn't necessary.
- 2
  Fill a 5-gallon bucket of water from your faucet or yard's water supply. Place it outside next to the pool.
- 3
  Wait for the water to stop rocking back and forth. With the water still, use the marker to indicate the top of the bucket's water line.
- 4
  Mark the water line somewhere on the inside of the pool as well. A dot will be sufficient. You just need a place to measure the water level.
- 5
  Wait at least 24 hours for the most accurate reading. Be sure it doesn't rain. Measure the amount of water lost in both the pool and bucket. Be as accurate as possible. If you lost more water in the pool than the bucket, your pool unfortunately has a leak.

The Rain Is Causing My Swimming Pool to Overflow

What Are the Effects of High Chlorine Levels in a Gunite Pool?

Swimming Pools & Spas